Kelela often achieves the unthinkable: she is distant yet intimate, icy cool yet fiery hot and she embodies the soul of past R&B legends all while reigning in the future of R&B with her electronic additions. In her latest video for, “Blue Light,” Kelela is able to create a futuristic alien character, all the while coming across as the most humanistic entity with her vulnerable vocal phrasing. Her eyes emote emotions while her hair takes on a whole new character. Kelela chains may be “falling down,” but her hair is certainly wrapping her up. Both her hair, and her voice dominate the video.
The sensual and strange video was directed by Helmi. The song comes from Kelela’s most recent album, Take Me Apart, which was released just last month. On the album, Kelela continues push the boundaries of genre and tone. She is able to speak on intimate personal matters, all while creating lush electronic arrangements. The two do not go hand in hand for just anybody, but Kelela proves like a good babysitter, she can make the two get along: “It’s this tapestry I’ve knitted together that attracts different types of listener and chalnegs them at the same time, often within the same song.” Her cutting edge creations are a graceful display of her identity and personal experiences. Both classic and inventive, Kelela’s unique music-making abilities are definitely shaping the way music is produced in our contemporary climate. It’s no wonder her 2015 single, “Rewind,” graced the New York Times’ list of “25 Songs That Tell Us Where Music Is Going.”
This Sunday, Kelela will premiere her sort film ALL IT TOOK, at the New Museum in New York. If the film is anything like the video, it is sure to be one of a kind. Fans can also check her out on her tour.
Remaining Tour Dates:
11/9 – Toronto, ON – Velvet Underground (SOLD OUT)
11/10 – Montreal, QC – Belmont (SOLD OUT)
11/11 – Cambridge, MA – Middle East Downstairs (SOLD OUT)
11/12 – New York, NY – Bowery Ballroom (SOLD OUT)
11/13 – New York, NY – Bowery Ballroom (SOLD OUT)
11/15 – Philadelphia, PA – Coda (SOLD OUT)
11/16 – Washington, D.C. – U Street Music Hall (SOLD OUT)
11/17 – Durham, NC – Motorco Music Hall (SOLD OUT)
11/18 – Atlanta, GA – Masquerade (Hell Stage) (SOLD OUT)
11/20 – New Orleans, LA – Gasa Gasa (SOLD OUT)
11/21 – Houston, TX – White Oak Music Hall Downstairs
11/27 – Manchester, UK – Gorilla
11/28 – London, UK – Heaven (SOLD OUT)
11/29 – London, UK – Heaven (SOLD OUT)
12/1 – Paris, France – Gaite Lyrique
12/2 – Antwerp, Belgium – Trix Club
12/7 – Berlin, Germany – Berghain (SOLD OUT)
12/9 – Stockholm, Sweden – Debaser Strand
12/11 – Copenhagen, Denmark – Pumpehuset
12/12 – Hamburg, Germany – Uebel & Gefährlich
12/13 – Amsterdam, Holland – Tolhuistuin
01/13 – Melbourne, AU Sidney Myer Music Bowl (w/ The xx)
01/13 – Brisbane, AU – Riverstage (w/ The xx)
01/13 – Sydney, AU – The Domain (w/ The xx)
01/16 – Adelaide, AU – Rocket Bar & Rooftop
01/19 – Auckland, NZ – The Studio
Photo Credit: Owen Ela
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