Kelli-Leigh - 10 Questions + You Don't Know Me (Official Video)

Kelli-Leigh’s experience in the industry is extensive, being one of the most sought after vocalists in the dance music space. Her career includes 2 number 1s and 3 UK top hits, including ‘More Than Friends’ by James Hype and ‘I Got U’ by Duke Dumont and Jax Jones. She's toured with the likes of Leona Lewis and Jessie J and even sang as backing vocals on Adele’s lauded album 21.

Since launching her solo career, Kelli-Leigh has built a loyal fanbase, with over 4 million Spotify streams across her releases and support from the likes of Kiss FM, Radio 1, Sirius XM and Gaydio.

Kelli-Leigh sat down with Wordplay Magazine to answer our infamous 10 Questions:

1. So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?

Music is in my blood i’d have to say. My mum is a singer/songwriter and an artist, my dad a bass player and my uncles are musicians too so I grew up in a very creative household. I’m also terrible at maths so music brought me the most joy as that’s what i was naturally good at.

2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?

I love Seinabo Sey, H.E.R., Fink, Gotye, Jake Issac. I’d love to work with all of those artists. Such depth and soul in their work. I’d also like Jazmin Sullivan to give me a singing lessons, her vocal dexterity is exceptional!

3. What are some of the problems you have faced making and releasing the music during the coronavirus pandemic?

The stiltedness of creating over Zoom I haven’t really enjoyed. The whole purpose of writing is being in the room together, feeling the atmosphere, connecting and collaborating. Zoom sessions have felt a bit like a means to an end and there’s not been much creative depth. I’ve definitely written songs I like over lockdown but nothing that's blown me away like when you’re in the room together, able to turn it up loud and soak up the sounds then test it out on an audience. I miss real life human interaction.

4. How would you describe your sound?

Anthemic Pop, big melodic hooks, soulful emotive chords and phat drops, especially on my new single ‘You don’t know me’.

5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?

Wow, I’ve had a few pinch me moments and Red Fest festival in Dubai with Virgin Radio was one of those moments. I had decided to back myself and flew out there on release of my first single ‘Do you wanna be loved like this?’ and seeing the crowd reaction to my music just felt like, wow I can do this! Most recently I’d have to say to land 5 huge Apple Music playlists and Spotify New Pop UK for ‘You don’t know me’ on my own label means so much to me. It just makes me feel like, ok i’m doing the right thing, I just got to keep creating and releasing and know that I am being heard.

6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?

Ha yes, I’d say keep believing in yourself. I’ve been rejected, ignored and dismissed so many times! I’ve been told to not try to be an artist and just use my voice for other peoples songs. Everyones gonna have an opinion on who and what you should be, its who you want to be that matters the most, and once you start giving yourself that power to be what you desire things will come, even if sometimes it feels painfully slow. Keep the focus, the focus is what will get you through.

7. Are there any artists on your radar at the moment that we should check out?

My girl Alex Mills is absolutely smashing it on the airwaves with her big dance bops. French Pirates are a duo based in Berlin creating all kinds of genre bending brilliance. Phinisey from LA is amazing ‘Giants’ is my jam! There’s quite a few artists i’m loving right now. My playlist ‘Fresh Dose’ on Spotify with Hypertribe features amazing independent artists! check it out. My Fresh Dose Favourites has a huge list of tunes from incredible artists.

8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?

Oooo albums, we went there, that’s how you know a real music fan. I just listened to Alunas Renaissance album which is pure vibes! ‘Don’t hit my line’ was one of my stand outs alongside ‘Envious' of course! I’m also a creature of habit so head back to my faves like Prince ‘Purple Rain’ album on vinyl, sorry Spotify you can’t beat the sound of a 12”.

9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?

I am currently doing my sailing course to get my skippers licence although i’m currently only at section 4 as i’ve had so much music stuff on lately so I have to focus on it. I’m really loving delving into a completely new world though! I can now talk to you about tidal charts.. ok sailing looks a lot cooler when you’re not discussing the theory course soz :-)

10. Name Three things you can't live without when in the studio?

Water, Reverb and an excellent pair of speakers, nobodys got time for bad sound!