KELELA IN CONCERT:
Alt-R&B game changer [I think no hyphen?] Kelela became an overnight critical darling in 2013 with the release of her debut mixtape Cut 4 Me. The record served as the perfect introduction for the young singer's boundary-pushing vocals, featuring contributions from some of hip hop and R&B's most forward-thinking -- and sounding -- producers. At her live performances Kelela's strikingly original melodies and acrobatic voice are matched only by her next-level fashion sense, making for an unforgettable concert experience that's both sonically and visually on-point. Her association with LA label Fade to Mind and reputation for playing ultra-hip underground parties have further added to her aura of cool, making her live show one of the hottest tickets in R&B music.
BACKGROUND SNAPSHOT:
D.C.-born, Maryland-raised Kelela Mizanekristos began singing while attending American University, performing jazz standards at nearby clubs and cafes. After graduating she continued to expand her range as a vocalist with stints in an indie band and a progressive metal outfit, but by the time she relocated to Los Angeles in 2010 she had settled on a unique R&B-influenced sound. After spending several years making a name for herself with underground performances, Kelela linked up with production duo Teengirl Fantasy who featured her as a vocalist on their 2013 album Tracer. She followed up with the track "Bank Head", a critically acclaimed collaboration with rising LA producer Kingdom. In late 2013 she made her official debut with the mixtape Cut 4 Me, a futuristic collection of tracks that landed on numerous year-end lists and drew praise from luminaries like Bjork and Solange Knowles. As one of the most buzzworthy new artists to enter the alt-R&B fray in recent memory, Kelela has ticket buyers eagerly awaiting the chance to catch her on tour.
