Interview: Kel Adore

What got you into music, and if you had not gotten into music what would you be doing today?

I’ve been singing and writing songs ever since I can remember. As I got older music became more of a hobby while I pursued Economics and Business, but after some time I just couldn’t shake the feeling that writing and sharing music is my true calling in life. If I didn’t have music I would probably just become the CEO of some large company one day. I’d rather make music!

What do you like to do when you are not playing music and how does that influence your creativity?

It is important for me to get outside every day, and luckily my dog (who is the cutest dog in the world) helps make sure that happens. Dogs are great at teaching humans to be present. I find when I take time to breathe in the fresh air and clear my mind, I have more space for inspiration to strike. Creativity is a discipline, and I’ve learned I have to be proactive in creating space in my mind for creativity to thrive.

How long has your music been around?

I released my debut single last Fall and I have more on the way. I am only getting started!

Where are you based out of and how did that influence your music?

I moved to Los Angeles less than a year ago and there is a palpable energy here! Just being here, surrounded by so many talented and hardworking people has inspired me. It influences me to really take the time to make quality music that I am proud of and excited to share.

How did you come up with the name of your band and what does it mean to you?

Only my closest friends and family have ever called me “Kel” in my life... so it felt right to go by that in my music. My artist name is an invitation to be a part of my closest inner circle. After all, only those closest to me call me Kel.

Tell me about your most memorable shows.

When I was in high school my sister and I sang in my friend’s band at a dance with 2,000+ other teenagers. It was the first time I performed in front of a crowd that large, and the best part was seeing our friends in the front row with hand-made posters with our names on it. I’ll never forget that first-time rush of connecting with so many people all at once through music.

What is your favorite venue to play at, and do you have any places you want to play that you have not already?

Each venue has its own special charm. My DREAM venue is Red Rocks Amphitheater. I grew up mostly around the Denver area and going to shows there was magical. Between the surrounding red rocks, distant city lights, and the canopy of stars... it really can’t be beat.

If you could play any show with any lineup, who would be on the ticket?

I am inspired by artists like Julia Michaels and Jon Bellion. I view them not only as artists, but also as truth speakers. Their raw songwriting mixed with their musical vision is something I aspire to and I would be so honored to perform alongside them.

What is some advice that you would give to someone who is just getting into playing in a band and some advice that you would give to your younger self?

One of the best pieces of advice I received from a previous vocal coach: “There is always going to be someone better than you and always going to be someone worse than you.” I love this advice because I think it can be all too easy to compare and get discouraged in this industry. At the end of the day, we each have our own path to follow with unique talents and abilities. Focus on what you have to give and that is enough.

If you could go back in time and give yourselves advice, what would it be?

I would shake my younger self and say, “Your dreams are NOT unrealistic!!!” I used to get caught up in ‘practical’ ways of thinking, and now I see how some of those self-limiting beliefs held me back in the past.

Of your songs which one means the most to you and why?

My producer and I just finished one in the studio, and I can’t share much about it yet, but I am SO proud of it. It is the track that will be the culminating song of my upcoming EP and something about it just feels special. I wish I could say more, but ultimately I am so excited to perform that one live!

Which songs are your favorite to play and which get requested the most?

I love to play my new songs because it is fun to share that experience with people when you know it is their first time hearing it. My most requested song is obviously “Fool for the Pain” since it is the only one out on all major streaming platforms.

What is the creative process for you, and what inspires you to write your music?

I usually get inspired throughout my day-to-day life, especially when I am driving. I record a lot of voice memos of ideas on my phone and then I bring them into the studio, we talk about a concept, and then we get going. Each song is inspired by so many different things, and while I do tap into my own experiences and emotions, I also draw inspiration from other people in my life and their experiences. Sometimes I am even inspired by movies and books!

What kinds of messages do you like to get across in your music?

I aim to create music that explores the complexity of human nature. More than just entertain, I want my music to feed the soul through story-telling and vulnerability.

Do you ever have disagreements in your band or team, and how do you get past them?

My co-writer and producer, Brett Pemberton, and I don’t agree on everything. But we have learned to be very honest with one another. We take the time to listen to one another’s ideas, try them out, and