Behind the Music
Artist Bio
Kelsey Blackstone is a pop-soul and retro-rock musician based in both Nashville, TN and Boston, MA. Kelsey has received honors from the New England Music Awards, the Berklee College of Music and the United Nations for her music. A fixture of the independent pop-soul and rock scene, she’s performed for sold-out crowds at: NYC’s Mercury Lounge (opening for Lloyiso), the Harry’s Happening Festival in Maine, Sofar Sounds, Deep Dive in Ithaca, PhilaMOCA, University of Rhode Island, Boston’s legendary Club Passim, Skidmore College and more. She’s had features on the Hartford Courant, WERS, Allston Pudding, WRBB, and the Boston Hassle, to name a few. Kelsey has also retained a consistent placement on Spotify’s 'Retro Soul' editorial playlist for her song, ‘When I’m With You’, released last year.
2024 proves to be Kelsey's biggest year yet with three songs already released, more on the way soon, and a national tour happening this spring.
Kelsey’s music presents heart-felt sentiments and live-instrument sound with a retro, groovy flair. Her songs are rich with excitement, passion, and the kind of infectious energy that makes you get on your feet to dance with your friends. An award-winning songwriter and avid performer, either playing solo shows self-accompanied with her piano or with her 6-piece band, she strives to give all her audiences an inspiring, unifying and energizing experience. Reviews have compared her music to the likes of Joss Stone, Sara Bareilles, and Lawrence. Weaving her world with colors, bubbles, sass, and fun, Kelsey uses vibrant nostalgia with contemporary soul to create her magnetic sound.
What People Are Saying
The Hartford Courant
"[When I'm With You] is bouncy and jazzy, so a classic diner setting fits [the music video] perfectly."
The Boston Hassle
"Her music provides people with a safe space to just be."
Allston Pudding
"Kelsey performed a mix of originals that showcased her vocal abilities with some amazing sustained high notes and these pretty scoops she sang."
WRBB
"Kelsey Blackstone is well on her way to achieving unimaginable heights in her career as a singer-songwriter."
Send Me Your Ears
"We were reminded in places of Amy Winehouse, Eva Cassidy and possibly Joanne Shaw-Taylor, but honestly, with the versatility of Kelsey’s voice, you could pick 100 top vocalists that she sounds a “bit like”. Truth be told – this is second to none. Most definitely one of the best vocalists we’ve heard in months."
Section36 Music
"Kelsey Blackstone is an incredibly talented singer."