Emery Kelly

EMERY KELLY

words by VANESSA SALLES

photos by PATRIZIA MESSINEO

Primed for stardom, Emery Kelly is a name you won’t soon forget. Talented on all fronts, the 20-year-old entertainer can be found on stage, performing with Forever In Your Mind, and onscreen on Netflix’s Alexa & Katie.

“When I first read the script, I was instantly drawn to the show,” he says. “I connected with Lucas and I loved the fact that he would always be there for his sister. Even though he has his self-absorbed moments, he has a genuine heart. He cares a lot about his sister and he’s always there to look out for her.” Promising more heartfelt moments between the siblings, Emery reveals that season two will deliver everything that viewers are longing for. “The relationship between Lucas and Alexa is really sweet,” he shares. “They’re quick to get at each other’s necks but they always end up on each other’s side. Season two will show everyone the whole nine-yards of emotions with those two.”

Describing his time on set, the actor credits the cast and crew for making work feel like it’s anything but. “The vibe is always really fun,” he says. “We’re all comfortable with each other and, it sounds cliché, but we’ve all become family. Everyone is super professional and we always make sure to get the job done while still having a good time. I’ve known Paris [Berelc] from the Disney family for close to five years now. It’s so cool that I got this opportunity to work on my first TV show and it just so happened to be with my friends. I also got to learn from Saved by the Bell’s Tiffani Thiessen and, let’s be real, she’s iconic.”

Streaming on Netflix, the show’s popularity rises day by day. “It’s been so interesting to see all the new fans,” he gushes. “Before the show came out, most people would know me by my music and Forever In Your Mind. Now that the show’s out, most people know me from Alexa & Katie, which is crazy. The awesome thing about Netflix is that people discover the show every day – it’s been so much fun to see all the new fans popping up! I appreciate everyone showing me support, especially the people that have stuck with me from the very beginning – they’ve seen me grow and evolve through every exciting project.”

“The fact that there are people out there that love what I do is unfathomable sometimes. I’m where I am because of them so I will always make it a point to let them know how grateful I am.”

His safe space on set? “My dressing room,” he laughs. “Paris’ dressing room, too! Both places are my safe zones and it’s where I can just relax and be myself. I usually try to stay in character while I’m on set because it makes things easier but I always love when I can just let go. There’s been so many amazing moments on set and I think that viewers can see our chemistry onscreen, which is why they get so invested.”

Listing off dream guest-stars, Emery reveals that he’d love for a certain Riverdale actor to make an appearance. “I think it’d be awesome to have Ross Butler on the show,” he says. “I think he could play Alexa and Lucas’ older cousin which could result in some funny storylines. He’d fit right in and, knowing him personally, I think it’d be so much fun to be able to work together.”

Keeping busy with Forever In Your Mind, Emery assures fans that 2019 will be the band’s biggest year yet. “We just released a new song in October,” he says. “The boys and I have been hard at work in the studio so fans can definitely expect to hear new music in the new year.”

“The best way to describe the new music is by calling it real,” he adds. “It sounds vague but that’s truly what it is: it’s real and authentic. The band and I want to create music that will make people feel. After all, that’s the power of music: it connects people in such a unique way.”

Working as a trio, the group makes it a priority to always hear each other out. “There will always be difficulties,” Emery explains. “We’re all very creative and we all want our input being heard. So, we make a decision, go in and record everything, and let the producers decide what sounds best. That way, there’s no fighting and there’s no backlash. It’s all about communication because, at the end of the day, we’re all on the same page and we all want to make great music.”

Citing the artists that inspire him, there’s one thing that stands out the most: stage presence. “There are so many performers that inspire me,” he notes. “Harry Styles, Justin Bieber, Shawn Mendes, and Jaden Smith are just a few. Their energy is what captivates me, especially Harry’s. His stage presence is something different and authentic; that’s what I try to do with my performances as well. I want to represent myself through the way I put on shows, which I did on tour this year. Being on the road was definitely a highlight because touring is one of my favorite things to do. It’s such a magical moment to be able to see all the fans in person and be able to talk to them.”

When he’s not on the road, Emery keeps in touch with them on social media. “I always try to be interactive,” he explains. “I’m really good at checking my tagged photos, DMs, comments, etc. Even if I don’t get the chance to reply, just know that I see it all. The fact that there are people out there that love what I do is unfathomable sometimes. I’m where I am because of them so I will always make it a point to let them know how grateful I am – I don’t see any other way to do it.”

His special message to supporters? “Learn to love life,” he pleads. “Do not let negativity get the best of you. Instead, try to analyze the situation, grow from it, and become a stronger person. It’s definitely something that’s easier said than done but it’s not impossible. If anybody’s calling you names, being mean to you, or just giving you negative vibes, turn that around into power. Turn it into motivation and dedication. Just live your best life and good things will come of it.”