KELS

Independent pop and soul with a "dirty blues" sound

Independent singer-songwriter KELS blends influences from jazz, pop, and soul into her signature "dirty blues" sound. While she grew up in Pittsburgh and established her musical foundation there, she has been operating out of Atlanta in recent years. Her raw vocal style and personal songwriting are shaped by influences such as Lauryn Hill, Sarah Vaughan, and Amy Winehouse.

Operating without management or a record label, KELS completed a 52-show US tour funded entirely by fans. In 2024, she opened the Atlanta Jazz Festival for André 3000, followed by a second independent tour through the Northeastern United States. Backed by endorsements from artists like Timbaland and Big Boi, she is currently working on new material for the release of her EP Dirty Blues Princess.