Lively melodies and soulful lyrics accompanied by acoustic guitar drive the folk/pop workings of Claire Kelly‘s music. Currently based in Milwaukee, Claire is playing a full set of summer shows around the Wisconsin area. Her most recent release, The Farwell Avenue EP, is a blend of styles, emotions and stories that feature an array of Milwaukee musicians.
Born and raised northwest of Chicago, she was brought to Milwaukee by means of Marquette University. Marquette is not a music school, which gave Claire an opportunity to develop as a performing musician, playing a wide variety of student run and university sponsored events. She grew as a guitar player playing music weekly for church in the cozy Joan of Arc Chapel on Marquette’s campus.
No matter the venue, her music has always been about sharing her positive outlook on life and making people smile. She’s a singer, a songwriter and an optimist.
In this interview, we chat with Claire about her new EP, influences, and more.
Full Q&A as well as links and a stream of Farewell Avenue below. Be sure to show your support.
Let’s dive a little deeper into You, the artist and your music. What attracted you to this genre(s) or style(s)?
My style reflects a variety of influences. I so admire the songwriting of Carole King and Joni Mitchell, I love how they tell stories. I’m also inspired by modern artists like Regina Spektor and Ingrid Michaleson for their ability to play with vocal melodies. I’d like to think I’ve fallen somewhere in between the two sets of major influences. When I write I want to create something that paints a picture and gets people to tap their toes. My sound/genre has been referred to as “coffee shop pop” and I kind of love that.
How long have you been creating and sharing your music with the public?
I’ve been writing and singing for as long as I can remember. In the fifth grade, I was writing parodies to Avril Lavigne songs in my bedroom. I started working with a friend who played the guitar in high school. I would write lyrics, sing her melodies and she would find chords to supplement them. Soon after I picked up the guitar taught myself four chords and started to write on my own. I played a few high school talent shows but I didn’t really start performing my music out until I got to college. At Marquette University in Milwaukee, my freshman year RA found out I could sing and asked me to play at an event she was putting on. It spiraled from there. Over my four years I became a token campus musician; playing for student run events, campus activities, opening for musical acts passing through and the like.
Who or what influences your playing and/or writing? Also, what motivates you to keep going?
I’m of the belief inspiration is around us everyday, your mind just has to be open to it. I’m so in love with music and feel a constant desire to document the world around me as I see it. I’m self motivated and am on a mission to put good hearted, happy music out into the universe.
Were you trying to accomplish anything specific on this new project? Creatively or otherwise?
I wanted to play with some new styles and expand my sound. I did that by working with other musicians on the latest EP. The latest project, “Farwell Avenue” is a collection of music that was dreamt, written and recorded when I was living in my little studio apartment on Farwell Avenue in Milwaukee, WI. I think Location is important; where you are, who your surrounded by shapes the music created.
What was the last song you listened to?
You and I -Margaret Glaspy
Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?
I love Vinyl. There’s something romantic about spinning a record. It’s such an intentional way to listen.
How about this one…. Do you prefer Spotify? Apple Music? Bandcamp? Or something else? Why?
Hard question. I do like Spotify for the ability to share playlists with friends and the convenience. You can access so much at once!
Other than the digital era overwhelming us with access to an abundance of music, what are one or two of the biggest challenges you face when trying to attract listeners to your music?
One of the biggest challenges is doing it all on my own. Practicing, playing out, recording -I loved every minute of what I do, the marketing and social media management is the hardest part. It’s a also a strange battle to be constantly promoting yourself.
Do you gig, tour or perform? Do you ever live stream? Where can music lovers see you live?
Yes, I perform a lot around the Wisconsin/Chicago area and am planning to do a few live stream shows soon. Information and updates on events can be found on my Claire Kelly Music Facebook page and/or my website: www.clairekellymusic.com
Where is the best place to connect with you online? Discover more of your music?
Signing up for my newsletter on the website is the best way to stay up to date on my musical happenings. But I’m also active on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Any last thoughts? Shout outs? Words of wisdom?
Words of wisdom: If you don’t like your job, quit.
