Kelsey Michael, a veritable movable feast, was born in Gloucestershire, grew up in Somerset, then moved to New Cross where she had her first child, before moving to Penzance in 2003. The singer and musician is now back in South East London to perform at Sands Films, writes Michael Holland…
‘There was always music in my parents’ house,’ she remembers. ‘Particularly 1930s/40s jazz. I absorbed all that and listened to the radio constantly. I sang behind the bedroom door and finally in public during a theatre degree at Lancaster University, before going on to sing in theatre productions.’ Music became a constant in Kelsey’s life. She was in a series of bands before ‘I started performing my own material ,arranging and band leading.’
Her early influences were ‘The Beatles, Carpenters, Abba, and all that great stuff in the 80s, from two tone to Motörhead. But also singers, such as Roberta Flack, Aretha Franklin… I loved Billie Holiday and Nina Simone.’
These days Kelsey is influenced by piano songwriters, ‘particularly Laura Nyro, Carole King, Robert Wyatt, Kate Bush.’
When writing and performing she uses an acoustic piano and a Nord electro keyboard, but emphasises that, ‘First and foremost I am a singer, I explore tone and texture with my voice and am always looking to make the most of my range.’
Whilst living in London, Kelsey sought out singers to learn from: Vanessa Mackness and Melanie Pappenheim. She learnt harmony at Goldsmiths College ‘and from anyone who’d spend an hour with me!’ She adds.
Her vocals have featured on Stanley Kubrick’s ‘Eyes Wide Shut’ soundtrack and on a High Llamas album, among others. ‘The people I worked with were incredibly supportive,’ she says, ‘encouraging me to totally believe in my writing and musical vision – That’s what any young artist needs most!’
I asked about her music: ‘I aim to craft rewarding pop songs which have ‘classic’ elements in their chord changes, melodies and structures. If people can still remember the chorus or a line the next day I feel I am doing well.
‘Like Jimmy Webb I write songs about places; soaking up the vibes of Penzance and Land’s End over the last twenty years has resulted in songs in which I try to capture the essence of those shores…’
Her eyes drifted away to life in Cornwall. Then she was back.’Shared experience in community also finds its way into the music, for example the golden days when everybody gravitates to the waterfront for swimming, lazing, chatting and sunning is conjured up in my song “Mounts Bay Morning”. I’m interested in where people find common ground, and try to write that, to trigger a sensory understanding in the listener and to bond people.’
When not performing Kelsey can be found writing and recording with her bass player Ben Kypreos and drummer Greg Dyer. She is currently putting the finishing touches to her forthcoming album Lethowsow. (Cornish for Seven Stones reef off Land’s End).
Kelsey also mentors and teaches singers, as well as lead workshops and Wild Singing Walks on the coast path. ‘I now have a large collection of nature songs, including tunes for birds, butterflies, flora, fauna and local landmarks like St Michaels Mount.’
Her upcoming concert at Sands Films is her way of bringing Cornish culture to other parts of the UK. The concert will be filmed, recorded, and live-streamed across the world on the night. ‘This capture of the performance is a huge bonus,’ she begins. ‘The audience will experience an immersive performance of my song cycle Lethowsow, which provides a musical portal to granite cairns, milky whitewater-washed reefs and wild thyme on the cliff edge. Video footage I have spontaneously captured on coast path walks will bring the West Cornwall landscape into the room, a collaboration with sound and moving image artist Rob Flint (Flomo). ‘Classic’ pop songwriting, folk drones and wide horizon song landscapes. Not your average night out in London Town in this cobbled quarter of old Rotherhithe.’
Sands Films, 82 St Marychurch Street, Rotherhithe, SE16 4HZ on Thurs March 9th at 8 pm. Tickets must be booked:
eventive.org/films/63da95e8acca8500627308bd
Sands music room has a policy of making art and culture affordable, with no ticket price. Make a fair donation when booking and it will go directly to musicians and to the upkeep of this beautiful venue and its archive collections.
