Stacey Kelleher, an interview
Photo by Lindsey Patkos
Nashville-based singer-songwriter Stacey Kelleher recently landed on our radar with her newest single, “Overcommitted,” which is “an anthem for all the type A, afraid to say no folks out there.” So when we asked her for an interview, she, of course, had no choice but to say yes.
UpToHear: You’re currently based in Nashville. Is that where you’re from originally?
Stacey Kelleher: No, I’m originally from New Hampshire - my family is from right outside of Boston and I was born and raised about two hours north.
UTH: When we think of Nashville, we picture an extremely competitive music scene, but mostly because we’ve seen too many movies. What’s it like in real life?
SK: There’s definitely a lot of talent, that’s for sure! But everyone is so kind and supportive and it feels a lot more like a community than a competition. That’s a huge part of what I love about Nashville - everyone wants to help each other out and lift each other up.
UTH: Speaking of movies, what’s your favorite rainy-Sunday-afternoon kind of film?
SK: Call it cliché but I love The Notebook - it gives all the cozy rainy vibes. I go back and watch it every few years - I’m definitely one for an emotional rollercoaster of a movie! Probably makes sense since I'm a songwriter and artist.
UTH: You recently sent us “Overcommitted,” a fine example of modern indie pop. Do you feel that the previous success with your Songs So Far EP has applied any pressure for this single to do better than a track like “Worst Case Scenario” or “Thing of the Past?” Or are you more about making music for the sake of making music, and letting the chips fall where they may?
SK: Thanks so much for the kind words and for checking out my previous releases, I really appreciate that! I think definitely the pressure was on, but I think a lot of, if not all of that pressure I put on myself. I always want my next releases to be bigger and better than the last, and I’m definitely a perfectionist, so I spent a lot of time editing with my co-producer Alex Fansel and making sure that the final mix was perfect. I sent him so many notes and we went through several mixes before finally settling on the one that’s out. But at the same time, making and recording music and writing songs is such a cathartic process for me and my songs often detail personal experiences, so no matter what, I always want to stay authentic to myself and make sure it feels like 100% me.
UTH: Is “Overcommitted” going to be part of a larger body of work?
SK: Yes, it is! I’ve got a few more singles on the way in the next few months and “Overcommitted” among those singles will all be featured on an EP, which is set to be released in the fall.
UTH: You’ve been inspired by both Holly Humberstone and Phoebe Bridgers. Which would you rather perform with?
SK: Oooof. That’s such a hard question! I love them both but I think I would have to say Holly Humberstone because I think sonically my music is more of a fit with her, yet we’re also definitely super different at the same time. I think I draw more inspiration songwriting-wise from Phoebe Bridgers, and when it comes to production, I think it might not make total sense for me to open for her. Which breaks my heart to say because if I ever did, that would be a dream gig!
UTH: Since we’re talking about performing, what’s your gig situation? Solo or full band? And are you planning a tour?
SK: I do both, depending on the room! In Nashville, I’ve been doing a ton of full-band shows and recently when I’m on the road, it’s more of a stripped back solo or duo set. And yes, I am planning a couple of tours! I’ll be doing a run through the Midwest at the end of April, which will finish in Nashville, and then a New England run over the summer. It’s always nice to go back home and play at venues where I used to see concerts when I was growing up.
UTH: Do you have a favorite guitar?
SK: I love my Larrivée D series acoustic - I purchased it from a local music shop in New Hampshire about 6 years ago and I’ve played hundreds of shows with it. The low end is so beautiful and full, even when it’s not plugged in, and it’s got a beautiful bright tone to it.
You can check out Stacey’s music wherever music is available, including Spotify:
-TM