Kelly Jarrard

About Kelly Jarrard

How did you get your start in music? Did you come from a musical family?

I have been singing my whole life. I was shy growing up and my family didn't know I had a voice until I was about 10 years old. I sang an Aretha Franklin song at a karaoke night and they were so surprised! I started playing guitar at age 13. I picked it up pretty fast on my own. My dad taught me how to do bar chords which led me to being very versatile with guitar. Everyone on my dad's side of the family sings and plays an instrument of some sort. 

You majored in Vocal Performance in college, and performed classical music. Was that something you wanted to pursue at that time? 

I didn't want to pursue becoming a classical singer at that time. Rather, I wanted to expand my knowledge through music education. Learning how to control my voice in ways that I didn't know I could. It has really helped with my performance skills today. 

You have a great ear when it comes to harmonizing. Did you develop that ear from choir, collaborating with other musicians, etc?

I think I developed a good sense of hearing from my musical family. But I’m sure it improved through choir and collaborations.

Who are your biggest inspirations and how did they influence your music?

I've always been inspired by male musicians like Otis Redding, Marvin Gaye, John Mayer, etc. My strongest female inspiration is definitely Amy Winehouse. Her writing style has inspired me to write in a similar way. She writes a lot about love and her struggles with love, which I can relate to in my writing. She also uses my favorite chord progressions. Vocally, I am inspired by Aretha Franklin and Joss Stone. 

What is your writing process? 

I usually write the guitar part first, then melody and sometimes the words along with the melody. I write my best hooks when I'm driving.

​

I love the women empowerment in the song, ‘He Can Wait.’ How was the song put together? 

My producer Billy Chapin came up with the music for this song and he told me to write lyrics for it and I was inspired by the idea that every woman should be respected and stand up for herself. 

How do you stay inspired to write your songs? Have you experienced writer's block?

 I'm mostly inspired when I'm sad or angry. So I pick up the guitar and music just flows easily. I absolutely experience writer's block, especially when I'm burnt out from playing too many gigs, so my creativity gets drained. But once I take a break from shows I have more inspiration.

What was the most difficult time in your music career and how did you overcome it? 

The most difficult time I've had was when I overworked myself on a cruise ship and lost my voice several times. I performed for six days a week for two months. I had to have a lot of vocal rest and hot tea.

You play lots of different types of gigs including those cruise ship shows. What is your favorite?

I love to play the cruise gigs! But my favorite thing is to play is at Disney Springs. I get a lot of exposure to thousands of people from around the world. 

Do you have any advice for any aspiring musicians? 

Don't let your craft become stale by overworking yourself. Give yourself rest for inspiration so that your creativity stays fresh.

​

What can we expect from you in the future? New music? 

Yes! More shows and new music coming your way soon.