What is your name?
My real name is Kelsey McCarty, but when I sing I’m Kel McQueen.
What is your genre of music?
Electro-pop
Give us a little bio about you.
I’m 22 from a farm town in Indiana and a recent college grad. I started making country music but transitioned in the last couple years to pop which felt more right to me.
What made you go in to music?
I’ve loved singing since I was a baby, then fell in love with being on stage and performing as a little kid (I’m a Leo, what can I say?). I did dance and theatre as well, but making and performing music was always number 1.
Are you a signed?
Hell no, I’m independent baby!!
You have released your new single ‘Telekinetic’, tell us more about the single.
The song is a super fun, dancy pop track with some weird-ish lyrics
What is the meaning behind the single?
It’s about falling for someone, or being attracted to someone against your better judgement. You’re resisting the urge to want them, but there’s something compelling about them, almost as if they’re physically pulling you closer. Like they’re telekinetic, total Carrie vibes! Stephen King pls don’t sue me
Describe the track in two words.
Mystical
Playful
Bonus: Jewish, because of my gratuitous use of the word dreidel and the phrase “layla tov” which means ‘good night’ in Hebrew. I’m not Jewish, but the random theme just felt right.
What was the writing process like?
I wrote this song in my car to a beat I found on YouTube. At the time I was pretty recently out of a relationship and casually dating, but one person in particular I just was really drawn to. That was my inspiration behind the writing. I showed it to my friend and fellow musician Joshua Powell who helped me perfect it through edits and revision, then sent it to my producers (House of Wolf) who helped me turn it into my masterpiece.
What was the recording process like?
I flew to Quebec City in Canada in November (only brought a light jacket which was quite dumb of me) and met up with my producers who had a really cool idea for the beat. I recorded vocals and we worked a bit more on the direction of the production. It was super fun working with House of Wolf. They are super creative and made me feel at home.
Who did you work with on the single?
House of Wolf produced it and absolutely crushed it. I composed it alone
Will we see a video if so what was the making and planning process like?
I made a video a couple months ago Directed and Filmed by Moriah Atlas, you should be seeing it here very shortly! 🙂
Will we see an EP or Album and if so, what can we expect?
I’m not quite ready to put an EP in the works yet, but expect to see another single by the end of the summer
Do you have any shows coming up?
I’m actually relocating to Nashville so expect to see me there playing shows soon!
If so where will you be heading?
Nashville, hopefully go on tour soon too!
What else can we expect in 2019?
More music for sure! Hopefully a tour as well!
Do you have any collaborations coming up with any up coming artists?
Not yet but I’m open to it, upcoming artists feel free to slide into my dms
Would you be up for collaborations if other musicians wanted one with you? and who would they have to contact?
Absolutely. I communicate through all of my social media or you can email kelmcqueenmusic@gmail.com
Do you play any instruments?
I play guitar and piano. I also used to play clarinet in middle school band!!
Who are your influences?
Britney Spears, Lorde, Frank Ocean, SZA, Taylor Swift, Kacey Musgraves, Buddy Holly
How do you get inspiration to write songs?
I’m an emo girl and all my friends are the same way. There’s plenty of inspiration around me always
Where do you see yourself now in 5 Years?
Hopefully I’m doing music full time then. If I’m not a performer myself, I’d love to be a songwriter. I’m also learning more about the production side as well.
When you’re not doing music, what do you do?
I love reading, cooking, watching Game of Thrones, and working out. Running is my go-to workout
What was the song you listened to most that influenced you to go more in to the music scene?
‘Our Song’ by Taylor Swift. I can vividly remember being 10 years old and hearing that song and a switch flipping in my brain. I was determined to be Taylor Swift 2.0 haha
What’s the best advice you have ever been given?
Read your contracts
What’s the best advice you have ever been given? Read your contracts
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians not about the industry and just as an artist?
You’re always one song away. If you’ve heard a million no’s in your career, and you feel like you’ve never had that breakaway moment, just remember don’t stop making music, don’t stop writing, you are always one song away from writing the masterpiece that could change everything
What quote or saying do you always stick by?
“There’s nowhere you can be that isn’t where you’re meant to be” -John Lennon
Where in your hometown is a must go to visit?
My hometown is home to the first place in the US white men were killed for crimes against Native Americans and there’s a plaque on the tree they were hung on commemorating it. It’s kind of morbid but interesting nonetheless. Also the Mexican restaurant Hacienda Vieja always slaps.
When you are at a gig, what are 5 things you cannot forget?
Water
Cough Drops
Quarter inch cable (musicians feel me on this one haha)
Always get hype. I listen to “Backseat Freestyle” by Kendrick Lamar on the way to every show
Be nice to the sound guys
Do you have social media accounts so your fans can follow you?
Obvi! My instagram and twitter handle . I have a Facebook, Youtube and SoundCloud page called Kel McQueen. Pretty sure my MySpace got deleted smh 🙁
