Life & Work with Kelsey Waller

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelsey Waller. 

Hi Kelsey, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My story starts much like any other singer/songwriter that comes from a musical family. I was born in Durham, NC to two singers with music aspirations of their own. My parents wrote and sang music and encouraged that in their 3 daughters. Me being the middle child, I embraced being in my older sister’s shadow. However, harmony makes songs a bit more…interesting. 

I’ve been singing since I was 3 and I knew early on that I wanted to write music and perform for large audiences. I wrote and released my first original song “Only A Matter of Time” in 2014. I since released an EP called “The Break Up,” a full album I named “Queen,” and a single entitled “I.W.B.Y.” that was just released in July 2022. 

I recently resigned from my position teaching in Charlotte Mecklenberg Schools for a more flexible schedule. I have since started a tutoring business in order to make time for music production. This is currently how I spend my days and it is no walk in the park, but I know that I’m building to have the life and music career that I desire. 

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has absolutely NOT been a smooth road. I’ve been pursuing a music career since college (1,000,000 years ago seems like). My mother was my biggest support. She encouraged me to write and to sing while struggling with depression during that time. She reminded me that God loved me and my family would always be there to support me. She died New Year’s Eve of 2012 of congestive heart failure. 

She was my best friend and helped me through everything. It was hard finding motivation to live with that pain let alone write and sing my own music. However, what has kept me pushing forward was knowing that she was proud of all that I am doing to represent God, my family, myself, and everyone who relates to me. 

And don’t get me started on the cost of quality music production. Chile. 

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am R&B! Most R&B music has a hint of gospel influence and that is truly my lane. I love my gospel roots and that is what sets me apart from other artists today. I create encouraging, relatable, REAL music that you can listen to with your family like a Stevie Wonder or Anita Baker Song. Timeless music that will hit you the same way 20 years from now. 

I am most proud that while I process and accept where I am in the different stages of my life, I get to document it with music. Every project that I have done was true to where I was in my life during that time. “The Break Up” was written from a heartbroken and healing season of my life. It went from introduction to break up to hopeful romantic. 

“Queen.” was a self-affirming anthem which is exactly what I needed during that time. I needed to build my confidence. And the project that I’m now working on, which includes “I.W.B.Y.,” is all about vulnerability and being bare. That’s where I am now. 

Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
It’s home for me. I lived in the 919 most of my life. And I’ve been able to see its continuous growth. I love that it continues to grow and transform. What I like least about it is that it is not super conducive for artists like myself. I wish there were more venues that hired and promoted singers and musicians. 

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelsey.dmusic/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/THEEkelseydmusic
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@kelsey.d9648/featured