Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelsi Beaver.
Hi Kelsi, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
Three years ago, I left my hometown of Baton Rouge, LA to pursue a life that reflected my values and passions and one that I would feel proud enough to call my own. While caring for my granny in 2018, one night I had a dream that I built a bed in my car and left home to go play music. I awoke thinking about how strange of an idea that was but couldn’t shake the thought. I decided to sketch it out and within 2 weeks that strange dream became a reality. A bed now lay in place of my back seats, shelving was installed to house only essential things and what I couldn’t fit, I got rid of. I only had $50 left to my name so my parents gave me enough to get to Colorado, and I have been on my own since. Now, I’ve traveled to 10 states, performed at over 150 open mics, and played shows all across the U.S. I even started my own clothing line “You’re Enough” that was inspired by my dear friend Kim who passed away from suicide in 2012. I wanted to find ways to challenge myself, to grow and honor the people I love. And for me I am able to express those feelings through my music and my art.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I think no matter what you choose to do in life, the road is never smooth. There were times when I was stranded in unfamiliar places with no food, gas, or cell service, nights I have slept in extreme weather conditions, and months of trying to fight loneliness, depression, and the nagging voice in my head telling me to give up.
It can be hard traveling around and not knowing anyone, but there is something also liberating about it. Having freedom to roam, explore and meet new people brought a newfound joy to my life. I feel like these experiences gave me a different perspective, not only on life but on myself. Things I thought I could never do nor survive, I did. And although it wasn’t always easy or glamorous, it was memorable. I will carry those stories and lessons with me forever.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a singer-songwriter and musician. My genre fits mostly in a Pop/Soul category; however, it has also become its own thing. Because most of what I have learned musically is self-taught, I have created my own way of playing the guitar that has a very percussive, multi-instrument style. Melodically, I tend to steer more towards recurring, catchy pop sounds because of their high-energy, fun, and hopeful feeling. Music for me has always been therapeutic and cathartic so when I write, it’s about things I have experienced or people I have met along my journey. My songs are like tiny time capsules or pages from my journal that I share with others.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
The most important thing I have learned is that you have to believe in yourself, enthusiastically and unapologetically. As hard as it can be, sometimes you just have to go for it! Know your worth before anyone else does, be your biggest fan. You have to be willing and able to put in a lot of time and trust into your craft. And in order to fully achieve your goals, you have to believe that you are capable of doing it.
Contact Info:
- Email: kelsi_music@yahoo.com
- Website: www.kelsimusic.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelsi_music/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kelsimusic
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/kelsimusic
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-726199324
Image Credits
Hollyn Beaver Photography
Boweana’s Lens
