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glitteryvKelela is a 41-y.o., Ethiopian-American, openly queer singer and songwriter whose music and MVs make you PAY ATTENTION. Her discography is described as "alternative R&B". She has a wonderful voice that's v. much suited for the sultry tones within the R&B genre, but she also tends to add a twist here and there when it comes to the melodies. And so, listening to her songs becomes an EXPERIENCE.
If I were asked what kind of music she puts out, I'd call it Grown-Up Genre. There's a v. specific level of maturity in her lyrics, melodies, and overall presentation that is meant to be enjoyed by ADULTS. Which is not to say that younger (25 and under) ppl won't like her music; they certainly might.
HOWEVAH, I feel that folks with some more life experience bet to appreciate Kelela's songs a lot more.
I don't think the MV for "Frontline" was the first one of hers I saw, but it's deffo an extremely memorable one. It's v. trippy.
Trigger/Content warnings: Some dizzying angles due to the graphics, themes of infidelity and some light drug usage (pot)
"On The Run" is the song where the beat lures you in and then things get a bit interesting. An entry from 2022 and working with Canadian DJ BAMBII (who is the driver in the MV), this is one of those songs that is enhanced by the MV. Not that the storyline makes a lot of sense, but you also might not mind that.
Trigger/Content warnings: the camera moves a LOT (sideways, upside down, in circles, etc.); tons of flashes (that resemble lightning) throughout; many fast cuts between the Kelela in the car and the Kelela who is dancing; dancing!Kelela is giving the illusion of being fully nude (she isn't, she's wearing body tape in an artsy form. Think Leeloo from The Fifth Element); car headlights glares throughout.
2023's "Enough for Love" is, like the previous songs, abt broken hearts and trying to find a way to reconnect. It's also the PERFECT EXAMPLE of what I meant when I said that Kelela's music is for adults. This is the kind of song you put on at 11 p.m. regardless of it being a weeknight or not. I can't explain it any other way. :P
There's an earthiness and carnaliy between both song and MV. Filmed in Rio di Janeiro, Brazil, Kelela's vibe pulls you IN. I especially like the last 30 seconds as the MV ends with her riffing in a beautiful way.
Content warnings: Scenes of simulated heavy foreplay.
IIRC, "LMK" was the first of her songs I ever heard. I was probably like 20 seconds in and wanting to know WHO IS THIS WOMAN?! and then I watched the MV and FELL IN LURVE. Arguably her most popular song (despite it dropping back in 2017), "LMK"'s whole vibe ("are we DTF or not? (Literally) Let Me Know so I can move on if nothing is gonna happen between us" is the whole point of this tune) is refreshing AF.
Trigger Warnings: A TON OF CAMERA MOVEMENT. This is an MV to avoid if you get queasy easily. Also, lots of strobe lights and fast cuts.
Ending my ode to Kelela's, well, EVERYTHING with another 2023 song "Contact". First of all, the 90s house/jungle melodies gave me chills (and I say that as someone who is mostly neutral-to-meh abt house music and all of its derivatives.) Then there are the lyrics (which urge the listener to let loose and have a good time, stay up all night partying it up). And, finally, Kelela sounds GREAT (as expected, hehehe.)
THEN THERE'S THE MV. Goodness gracious! Starting with the FACT that the first wig Kelela wears is the exact hairstyle I wore all through the 1990s (hahahah).
In additon, a lot of the clothing reminded me of stuff I either wore or saw other ppl wear around 1996-1998. Finally, there's the whole vibe of "getting ready to go clubbing"--which included trying on clothes, calling up friends to plan and pregame, etc. I mean, back in the 1990s I was going to goth and alternative clubs til 5-7 a.m., but it's all the same as in the MV, LOL. I was in my early 20s by the mid-1990s, but I'd say that even folks who were maybe 16 y.o back then would find some (all?) of the things in this song and MV familiar. Especially if you lived in the US back then, IJS.
This, just like the rec I gave right before this one, is the most ideal combination of sound and visuals.
Trigger/Content warnings: Many fast cuts (some which include some distortion); handheld camera shots; at one point, Kelela is walking around while wearing a see-through top with no bra; there's a slow scene of Kelela taking a shower that includes sideboob.
If I were asked what kind of music she puts out, I'd call it Grown-Up Genre. There's a v. specific level of maturity in her lyrics, melodies, and overall presentation that is meant to be enjoyed by ADULTS. Which is not to say that younger (25 and under) ppl won't like her music; they certainly might.
HOWEVAH, I feel that folks with some more life experience bet to appreciate Kelela's songs a lot more.
I don't think the MV for "Frontline" was the first one of hers I saw, but it's deffo an extremely memorable one. It's v. trippy.
Trigger/Content warnings: Some dizzying angles due to the graphics, themes of infidelity and some light drug usage (pot)
"On The Run" is the song where the beat lures you in and then things get a bit interesting. An entry from 2022 and working with Canadian DJ BAMBII (who is the driver in the MV), this is one of those songs that is enhanced by the MV. Not that the storyline makes a lot of sense, but you also might not mind that.
Trigger/Content warnings: the camera moves a LOT (sideways, upside down, in circles, etc.); tons of flashes (that resemble lightning) throughout; many fast cuts between the Kelela in the car and the Kelela who is dancing; dancing!Kelela is giving the illusion of being fully nude (she isn't, she's wearing body tape in an artsy form. Think Leeloo from The Fifth Element); car headlights glares throughout.
2023's "Enough for Love" is, like the previous songs, abt broken hearts and trying to find a way to reconnect. It's also the PERFECT EXAMPLE of what I meant when I said that Kelela's music is for adults. This is the kind of song you put on at 11 p.m. regardless of it being a weeknight or not. I can't explain it any other way. :P
There's an earthiness and carnaliy between both song and MV. Filmed in Rio di Janeiro, Brazil, Kelela's vibe pulls you IN. I especially like the last 30 seconds as the MV ends with her riffing in a beautiful way.
Content warnings: Scenes of simulated heavy foreplay.
IIRC, "LMK" was the first of her songs I ever heard. I was probably like 20 seconds in and wanting to know WHO IS THIS WOMAN?! and then I watched the MV and FELL IN LURVE. Arguably her most popular song (despite it dropping back in 2017), "LMK"'s whole vibe ("are we DTF or not? (Literally) Let Me Know so I can move on if nothing is gonna happen between us" is the whole point of this tune) is refreshing AF.
Trigger Warnings: A TON OF CAMERA MOVEMENT. This is an MV to avoid if you get queasy easily. Also, lots of strobe lights and fast cuts.
Ending my ode to Kelela's, well, EVERYTHING with another 2023 song "Contact". First of all, the 90s house/jungle melodies gave me chills (and I say that as someone who is mostly neutral-to-meh abt house music and all of its derivatives.) Then there are the lyrics (which urge the listener to let loose and have a good time, stay up all night partying it up). And, finally, Kelela sounds GREAT (as expected, hehehe.)
THEN THERE'S THE MV. Goodness gracious! Starting with the FACT that the first wig Kelela wears is the exact hairstyle I wore all through the 1990s (hahahah).
In additon, a lot of the clothing reminded me of stuff I either wore or saw other ppl wear around 1996-1998. Finally, there's the whole vibe of "getting ready to go clubbing"--which included trying on clothes, calling up friends to plan and pregame, etc. I mean, back in the 1990s I was going to goth and alternative clubs til 5-7 a.m., but it's all the same as in the MV, LOL. I was in my early 20s by the mid-1990s, but I'd say that even folks who were maybe 16 y.o back then would find some (all?) of the things in this song and MV familiar. Especially if you lived in the US back then, IJS.
This, just like the rec I gave right before this one, is the most ideal combination of sound and visuals.
Trigger/Content warnings: Many fast cuts (some which include some distortion); handheld camera shots; at one point, Kelela is walking around while wearing a see-through top with no bra; there's a slow scene of Kelela taking a shower that includes sideboob.
