Behind the Music
Artist Bio
Kelsey Blackstone is a pop-soul singer-songwriter from Boston, MA. A Berklee College of Music grad, she has won awards from both Berklee and the United Nations for her songwriting for social change.
A fixture of the Northeast scene, she’s given sold-out shows to crowds at NYC’s Mercury Lounge (opening for Lloyiso), the Harry’s Happening Festival, Sofar Sounds, Deep Dive in Ithaca, PhilaMOCA, University of Rhode Island, Boston’s legendary Club Passim, Skidmore College (opening for Seeing Double), and more. She's been featured on the Hartford Courant, WERS, Allston Pudding, WRBB, and the Boston Hassle, to name a few. She has also recently received a placement on Spotify’s editorial Retro Soul playlist for her newest song ‘When I’m With You’.
Kelsey’s music is bursting with modern synths and heart-felt songwriting, yet has a foot in the door of the groovy 70s. Her sound is 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, Kelsey and her 7 piece band love to give her audiences an entire experience - not just a song. Whether it's putting on high-energy shows with the band or as an intimate solo act, self-accompanied on piano: 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."