Captivating pop-soul singer-songwriter, Kelsey Blackstone, recently embarked on her long-anticipated "With A Little Help From My Friends" Tour, and fans eagerly await her upcoming performance at Pie Shop in Washington, D.C., on August 14th (get tickets here!). In an interview over Google Meet, we had the privilege of delving into Kelsey Blackstone's journey leading up to the tour and her plans for the future.
Blackstone is currently based in Boston, MA. A Berklee College of Music graduate in 2021, she has garnered acclaim for her exceptional songwriting, earning awards not only from Berklee but also from the United Nations, recognizing her dedication to creating music for social change. This energetic go-getter is a fixture in the Northeast music scene, gracing stages with performances at renowned venues such as NYC's Mercury Lounge, where she opened for the talented Lloyiso. She has also thrilled audiences at Harry's Happening Festival, Sofar Sounds, University of Rhode Island, and Boston's legendary Club Passim, among many others. The magnitude of her talent has been showcased through various media outlets, including the Hartford Courant, WERS, WLAS, WRBB, the Boston Hassle, YMX, and Send Me Your Ears, among others.
Her latest song, "When I’m With You," a collaboration with Jason LaPierre earned a spot on Spotify's editorial Retro Soul playlist, a testament to her ability to infuse modern synths with heart-felt songwriting while maintaining the infectious grooves of the '70s.
The Friends Who Make It Happen
Behind every great artist is a talented ensemble, and Blackstone's tour is no exception. Joining her on stage are the skilled musicians: Sean Marcelin on guitar, Elliot Rick on bass, Anderson Jno Baptiste on keys and synth, Kaylin Frisaura on trumpet, Matome Phala on drums, and Aidan Donnelly on saxophone. Gōst Pepper, also known as Adam, is the other band accompanying her on tour, responsible for producing her hit single, 'My Superstitions.'
Additional friends include Pat and Save the Cat Agency, instrumental in helping the bands book their tour.
The Unveiling of "When I’m With You" and Zoom Collaborations
To immerse oneself in Blackstone's music, a great starting point is her song "When I’m With You," available on Spotify and is featured on the platform's "Retro Soul" playlist. The genesis of this tune traces back to a three-year-long collaboration with Jason LaPierre, conducted through a series of Zoom calls. The process began with a voice memo idea that Blackstone recorded while seated at her piano in Connecticut. Sharing it with LaPierre sparked the journey of crafting this soulful track.
The meticulousness of LaPierre, combined with life's interruptions, including Blackstone's online schooling, extended the song's creation timeline. Blackstone candidly admits, "It definitely takes a lot of time to create [a song] when you have two perfectionists working together, but it was definitely worth it."
"When I’m With You" resonates deeply with Blackstone's audience, a perfect fusion of her love for jazz influences and a contemporary touch. Fueled by her passion, she sent about 900 emails to various publications, striving to have the song featured. As she reflects on her efforts, Blackstone remarks, "I sound crazy when I say these things out loud... but I think you have to be a little bit insane to want to do this."
The song's success paved the way for an upcoming event – Blackstone and LaPierre's first live performance of the song together at the upcoming Heartbeat Music Festival in Connecticut this September.
Harmonizing with Musical Influences
The well-curated Spotify artist profile of Kelsey Blackstone reveals a broad spectrum of musical influences, from jazz and blues to timeless hits of the '60s and '70s. These decades hold a special place in her heart, not merely for their sound but also for the positive social change and unity they fostered among artists and communities.
Blackstone's earlier works were often driven by her passion for social change. Notably, she received an award from Berkeley for her song "Come Home to Love," an Honorable Mention for "You Dig," and even gained recognition from the United Nations for a song she penned during her time in Spain.
Her creative process, she explains, often begins with a spark of inspiration that flows naturally during moments of transition, whether it's waking up in the morning or dozing off at night. “Like ‘Come Home to Love’... the song will just like, like spill out of me.”
“I began to really appreciate the process of practicing and not just trying to play the notes on the page, but playing them with feeling and meaning. For me, it was always really easy to connect to that emotional part of music and I think that was one of my favorite things about it.”
Early Foundations: Unwavering Perseverance
Blackstone's journey into music started at age of five when she began her classical piano training. Initially, she had a love-hate relationship with the instrument, relaying how, “like most kids that age, I didn’t want to sit still for very long.” However, with the unwavering support of her parents, who noticed her innate musical draw, she eventually fell in love with piano.
I began to really appreciate the process of practicing and not just trying to play the notes on the page, but playing them with feeling and meaning. For me, it was always really easy to connect to that emotional part of music and I think that was one of my favorite things about it.
Her classical piano training extended for 12 years, and she also explored classical cello for eight years during that period. Her passion for singing also shone through, and she embarked on professional vocal training while embracing musical theater in high school. This pivotal shift helped her master proper vocal techniques and refine her musical abilities.
Higher Education: Flourishing Amid Challenges
As she reached the crossroads of college life, Blackstone initially chose theater, attending the University of Hartford and the University of Miami before finding her true home at Berklee College of Music in 2018.
To Blackstone, it felt like a “catch-up game,” but in the motivating sense. “A lot of my peers at Berkeley have been writing songs since they were like five… intimidating, but I honestly really liked it that way. Finally, I’m in this challenging environment, surrounded by movers and go-getters… it was exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Surrounding herself with talented peers in a competitive environment encouraged her to refine her sound and artistic message. “Obviously, that’s a never ending sort of journey and discovery process, but I think that’s one of the greatest things about it.”
Band Formation: The Journey of Starts and Stops
Blackstone's band formation commenced in January 2020 with the perfect selection of band members. “We were so excited. I'd had all these songs written and I'd had what I considered the perfect cast of carefully picked band members… Who do I think is going to sound good together? Who's going to work well together? I wanted this to be the real deal.”
However, the unfortunate arrival of the pandemic in March forced a temporary pause. Returning to Boston in the summer of 2020, Blackstone reconnected with her band members and good friends, utilizing the newfound time and flexibility to create music purely for the joy of it.
In April 2021, Blackstone's band finally took the stage for their first official show, marking the beginning of a relentless and exhilarating journey. “ Since then, just been…. pedal to the metal, like full throttle, really trying to go for it.”
The pandemic-imposed wait acted as a springboard for her, propelling her with renewed vigor when the time finally came to take the stage. “When I was finally able to get out there with my band, it was like, okay, let’s fucking go!”
“Getting everybody together in a room for a few hours... That in and of itself is just very magical. To be able to be at the front and center of that where you can [help others] take a break from the woes of life and just be happy and have fun and be in the moment… We’re here to be together and to feel these things together and I just think that is so beautiful and healing.”
A Dazzling Live Experience
Blackstone's performances have been described as immersive experiences. Teaming up with her 7-piece band, she transports her audiences into a world of colors, bubbles, sass, and unbridled fun. A blend of retro nostalgia and modern soul, her magnetic sound exudes excitement, passion, and infectious energy that compels listeners to hit the dance floor with friends.
For Blackstone, her performances are about uplifting her audience. “Getting everybody together in a room for a few hours... That in and of itself is just very magical. To be able to be at the front and center of that where you can [help others] take a break from the woes of life and just be happy and have fun and be in the moment… We’re here to be together and to feel these things together and I just think that is so beautiful and healing.”
The Diner Connection
The cover of "When I’m With You" features Blackstone and LaPierre standing in front of a diner, harmoniously aligning with the song's retro vibes. Although Boston lacks a specific diner that she frequents, Blackstone nostalgically remembers the Gold Rock Niner in Connecticut, a classic greasy spoon Diner where she spent many cherished moments.
As she prepares to move to Nashville with her partner Adam/Gōst Pepper, she says that finding a new go-to diner will undoubtedly be on her list. “I will need to find someplace I can go late at night to just, sip some coffee and eat some pancakes. Like, who doesn’t need that?”
Embracing the Future with Gratitude
As Blackstone's star continues to rise, she remains grateful for the support that has brought her this far. "Meeting people along the way who have guided me and have been a support system for me is the reason why I chose to name this tour ‘With a Little Help From My Friends’ because truly, none of this would have been possible without them."
Friends and supporters played a significant role in her success, from band members to the audience who embraced her performances. The tour has been an embodiment of gratitude, humility, and validation for Blackstone, culminating in an awe-inspiring spectacle. “I’m so excited ‘cause it feels like everything has been building up to this, and I’ve always wanted to do it.”
As she continues to soar, Blackstone envisions a future filled with endless possibilities. And if she weren't a musician, she humorously contemplates an alternate life as a surf instructor or engaging in environmental conservation work. Regardless, she is ready to embrace whatever life brings her way.
Join us in celebrating the groovy melodies and heart-felt songwriting of Kelsey Blackstone as she takes the stage at Pie Shop in Washington, DC, on August 14th. Her music is a blend of retro charm and modern spirit, making for an unforgettable night of dancing, joy, and musical magic. Purchase your tickets today!
Artist Links
Email: kelseyblackstonemusic@gmail.com
Website: https://www.kelseyblackstone.com
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/394uQRigSFiNSRbA9dismJ?si=U2vKn93wQ--BGWVMsFIX2w
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelseyblackstone
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8s3IRmJ3vNl-uCuF20nAJA