Chords of Inspiration: An Inside Look at Artist Kelsey Kuan’s Musical Journey
By. Alicia Zamora
A Conversation with Kelsey Kuan
In an exclusive interview with Alicia’s Studio, Kelsey Kuan, a rising star in the music world, opened up about her creative process and the inspiration behind her songwriting. Drawing from her own experiences, Kelsey crafts lyrics that resonate with her listeners on a personal level. Her ability to channel her feelings into relatable melodies reflects a commitment to authenticity that sets her apart in the industry.
Kelsey’s approach to music is deeply rooted in her desire to create a genuine connection with her audience. By writing from her own perspective, she not only expresses her journey but also offers a comforting space for fans who may be navigating their own challenges. Through her poignant lyrics and relatable themes, Kelsey highlights the transformative power of music, showcasing how it can serve as both a mirror and a balm for those who listen.
The messages Kelsey receives from her audience greatly influence her motivation to continue creating. Each expression of gratitude and recognition serves as a reminder of the impact her work has on others, encouraging her to further explore her artistry. Kelsey Kuan’s journey exemplifies how music can unite and uplift, proving that even in moments of vulnerability, there can be a profound sense of shared understanding and solace.
Diving In
Alicia: Welcome back to Alicia’s Studio! We have our first new year interview and our 18th special guest…
Kelsey: Hi everybody, my name is Kelsey Kuan. I'm a singer-songwriter from Los Angeles, and thank you so much Alicia for having me!
Alicia: Thank you for coming!
Alicia: Let’s start with a bit about your background. How did you first get into music? Was there a particular moment or experience that sparked your passion?
Kelsey: So I started out doing music when I was little; I took piano lessons as a kid, and then in high school, I was in choir. And then, I started writing songs, and yeah that's where my music career started.
Alicia: Oh, so it’s always been something you’ve done.
Kelsey: Yeah!
Alicia: When did you realize that music was something you wanted to pursue professionally, and how did you begin your journey into the industry?
Kelsey: So in high school, I was in choir, and I wrote songs. I realized, like, oh I might kind of be good at this, you know. I can possibly make this a career, and so then I went to college for music. I met a lot of talented musicians and friends who kind of helped me grow into the musician I am today.
Alicia: Who were some of your early musical influences? Can you remember a specific artist or album that shaped your musical taste and style?
Kelsey: So as a kid, my parents were both working, and I'm an only child. I kind of watched TV and what I watched on TV was Disney Channel and Nickelodeon. So I was really inspired by pop music from Disney Channel. That's one of my first influences. And some of the songs that I wrote in the beginning were very influenced by that.
Alicia: What’s your favorite Disney Show?
Kelsey: Well one of my first CDs was Lemonade Mouth
Alicia: That’s such a good movie
Kelsey: Yeah it was one of my first CDs. And then I also have like Hillary Duff
Alicia: Is it a show or movie?
Kelsey: No she's a singer, she was in Lizzie McGuire. *laughs* But yeah! And Miley Cyrus.
Alicia: Can you share a bit about your creative process when you’re writing and recording music? Is there a certain routine you follow, or does it vary depending on the song?
Kelsey: It varies depending on the song. So if I'm working on my own songs by myself, I'll usually write on my guitar and then I'll create a melody and lyrics. But if I'm working with someone else, it'll be more of a collaboration. So I'll pitch ideas. It's a different process, but both are nice.
Alicia: What is it that keeps your creativity flowing? Do you have any specific rituals, places, or people that inspire you during the creative process?
Kelsey: I really like watching movies and I get pretty inspired by movies
Alicia: What’s your favorite movie?
Kelsey: I'm a horror movie fan! I don't get inspired by horror movies, but one of my favorite horror movies is Midsommar.
Alicia: Okay, my bad- it’s because I don't watch movies. But I know what you're talking about because I did a project about it and I'm like, 'Oh my god, I didn't watch movies in high school but I know what you're talking about.' I just didn't watch it.
Kelsey: Yeah it’s one of my favorites!
Alicia: How do you stay motivated when you hit creative blocks or feel uninspired?
Kelsey: If I hit a creative block, I usually just take a break and just let my mind rest. Usually that works in like a week or so and an idea will come. Up to me, and like some spark, and I'll start writing again.
Alicia: What's been the longest you've been in a creative block?
Kelsey: I think during the pandemic it was pretty bad maybe, like three weeks or so.
Alicia: What themes or messages do you typically explore in your music? Do you write from personal experiences, or do you like to explore other perspectives?
Kelsey: I like to write from my own perspective, but when I do have that creative block, I get inspired by movies or just talking to friends and their experience.
Alicia: How do you know when a song is “finished”? Is it hard to let go of a track once you feel it’s complete?
Kelsey: I think I know when a song is finished when I can listen through the whole track without having any interrupting thoughts or feedback for myself.
Alicia: Music is such a personal expression. How do you balance staying true to your own style while also being open to new sounds and influences?
Kelsey: So my own style I would say is through my writing and storytelling. I like to explore different styles and genres, but I think what pulls it all together in the end is my style of writing and storytelling.
Alicia: You’ve been making a name for yourself as an artist. What’s been the most rewarding part of your music career so far?
Kelsey: The most rewarding part is definitely when listeners will send me a message, leave a comment or anything saying [that] my song inspired them or you know, comforted them in any way.
Alicia: Yeah that’s such a nice feeling.
Alicia: Looking ahead, do you have any upcoming releases or projects we should be excited about? Can you share any details or sneak peeks?
Kelsey: Yes! I have an upcoming EP coming out soon in the next couple of months, and it's going to be my first debut EP!
Alicia: Yay!! The songs you performed at the event, is that going to be on the EP?
Kelsey: Yeah. The two unreleased songs I performed will be on the EP!!
Alicia: Are there any collaborations you're currently working on or would love to do in the future?
Kelsey: So I’ve been collaborating with a Korean producer. His name is Dept.
Alicia: Oh my god yes I saw that!!
Kelsey: Yes!! We released a couple songs in the past and maybe some in the future. I collaborated with some other artists that I can't talk about yet, but maybe I’ll share it in the future. But with people I hope to collaborate with, well, I just like working with talented musicians.
Alicia: How would you describe the music you’re making now compared to when you first started?
Kelsey: So I was really inspired by Disney Channel and acoustic pop, so everything was on my guitar. It was just me and my guitar. But now that I've met so many talented producers and musicians, I think my music has grown—through tracks, through writing, and everything!
Alicia: What are some of the most important messages or feelings you hope to convey through your music in the next phase of your career?
Kelsey: I hope people who listen to my music can feel like, if they can relate [to it], hopefully they can be comforted by my music or feel inspired by my music. If not, they can just vibe with my music.
Alicia: As an artist, what’s been the most challenging part of navigating the music industry for you?
Kelsey: I think the most challenging part is meeting new people because I'm a pretty introverted and shy person. So it's pretty hard to get to know strangers and step out of that comfort zone. It’s really important to meet new people in the music industry.
Alicia: I felt that, I feel you, I understand you!
Kelsey: Yeah it’s hard.
Alicia: It is! That's what I still struggle with, but I feel like as I'm doing this, you just get better.
Kelsey: Yeah you’re doing great!
Alicia: Oh thank you! You’re doing great too!
Alicia: I wouldn’t even have guessed that you were introverted. When we first met, you were a little shy but so am I, so I thought it was normal *laughs*
Kelsey: *laughs* We’ll warm up together!
Alicia: The industry is constantly changing. How do you stay adaptable and continue to grow as an artist while maintaining your individuality?
Kelsey: It's important to adapt with the industry, but I think at the end of the day, I like to stay true to myself and remember what my purpose was when I started music.
Alicia: What advice would you give to other young musicians who are just starting out? What do you wish you knew when you were first getting into music?
Kelsey: I think my advice is don't compare yourself to others, your peers, your friends. Although I'm still kind of working on that myself, I think it's a really important lesson I've learned.
Alicia: As the new year just began, what are some of your biggest goals for 2025—both professionally and personally?
Kelsey: So in 2025, I'd like to write more music for others and for myself maybe release a few more songs after that EP, maybe do a couple of shows.
Alicia: Where do you see your music career in the next few years? Are there any specific milestones you're aiming for?
Kelsey: I think in the next few years, hopefully, I'm writing for a variety of people and for myself. Hopefully, I'm having a successful music career, releasing songs, you know, doing cool visuals, and performing.
Alicia: Yes we need more shows !!!
Alicia: Are there any dream venues or cities you’d love to perform in? What’s your ultimate performance goal?
Kelsey: So in 2024, the summer of 2024, I did a couple performances in Asia and it was so fun. So I'd love to go back to Asia to do more performances!
Alicia: Do you have any long-term aspirations outside of music, such as starting a business or other creative projects?
Kelsey: I’d love to travel and have fun!!
Alicia: What’s your dream destination?
Kelsey: Hawaii!
Alicia: What would you consider to be the ultimate achievement in your music career? Is there a moment you envision that would mark your success?
Kelsey: I don't think there's a moment that marks my success because music is like a never-ending journey.
Alicia: Is there a particular genre or style of music you haven’t explored yet but would like to experiment with in the future?
Kelsey: I think what'd be really fun just for fun is if I experimented with hip-hop. I think that maybe I won't be the best at it, but it'll be fun!
Alicia: Yeah you should do it! I fully support 100%
Alicia: What’s something most people don’t know about you? Maybe a fun fact or something surprising that shapes who you are as both an artist and a person.
Kelsey: So some people might know this but I think a lot of people don't; I have these neighborhood cats that I take care of. There’s like seven of them right now. I feed them every day and I play with them. It started during the pandemic, like one cat came. I wasn't a cat person. I was a dog person, and then this cat came up to me. I started feeding it, and then another cat came, and then another cat came, and then like by the time you know it, I'm a cat person. Yeah, and I'm feeding all these cats.
Alicia: Have you considered keeping one or two?
Kelsey: So I live at home and my parents are allergic. So unfortunately it doesn’t work out.
Alicia: Oh no
Alicia: For anyone new to your music, what do you hope they take away from your songs and the stories you tell through your music?
Kelsey: I hope people who listen to my music can feel inspired to chase their dreams and feel comfort while listening to my music and vibe.
Alicia: Then as an artist, what would you like people to think when they hear the name Kelsey Kuan?
Kelsey: I’d like them to think ‘oh this is a very unique, true to herself artist’
Alicia: Yes!!!
Alicia: Ending the interview off, would you like to say anything to the people who listen to your music?
Kelsey: Yes, so to everyone who's been listening to my music, following my journey or anyone who's just came along and left or just popped in, thank you everyone for following my journey and listening to my music. I'm so grateful to every single one of you and hope you can follow me forever!
Alicia: Yes! Thank you!!!
