We sat down with Adam Kelly, a multi-instrumentalist from SE London, to have a small chat about his career, music and what it’s like to gig in London as an independent artist. Adam most recently played at our networking night.
LGG: Hey Adam, thanks for chatting with us. Can you describe your sound to someone who hasn’t heard your music before?
AK: Emotional Pop with a bit of Soul!
LGG: What’s the story behind your latest release?
AK: So my last release was my 2nd EP ‘You Don’t Know What It Feels Like’. The common theme through all my music is love and relationships, and how up and down navigating these things can be. A personal favourite of mine from the project would be ‘Love Me Better’ – but they’re all great! 😉
LGG: What’s your songwriting process like—do you start with lyrics, a melody, or something else?
AK: I have about a million voice notes on my phone if just mumbled nonsense – but the melody that comes from this is how I start. MELODY IS KING!
LGG: Are there any unexpected influences that have shaped your music?
AK: Funnily enough, I’ve been listening to Mcfly for as long as I can remember. While they’re more pop rock as opposed to soul, their songwriting has influenced me massively over the years.
LGG: What can people expect from a live show with you?
AK: High Energy, Emotion, and having a bit of a laugh! You’ll feel all the emotions at my shows…
LGG: Do you have a favourite London venue to perform at? Why?
AK: The best for me would have to be The Camden Assembly. Not the biggest of venues but it certainly packs a punch with atmosphere. Would love to go back there!
LGG: Have you ever had a particularly memorable gig—good or bad?
AK: I headlined my EP release show back in September at The Star of Kings. By far the best crowd I’ve played to. We played music new and old, and just had the best time.
LGG: Do you think streaming platforms help or hinder independent artists?
AK: I think both. The fact anyone can get their music out into the world digitally is incredible. However making a living from this is near impossible unless you’ve got consistent streams in the millions every month! Swings both ways I guess.
LGG: Have you had any experiences with the DIY music scene that have shaped your career?
AK: Well my EP release show was funded, promoted and curated by myself. It certainly was tricky but I feel 100% worth it. I could play however long a set as I wanted, and just had full control of how it all went. I’ll be strongly considering doing it again. If people have the means to do it, I’d say go for it.
LGG: What advice would you give to emerging artists trying to break into London’s gig circuit?
AK: Avoid pay to play shows! They seem like an easy way to gig but ultimately they aren’t rewarding for the time and effort you put in. Do your research on promoters and make sure you’re gigging with a good one!
LGG: Who’s on your playlist right now? Who should we talk to next?
AK: I’m loving Lucky Daye at the moment, and have done for a good few years. I think you guys should chat to Rose White! A super talented singer and lovely person. Plus she’s gigging all the time!
You can follow Adam on Instagram and TikTok, and stream “You Don’t Know What It Feels Like” on all good streaming services!
This interview has been lightly edited for clarity and readability.
