I’m interested in bridging and filling in space that hasn’t already been filled, so when it comes to making music, I’ve just always wanted to be able to reference things that producers in the big pop major label context do, without compromising the entire sound of the record. Kelela Read Quote
Something that I think extends to a lot of African cultures is that the line between performer and audience is blurry. My mom would lead the wedding song regularly, and she isn’t a professional singer. Even as an audience member, you’re expected to clap and sing the response to the lead. Kelela Read Quote
I remember the day I first heard what Timbaland and Aaliyah did – that intersection of her pretty voice and his weird, resonant production. I remember where I was and what I was doing. It was a major situation. We’re trying to continue that legacy. Kelela Read Quote
I don’t care about the underground, even if that’s where I’m currently residing sonically. Kelela Read Quote
We don’t want it to be obscure music. We’re not trying to be indie. We want to be popular. Kelela Read Quote
Even on my most angry song, I’m also still saying, ‘Thank you for helping me to learn.’ I’ve always wanted to give voice to that complexity in our experience. Kelela Read Quote
That’s pretty much how every song of mine works – I start with gibberish and melody and phrasing. I speak it naturally first. And then I think about lyrics that fit into that. Kelela Read Quote
The most rewarding thing for someone like me is for someone else to find solace through my music. Kelela Read Quote
