In a world that is tearing us apart, Kelly Phoenix’s mission as a reborn being from the ashes is to inspire and bring people together through music and dance. His first solo project, “Resurrection,” which has taken nearly two years to complete, will feature themes of heartbreak, solitude, spirituality, rebirth, and a perspective on the human condition from his point of view. It is scheduled to be released in the summer of 2022.
Through the first chapter of his musical journey, Kelly gives us a glimpse into his soul and introduces us to his distinctive sound, which combines Alternative, Rock, R&B, Soul, and Pop music. He also takes us through his healing process and eventual ascent to brighter skies.
Phoenix released his second single, “Black Magic Spell,” on June 24th, following the release of his first single, “No Mistake,” in April of this year.
His thrilling short film is currently available. With the release of my first short film after its release, this song serves as the first chapter of my artistic transformation both sonically and visually. I would describe the song’s vibe as Goth Funk Dance Pop. While still being New Jack swing and danceable, there is a blend of dark cinematic satanic ritualistic context with a female paranoia theme.
The song’s energy makes it very difficult for me to resist dancing to it, in my opinion. I specifically wanted it to feel operatic while still being rhythmic and energizing. It clearly pays homage to Michael Jackson with a nod to “Blood on the Dance Floor.”
The torture of a devil woman revealing myself to the world in my truest form is the first chapter of my transformation into Kelly Phoenix. Check out “Black Spell Magic” and the exclusive interview below:
1. Can you tell us a bit about where you come from and how you got started?
KELLY PHOENIX: While I was born in LA, I grew up in Paris, France until I was 18. From an early age I fell in love with music and dance. My father exposed me to Rnb, Soul, Jazz and Brazilian music and my mother to pop. I have been jamming with fellow musicians since 2015 during my time living in New York City but when I started performing around the LA Club scene in the Fall of 2019, everything changed and I started working on multiple Demos and projects with a variety of collaborators.
2. Did you have any formal training or are you self-taught?
KELLY PHOENIX: I taught myself to dance at the age of 12 and singing came naturally but in the last few years I’ve worked on developing my sound and voice. Over the last two years I have developed a skillset which allows me to craft demos on my own. I write in an organic and instinctive way. I like to be in the moment and create out of a raw feeling with other musicians/ producers or by myself.
3. Who were your first and strongest musical influences and why the name ‘KELLY PHOENIX’?
KELLY PHOENIX: Growing up I looked up to musicians like Michael Jackson, Prince, George Michael, Marvin Gaye or Stevie Wonder. I have an affinity for Soul singers but I also love all kinds of music from Classical music to Jazz or Rock. Kelly is my legal first name which in Gaelic means “Warrior” and Phoenix because it is a bird that I identify to ever since I went through a spiritual awakening two years ago. The Phoenix represents rebirth, rising from your ashes to be your optimal beautiful self. I like the idea of the rise and fall and standing tall to all the challenges or endings to reinvent yourself and keep going no matter what. Put those two together and you get “A Warrior Reborn”
4. What do you feel are the key elements in your music that should resonate with listeners, and how would you personally describe your sound?
KELLY PHOENIX: In my last two releases “No Mistake” and “Black Magic Spell”, themes of heartbreak, deception, frustration but also freedom, rebirth and awareness are put in focus. Whatever I say on record is the truth or at least my raw truth. Words have power and I believe that in order to connect with an audience you need to be as honest as possible and that is what I try to do and I hope people will come to appreciate that. I believe my music to be a blend of a variety of genres… you’ll find Pop elements, Rnb elements, some Soul in there, some Rock elements, some classical influences or Funk. I don’t believe in boxes and I believe in studying the greats to take what was done before and make it yours. I love studying a variety of genres of music from different cultures and blend them, I find that incredibly exciting. I hope that answers your question.
KELLY PHOENIX:
I definitely went through a phase where I was imitating or emulating my idols more than being my authentic self and voice. I was looking for my sound but I guess that’s part of every artist’s journey. Over the past two years I have been exploring different sides of my personality, trying myself over a variety of different musical styles to see how far I can go as an artist. Every single I plan on releasing has a different color to it but it’s all a part of me nonetheless.
6. What’s your view on the role and function of music as political, cultural, spiritual, and/or social vehicles – and do you try and affront any of these themes in your work, or are you purely interested in music as an expression of technical artistry, personal narrative and entertainment?
KELLY PHOENIX:
I believe that as musicians we have a responsibility to spread a variety of values, messages and virtues to hopefully inspire change or social awareness about important causes like Love, war and ecology. If you look at some of the artists who made a mark like Hendrix doing his unforgettable rendition of the “Star Spangled Banner” at Woodstock in 69 or Marvin Gaye’s 1974 masterpiece “What’s Going On”, these were songs that were made as anti-Vietnam war protest, a conflict that was dividing Americans at the time. I plan on addressing many things I consider important if not vital in future releases. At the end of the day, we are brought here for one purpose… to love and be loved… It is as simple as that yet we need to be reminded of that on a daily basis.
7. Do you feel that your music is giving you back just as much fulfilment as the amount of work you are putting into it, or are you expecting something more, or different in the future?
KELLY PHOENIX:
I bind myself to my work and I am perfectionist which is one of the reasons I take so long to release more work. Once it’s out there it’s not mine anymore. Making a song Is like raising a child, you make sure you give them all the tools necessary to then be on their own and face life and all its ups and downs. To perform songs I’ve spent so much time working on is one of the most beautiful feelings and is worth all the blood sweat and tears it takes to create work you are proud of.
8. Could you describe your creative processes? How do usually start, and go about shaping ideas into a completed song? Do you usually start with a tune, a beat, or a narrative in your head? And do you collaborate with others in this process?
KELLY PHOENIX:
It depends. Sometimes I’ll have a melody or idea that comes to me out of nowhere and I’ll make sure to put down the idea on a voice recorder before I forget it and then will build the composition, lyrics, production and arrangement from there. Other times, I will have a session with another musician and out of the jam will come a variety of melodies, lyrics and ideas that I then put together like different pieces of a puzzle. It’s fun… it’s all about the creative process for me.
9. What has been the most difficult thing you’ve had to endure in your life or music career so far?
KELLY PHOENIX: The most difficult thing I would say is finishing songs and letting them go. I have so many songs that I haven’t put out because I always feel like I can make them better. Like every human being, I cut and bleed… I’ve been through multitudes of situations that have hurt me deeply but it is part of the process and I hate to say it but it is in pain that I find my biggest inspiration.
10. On the contrary, what would you consider a successful, proud or significant point in your life or music career so far?
KELLY PHOENIX: I’m proud of my evolution as an artist this year. I released my first two singles as well as my first short film “Black Magic Spell” which I produced and put together on my own with the help of talented people including my co director Adam Moses. I have another single and video on the way soon, it is quite different from anything else I’ve ever done. The best is yet to come.
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Photo credits: Antoine Breton