TAYLOR KELLY

Born and raised in Rochester, NY, Taylor Kelly is now a fixture in the vibrant Philly music scene further honing her introspective take on jazz, soul, and funk. She combines her smooth, powerful, technically-informed voice with a full horn section, addictive hip hop and electronic beats, and complex arrangements she writes herself with long-time collaborator and trombonist Mike Rilli. Her sound is a dynamic blend of several genres but ultimately establishes a strikingly authentic niche all its own, rich with melodic contour, intricate harmonies, and deeply personal but anthemic lyricism.

“Maybe”, the first single off of Kelly’s forthcoming EP slated for release in early 2022, is an intimate and minimalistic departure from her previous work, which typically features an 8-piece band. Kelly brought this newest single from the ground up alone with her producer, Robby Webb, at his home studio before adding the tasteful flavors and textures of Simon Martinez (guitar), Danae Greenfield (keys/synth) and Matt Keppler (bass). Kelly’s voice is the most prominent instrument in this latest project, providing both the melodic focal point of the track as well as lush, layered harmonies for a deeply groovy but melancholic meditation on stagnancy and yearning.

Kelly is a Berklee College of Music graduate with a Bachelor’s Degree in Professional Music. Along with her band, she has released four albums and performed hundreds of live shows, sharing the stage with Moonchild, Becca Stevens, Bahamadia, and Georgia Anne Muldrow. She was a finalist in the PHL LIVE Center, has amassed over half a million listens for her single “California” on Spotify, and is committed to continuing this exploration of music’s ability to incite passion and self-actualization with her upcoming 2022 EP.

“Smooth vocals and a warming melody make Taylor Kelly’s “Maybe” a sublime anthem of anxiety that looks back on the world these past few years.“

Atwood Magazine

“If you love postmodern old soul, Philly songstress Taylor Kelly is sure to pull at your heartstrings and get your feet moving.“

Music Mecca