Berlin-based singer-songwriter, AKA KELZZ has set a precedent with their latest release: ‘The Drama Series’ – an audio TV show. A DIY bedroom production, the EP explores a journey of thoughts and feelings people “may have been hiding from”. A gentle start with the first track – ‘Intro’, the subtle mixture of neo-soul and a chill groove whisks audiences through AKA KELZZ’s internal challenges and personal battles. Tickling your senses with an uplifting resolution, the body of work encompasses influences from artists such as Erykah Badu, Jill Scott and India Arie.
‘The Drama Series’ was produced by talented and multi-instrumentalist Rafa Mura, igniting multiple collaborations since October 2020. Rafa Mura has continued to push boundaries and expand the sound of AKA Kelzz, whilst continuing to create the deep and impactful messages to share with their audiences. A producer and close friend, the partnership was a shining light moment when Kelzz started to sink into their own sound. Using basslines and percussion that give listeners a hug, Kelzz dominates with a voice that makes you listen.
Congratulations on the release of ‘THE DRAMA SERIES’ – how’s the release gone so far?
The EP has seriously been a whirlwind of success and has been received even more and better than I could have imagined. From an idea created in my bedroom with Rafa Mura, to now being shared with people all over the world, it’s just so wild and I couldn’t be happier!
Can you tell us more about the artwork for the body of work?
The artwork is one of my own creations which I am really proud of!. I recently began drawing and quickly found my own style of art, by creating faces in this very strange but intriguing way. And the cover art I feel encapsulates the ep so much, as this project is very multi-layered, I wanted to create a cover art that also takes you through many different feelings and emotions and felt these images showcase that and also me as someone who is constantly working on themselves but it is also very chaotic at the same time!
What’s your favourite track on the EP? Why?
My favourite track would have to be Spiritual healing, because this song was created out of pure desperation and frustration of continually being violated and treated like crap, that I finally took a stance and said I am living my life FOR ME and only me! I don’t want to have to be broken down to cared for, and happy all the time for people to see me but just sit in the fact that this is my life, and I will do what I want to do but also for people that look like me to be empowered and to find their community, be uplifted and given the softness and care that they so rightly deserve.
You’re based in Berlin now, but what’s your background – how did you end up in such a creative hot spot?
So originally I am from Birmingham,UK and decided to move to Berlin in 2017 after many trips and friends. It was just the perfect move. Actually my friend at the time said to me “If you are going to work a shitty job there, you can work a shitty job here” and that was all the encouragement I needed. Initially I moved with no plan and just thought I would figure it out, then the pandemic hit and thats when I decided to learn to produce my own music and thats how i created my first two singles, TAKE ME BACK & F**KS US UP and connected with my friend and producer Rafa Mura and seriously the rest is history!
Who’s your biggest influence on a day to day basis?
On a day to day basis I would have to say my dad because he is literally my biggest fan! He is always right behind me and pushes me to not doubt myself and continue going bigger and better. I also think about how he came to the UK from Jamaica in the 80s and how hard it was for him, and that just makes me want to make him even more proud of me but also that he created such a vibe of kid!!!
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