Daily Inspiration: Meet Claire Kelly

Today we’d like to introduce you to Claire Kelly. 

Hi Claire, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I was one year into a corporate marketing job in Milwaukee, WI when a Tony’s acceptance speech by Lin Manuel Miranda inspired me to put in my two weeks’ notice and move to Music City. I wanted to be somewhere where people really cared about the songs. I fell in love with places like The Bluebird & The Listening Room for how much people cared about the songwriting process. I moved to Nashville without knowing a soul, but I went out with my guitar every night of the week and found collaborators that I’m still working with to this day. 

5 years later and I’m really thrilled to be doing music full-time. I’ve found a sweet spot writing music for film/tv, travel to play shows around the country, and write for other artists in town. I love what I do and I love the path that I’m on.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It hasn’t been a smooth road, but it’s been such an enjoyable one. This industry takes grit and patience. I’ve met so many wonderful people and have made so many amazing memories while chasing down the dream and that makes it all worth it at the end of the day. 

I think having doubts, hitting walls, and hearing no is all part of being a creative. You have to love what you’re doing at the core, before going outside for any kind of validation. If you are continuing to grow as an artist/musician/human and you’re proud of what you’re creating, you’ve just got to keep your head down and do the work. 

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m proud of the record I put out last year, The Scenic Route. The songs are all stories from the road, unexpected twists, and turns that turned into my favorite memories. The song content covers everything from castles in the highlands of Scotland to hairless cats and everything in between. I’ve really leaned into story-telling the last few years and I’ve found that more I tell my truths, the more the songs connect with others. 

I call myself a singer, a songwriter, and an optimist because my goal when playing a show is solely to leave the people in that room feeling a little brighter than they did when they walked in. I think music is this magical space where we can let our walls down and connect with each other through heartbreak, through humor, and through the human experience. 

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: https://www.clairekellymusic.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clairekellymusic/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/clairekellymusic/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUqFfpSh8rmsB-nMJtL_d3A

Image Credits
Ric Damm Photography