We’re looking forward to introducing you to Kelsey Wilson. Check out our conversation below.
Good morning Kelsey, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Outside of the mundane, answering emails, work calls, and running the sets of my bands, I’ve found joy in re learning classical guitar. I studied classical guitar most of my youth, partially in college, and up until my rock n roll awakening sometime in my 20’s. Once in the live music setting and joining traveling bands, the busy life it leads while also working in the service industry, I couldn’t find the time to sit back and practice something other than what was in front of me. A couple years ago, I dug up some old sheet music, and bought work books of classical composers I enjoyed and began setting time aside to re learn this joy. Sometimes there’s nothing better than sitting at home with a classical guitar, playing old works that hold such emotion. Whenever I complete a piece, even an easy one, slow and emotive, I feel at peace.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hello all, I am Kelsey Wilson, guitarist, touring musician and traveler. I have two projects I work with, first Temptress, a heavy alternative rock, metal, psych rock group consisting of 3 members, all of which are now spread across the country. We’ve toured the nationally for the last 4 years, through the DIY circuit, molding friendships across the country, we recently dipped our toes into Canada for the first time, and in 2026 we will be venturing into Europe for the first time. We’re signed to Blues Funeral Record Label that was announced earlier this year(2025), and we will be releasing our second album, “Hear” on this label in 2026.
I also have a second group I work with called Slumbering Sun, from right here in Austin. If you are privy to the Doom Metal or Heavy Music scene in Austin you may have heard of the other groups that form Slumbering Sun. Touring veterans and fellow road dogs, Destroyer of Light, and Austin local favorites Monte Luna. Together, we’ve made some beautiful music, heavy and sappy, emo-doom if you will. We have also toured across the United States and our second album, “Starmony” came out earlier this year placing no. 10 on the Doomcharts of May.
Aside from creating and playing in both of these bands, I am involved in booking tours, finding art, whatever it is we need to do to keep the ball rolling and keep us out on the road. Being involved in a working band takes a lot of time, whether it behind the computer making it all happen or in the practice room. The most interesting and time consuming part of life has been booking a DIY tour, finding promoters or other bands that are willing to bring you into their community all for the love of good music and friendship. I’m grateful to be learning and putting my knowledge to fruition.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
Open lines of communication. I’ve learned that relationships suffer when the lines of communication are broken, whether you’re withholding because of fear or personal beliefs, I’ve found its better to just break down the walls and talk about whats going on. Communicating is a two way street, what heals broken relationships is talking about them. Sprinkle in some open minded attitude with love and most issues can be resolved.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
“You’re good at guitar. Don’t ever tell yourself different, or let the world make you believe different.” Seldomly anyone every told me that I wasn’t good enough, it was mostly me telling myself this at a young age. If I saw anyone better than myself, I’d immediately go into a spiral of “well, I’m not them” in a negative sense. I think in the beginning it hindered me from my potential, discouraged my own self. Sometimes the negative approach did push me to practice more, but more often than not, in my early years of playing, talking like that to myself made me put everything down and do something else. Later on I learned not to say those things, and rob myself from the real joy of life – playing guitar.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I’m committed to the discovery of self! And, I know it will take a life time. I think we all are doing this in some way or another, as it is as close to the meaning of “living” I can think of. Living and changing in a every morphing world, going along for the ride but finding a moral place to sit in stillness, to find who you are at your core being. This project of self discovery can be directly related to my music projects. Learning new music for potential solo acoustic gigs, learning new licks and technical skills to bring into new music, learning the in’s and out’s of booking to keep live music alive! There’s so much to learn that can apply to a traveling musicians life, as well as growing into a more well rounded player. If you have a dream or a goal, always make room for yourself to go beyond your goal. Lets say, if I ever stop making music and playing live music, consider me defeated.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. When do you feel most at peace?
As of late, the daily 30 minute yoga routine I’ve been building over the summer. The time doing that, stretching and giving my body the love and attention it needs, that is where I’ve found peace. The 20 minutes of bliss after I’m done with the session, gives me a brief reprise from the chaos swimming in consciousness and the world around me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://temptressofficial.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/temptressofficial/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/temptressdfw
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@temptressofficial
- Other: SLUMBERING SUN LINKS
https://linktr.ee/slumberingsun
https://www.instagram.com/slumbering_sun/
https://www.facebook.com/slumberingsun
Image Credits
First picture solo image – Amy Seymour
Picture 4 on group – @igotherebybike
Picture 7 on group – The Metal Witch
