We had the good fortune of connecting with Kiely Connell and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kiely, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
I’ve taken a lot of risks in pursuing my career as a songwriter. I came to nashville with a couple suitcases and my acoustic guitar crammed into my PT cruiser. I knew only one person and I had nowhere to live. When you take big risks you force change to happen quickly. Growing pains are uncomfortable but necessary to fulfilling your fullest potential. I recorded my first album in 2018 and sat on it for two years because I didn’t truly believe that the music industry would care about it at all. When I finally put it out in November of 2021 I was thrilled to be proved wrong. If I wouldn’t have taken that leap I never would’ve had anything I have today. Today I have a new album I got to record with my dream producer that I released with the help of the largest independent music label/ distributor 30 Tigers. I’ve been able to open up for some of my favorite artists and play huge theaters all over the country. All of these things never would’ve happened if I didn’t continue to take risk after risk after risk. It’s scary to push yourself out there but boy is it worth it.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’ve always been drawn to the heavier more mysterious side of life. Themes of despair, loneliness, mental health, the cycle of life, and journeying into the unknown have always been areas of life I like to examine closely. I believe these moments are the defining ones that make life so beautiful to me. The human spirit is incredibly resilient and has the ability to overcome an incredible amount. It has always been important to me to speak freely about these dark moments and feelings of hopelessness because I want so badly for people to know that they aren’t alone. I use my music to speak about the human condition. I have a new record that I put out on July 19th that I’m incredibly proud of. It’s some of the strongest songwriting I’ve ever done and the production on it is really tasteful and so much bigger than my first album. I went through a lot while writing the songs on this new album. I got out of an 8 year long relationship and for the first time in my life I had to stand on my on two feet and remember who I am. I’m so proud of myself for getting through and for learning more about who I am to be a stronger and wiser version of myself. After all of these big changes it seemed fitting for the title track to be “My Own Company”. I’ve learned that the most important relationship is the one we have with ourselves.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’d start the day with a breakfast at Wendell Smith’s and then go for a walk over at McCabe. After that I’d drive over to the east side to check out what guitars they’ve got over at Fannie’s house of music. For lunch I’d head over to village pub for a pint and my favorite big bowl of salad. Once night rolls around I’d watch a show over at the five spot and then head over to Dukes to enjoy a Federale and a hot Italian sandwich to cap off the night. My usual watering holes are Dukes and Vinyl Tap. Vinyl Tap has the best beer selection around, a great record selection to browse, rad live music, and possibly my favorite bar staff of any spot in town.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have to give a shoutout to Kyle Coroneos (aka Trigger) over at Saving Country Music for getting me on the radar of David Macias at 30 tigers who became my first champion. Jonathan Levine, Mike Greisch, and Tommy Alexander at Wasserman for being the next to hop on board. Adam Sensenbrenner at Mick Management for his friendship and guidance. Lee Dannay head of A&R at 30 Tigers for being an ear day and night and helping set things up with my dream producer Tucker Martine. Last but certainly not least, my Mom, Dad, and brother Neil for always having my back.

Website: https://kielyconnellmusic.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kiely_connell/

Twitter: @kielyconnell

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kielyconnell/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@kielyconnell999

Image Credits
all photos by Alysse Gafkjen

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