Kelsey Blackstone is an award-winning soulful pop sensation hailing from Boston who’s earned recognition from prestigious institutions such as the United Nations since graduating from Berklee College of Music. In her music, Kelsey fuses synths with heartfelt songwriting, chanelling the spirit of the 70s while wrapping her sound with contemporary energy and passion.
Her live performances are legendary, dazzling audiences with her vibrant stage presence and infectious energy that invites listeners to dance and groove along with her. Playing renowned venues such as New York City’s Mercury Lounge and Boston’s Club Passim, Kelsey has a natural gift for delivering unforgettable performances whether accompanied by her seven-piece band or performing solo on piano.
In 2021, she captured her sound in the studio and released her debut single “Lay You Down” and has since shared a string of well-received singles while collaborating with artists such as Garrett Goodwin and Jason LaPierre. Now bringing us her latest release, she shares her brand new single with a live version of “Leaving Boston.”
This poignant track reflects on Kelsey’s six and a half years spent in the city of Boston, a place that’s profoundly shaped her personal and artistic journey. Despite bidding farewell to Boston, the song’s message of gratitude and new beginnings is sure to connect with anyone undergoing a major life transition.
Eschewing the shine and decoration of modern production, Kelsey opted to capture a minimal arrangement of piano and vocals, resulting in an intimate and truly charming sound. Brought in by delicate piano plinks as Kelsey’s elegant voice glides among the notes to weave blissful stitches of melodic thread through the heartwarming musical fabric.
Building with subtly lively performance on the keys, her vocals rise with gracefully deliver poignant storytelling lyricism via a perfect blend of gentleness and impact. Stripping everything back on this dazzling live recording, “Leaving Boston (Live)” presents a singer-songwriter with her instrument doing what she does best, serving up a sensational sonic experience via exquisite vocals and musicianship flair.
On her new single, Kelsey shares, “This song is about what it feels like to move to a new place to chase a dream, and to leave who and what you love behind to do so. It’s a bittersweet feeling where you’re grateful for everything that you’ve experienced in the old place, but excited and confident about where this new place is leading you.”
Listen to Leaving Boston (Live) below
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