An Inspired Chat with Kiely Connell

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Kiely Connell. Check out our conversation below.

Good morning Kiely , it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
I started a garden in my backyard. It isn’t anything that looks like I plucked it out of a Pinterest page. It’s just a few pumpkins, butternut squash, cucumbers, a pepper plant, and a little tiki tomato. But I feel like it’s something outside of music that gives me something to tend to each day. Sometimes when I come home and I notice the plants look a little fatigued it brings me a lot of joy when I check back after watering them and see them reaching towards the sunlight while they soak up the water I gave them.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Kiely Connell a singer songwriter from Hammond Indiana who has called Nashville home for the last twelve and a half years. My journey here hasn’t been linear. There have been big peaks and valleys and long periods I wanted to give up. But after I would play a show the feedback I consistently got from audience members encouraged me to keep going. Because even if I felt defeated in this industry something about what I did felt real and relatable to them. My songs were making them feel seen. As someone who has struggled with my mental health since I was a teenager I understand the value in making others feel less alone. I continue to write about my life in the most honest fashion possible in hopes that it reaches people who need to hear that message. On July 18th I released three additional tracks as a deluxe edition of the album I put out last year. This collection of songs is called “A Little More Company”. You can stream it now on all platforms.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who taught you the most about work?
Not one person specifically but going to Stephens College gave me a great work ethic. Not that I was the greatest example as a 19 year old. I was really struggling back then with depression. But they taught me the importance of timeliness and what it meant to have a great attitude in work. Those are the things that make people keep hiring you. As a performer it’s important to make good first impressions and continue to build on those.

When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
I learned as a teenager that I could use my pain in my performances. I did that all through my acting career into my career as a songwriter. When you allow yourself you use emotional recall it makes your performances more relatable and more vulnerable.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
A good friend of mine recently said that she thought that when I perform it seems like I’m even more myself than when I’m just sitting at home hanging out. I think I understand what she means. When I’m on stage all of my personality traits are amplified. My goofy sense of humor and vulnerability come across much more clearly on stage than if you were just running into me at the grocery store.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What do you think people will most misunderstand about your legacy?
People who don’t know me sometimes think that I’m just super moody and mysterious all the time. The people who know me best can tell you that I’m very goofy and silly which tends to balance well with my fascination with the macabre.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.kielyconnellmusic.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kiely_connell/
• Twitter: https://x.com/KielyConnell
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kielyconnell/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@kielyconnell999/videos

Image Credits
Alysse Gafkjen