Since releasing his debut EP, “The Way That I See You”, in 2022, Adam Kelly has built a dedicated and passionate fanbase with his richly nuanced pop sound. A seasoned and versatile musician, Kelly began his journey as a multi-talented artist, taking intensive classical piano lessons and learning both bass and guitar from the remarkably young age of 7. With a highly anticipated second EP set to drop in September, Adam debuts the first single from it, “Take It Right Back”, an expansive and electrifying track that heightens the anticipation for his upcoming project.
Listen to the track…
We caught up with Adam to discuss the evolution of his dynamic sound, his intuitive and creative process, and his unwavering focus on connecting with fans this year.
Hey Adam, you’re building up to the release of your 2nd EP. Can you share any sneak peeks ahead of its release?
I haven’t announced anything officially yet! All I can say is that it is without question the best music I’ve made so far (cliche I know). I am finally starting to understand the kind of music I want to make and the artist I want to be.
How do you feel like your sound has evolved since your debut EP?
I love my first EP as it was produced completely by myself and I am super proud of it. However I felt like I was creating a certain sound that didn’t feel that authentic and true to myself. I’ve always had a strong vision of how I want to come across in my music and on stage, and while I have no regrets, my new sound is taking me that one step closer to where I want to be.
How did you first get started in music?
My Dad! He got me learning the bass from around 10 years old, and from then I’ve just fallen more and more in love with expressing myself through music and making songs.
Can you share your creative process?
A lot of what I do is just trusting my ears. I’m not the most technical producer in the world, but I like to think I have a good ear for what sounds good and catchy. Off the back of all the music lessons and theory, I’m able to use my ears confidently to piece together songs. There’s also a lot of mumbling melodies and throwing lyrics at the wall and seeing what sticks. But if I’m being perfectly honest, there is no rulebook. I just trust my ears and my gut, which I think have served me well up until now!
What artists do you take inspiration from?
My biggest inspirations would be Bruno Mars and Charlie Puth. I think Bruno Mars is one of the greatest performers and musicians we’ve come across in the last 20 years. I’ve been lucky enough to see him live, and that gig has stuck with me ever since. A lot of my production takes inspiration from Charlie Puth. Him being a producer himself and at times working alone, I relate to that a lot. If he can produce a hit song from his home, then why can’t I?!
We’re heading into the last few weeks of the summer, what has been your song of the summer?
I’ve really enjoyed Billie Eilish’s new album, especially Birds of a Feather. However, there’s a track called ‘Who You Are’ by Mike Sabbath and the Moongirls. It was released a few years back but I have had that song on repeat over the last few months!
What do you have planned for the rest of the year?
As I write this, I am about to hit my 2nd festival stage this summer! It’s been super fun to get on the festival circuit this year and I can’t wait to do it again next week and showcase some of the new music! And of course dropping my next EP as mentioned before. AGGGGHHHHHHH!
What was your main goal this year and do you feel you’ll accomplish it right now?
My main goal was to connect with my core fans a lot more this year and put out some new music that feels fresh and exciting not only for me, but for them too. It’s been a hectic year so far and I only hope things get more and more hectic going forward. Bring it on!