Kelli Blanchett is a rising alt-folk singer-songwriter hailing from Corby and now based in London. Her music dives deep into personal narratives, exploring the disabled experience, friendship, love and the emotional ebbs and flows of life. Known for her long-time collaboration with pop artist Self Esteem, Kelli is forging her own path with her raw and heartfelt storytelling.
After taking most of 2024 out while her chronic illness took its toll, Kelli channeled that experience into her new five-track EP, Casual Dining. “I had to start living life in a completely different way, and this record is a break-up with the old version of me,” she shares. The EP is thematically rich, grappling with isolation, being stuck both physically and mentally, and navigating the memories of what once was. “I became really ill, and my life changed dramatically. I felt embarrassed about not doing the same things as everyone else, about possibly being left behind,” Kelli reflects. Ultimately, Casual Dining is a break-up record, not with a partner, but with her old self, embracing acceptance and the messy road to self-discovery.
Reflecting on its sonic direction, Kelli notes, “I love 70s singer-songwriters like Linda Ronstadt, James Taylor, and Gram Parsons, and I knew that’s the world I wanted these songs to live in.” Minimalist yet powerful, the EP blends organic, plucky guitars, spine-tingling string arrangements, Wurlitzers, and flute organs. “I wanted plush, mournful strings, punchy organs, and vocals that feel raw and close. I also wanted it pared back and unfussy, just honest and direct,” she says. The result is a soulful blend of alt-folk and Americana, where Kelli’s vocals ooze with emotion, filling each lyric with genuine soul and heart.
Focus track “Hiding in Plain Sight” was written during a period of turmoil. The songwriter shares, “I used to have an old friend who, one day, suddenly disappeared on me, cut all contact with everyone out of nowhere. It was a time when I was really ill myself, and this song was born out of this complex bundle of feelings: sad that I didn’t know what that friend was going though, frustrated because I was going through my own stuff and that they weren’t there for me, and overall just stuck with not knowing.” It’s a song about the complexity of friendship, and a reminder that each life is as full and contradictory and confusing as the next. Sonically, “Hiding in Plain Sight” has an Americana sound, with prominent slide guitar, and spine-tingling harmonies. Although lyrically centered on loneliness, the instrumentation and stacked vocals make it burst with life and soul.
With a growing fanbase, Kelli’s journey is picking up momentum—she sold out her EP listening party in 48 hours, performed at Royal Festival Hall, and supported Self Esteem at the Eventim Apollo. Twice named BBC Introducing’s Artist of the Week, and featured on Channel 4’s Big Mood, Kelli’s artistry is resonating far and wide. “If my music can inspire anyone feeling lost to say, ‘It’s okay to be where I am,’ then that’s enough,” Kelli concludes.