Discovering Fresh Musical Horizons:
Explore Our Interview with Theolonius Kelly and Dive into His Latest Releases through the Provided Links.
Your musical journey began with the release of "Otikes" in 2015. How has your music evolved since those early days?
Otikes was a chopped sample with some drums. I was 16, so I didn’t really make anything with intention, it was just about having fun. The musics changed from hip hop to the more goth / synth pop I’ve put out as of recent. Putting more of myself into the music.
Leaving your final year of High School to pursue music is a bold decision. Can you tell us about the challenges and rewards of taking that path, especially at such a young age?
That was 2016. It was fun. It was the most fun year I’ve probably ever had. I worked at a record store and worked the reception desk of a local radio station. I also DJ’ed at a Theatre Company in the front lounge between plays. It was a good year. I did however finish high school online and went on to trade school in 2017.
"xo" seems to be your most popular album. What can you share about the inspiration and creative process behind this particular work?
That album funnily enough has no artistic value. It's 28 throwaways I pulled out of various emails and google drives and slapped together. I'm surprised it did so well. The most popular song is an instrumental cover of Star Shopping by Lil Peep. It's funny trying for years to be original and your biggest song being a simple cover.
In 2021, you released "Ocean of Emptiness," described as a "beautiful electronic orchestral track." Could you delve into the story behind this song and what it represents in your musical journey?
Ocean of Emptiness is a draft from the Orchestral Instrumental Album “Hollywood Deluxe”. It didn’t fit the album, but I still liked it. I decided to make Hollywood Deluxe for my grandmother. She didn’t like the hip hop stuff due to the lyrics, so I wanted to make something she could enjoy.
Collaborations have been a significant part of your career. What draws you to working with other artists, and could you share any memorable experiences from these collaborations?
I’m a fan of everyone I’ve been lucky enough to collaborate with. It all happened through the internet, as I live in New Zealand. My favorite music collaboration will always be Lil B for “Hope”.
"Telstar" is described as a lighthearted compilation album. How does this project differ from your other work, and what inspired its creation?
I like “Telstar”. It's the name of a street I used to live on, where I made a lot of the songs on the compilation. They’re just basic instrumentals that I hold dear.
Can you provide insights into your creative process and how you approach crafting music that's both emotive and thought-provoking?
Being genuine. It's cool to make stuff that sounds dope, but people will always respond to music made with sincerity. Bare your soul. Don’t be afraid.
Looking ahead, what can we anticipate from Theolonius Kelly in the coming months or years, and are there any upcoming projects or collaborations you're particularly excited about?
Nothing planned. There was never anything planned, it all just kind of happened. I think you should make music when it comes naturally, don’t force it. I’d hate to put out something contrived
Listen now:
https://spotify.link/OpFXxoERNDb
https://www.youtube.com/@theoloniuskelly
