Photo credit: Sebastian Garcia
Following the release of her latest single 'Soft Eyes' we caught up with US electropop artist Kel Adore to find out more about what influences her eclectic sound. If you enjoy Kel's picks be sure to check out 'Soft Eyes' at the end of the article.
1. "Chemical" - Post Malone
"This is one of those songs I could listen to over and over again without ever getting sick of it. The melodies, the lyrics, and the imagery all work together to really stick with you. Post Malone has honed his craft so intentionally, and it's a true skill to create a song that lets you into his mind while simultaneously providing avenues to your own personal experiences. I've actually started to cover this one more frequently in my live shows because I've found it brings such a fun yet real energy to my show."
2. "Mile Away" - Nicky Youre
"I've been loving this new track from Nicky Youre, and it's no surprise I count it as an inspiration since his drummer, Free Arlo, co-wrote and produced my latest track "Soft Eyes". Nicky has a freeness about him that makes anything he touches feel like summer, and Arlo has an equal talent of infusing that lightness into music. I'm a hopeless romantic, so I really relate to lyrics "I know I'm headed for the heart break, I see the writing on the wall" but then goes on to say "I don't wanna make a mistake, I think I wanna make 'em all" and "I'm insane for thinking that I could survive the fall." To me it's about going all in when you feel a spark. About not being afraid to let go and be vulnerable, even when you know you might get hurt. I'm the type of person where I'd rather go all in and see what happens than never try at all."
3. "Cinderella" - Remi Wolf
"When I hear this song it immediately makes me want to get up and dance. It's catchy and unapologetic and confident. Songs like this remind me to take risks as an artist and be true to myself, which is something I think Remi Wolf does really well. I also love little surprising production touches like the whistle blowing and the chimes. I believe that attention to detail can make or break a song. The first time I heard this song I was driving on PCH and I couldn't help myself from rolling my windows down and turning the speakers up louder. You know a song is good when you can just sit back and take it in with the present moment."
4. "Vicious" - Sabrina Carpenter
"I've admired Sabrina Carpenter for years, and it has been so special as a fan to see her grow over time. This song is, in my humble opinion, one of the most underrated songs on her last album "emails i can't send". It strikes a balance between playful yet painfully honest. Her simple delivery of the line "why ya gotta be so... vicious?" captures how I sometimes feel navigating the music industry when dealing with unreasonable people. The change up in the production at the bridge slaps you in the face and expertly drives the point home as she finally lets her emotions run loose. Sabrina is both creative and consistent, but songs like this show she is still full of surprises."
5. "Good Things Fall Apart" - ILLENIUM, Jon Bellion
"One of my all-time favorites. I've been a huge fan of Jon Bellion since 2015, and this collaboration with ILLENIUM just hits you right in the heart. The story telling drops you right in the middle of the scene as if you're in a movie with a camera following the events of the lyrics. I love the use of the acoustic guitar combined with wild and exploding synths. They strike a clever balance between seemingly incompatible instrumentation... and yet it works. Jon is one of my top inspirations due to his ingenuity and songwriting, and records like this remind me why I got into music myself in the first place."
Listen to Kel Adore 'Soft Eyes'