Every once in a while an artist comes down the turnpike that merits serious attention not only from fans of popular music, but from music critics alike. Justyna Kelley’s stunning debut recording, “Over The Moon,” instantly establishes Kelley as a major contender for Best New Artist honors and the top of the Pop and Country music charts.
Justyna Kelley is a 23 year-old Nashville born and Los Angeles based singer/songwriter best described as lying comfortably along the Sheryl Crow, Kelly Clarkson and Taylor Swift continuum. She manages to reach beyond her good looks with hooks that deliver the goods across a broad range of radio formats, including: Pop, Country, Americana and Adult Contemporary music. The daughter of songwriter/recording artist, Irene Kelley (Alan Jackson, Trisha Yearwood), Kelley has crafted an "old school" album that harkens back to the 70’s heyday of Joni Mitchell at her finest, circa “Blue” and “Court and Spark.”
Produced by David Kershenbaum (Tracy Chapman, Joe Jackson) in Los Angeles and Kevin Killen (U2, Peter Gabriel, Shawn Colvin) in New York, Kelley's production team, augmented by her manager and co-producer, Guy Eckstine, delivers a well thought out debut, with songs that are easy on the ears and pull heavily on the heart.
The multi-format album features both solo songwriting and collaborations between Kelley and a host of hit-making songwriters from Los Angeles, Nashville and NYC, including: Diane Warren, Rand Bishop, Phil Galdston and Irene Kelley, among others. Newly signed artists, Paul Freeman (Arista) and Kyler England of The Rescues (Universal/Republic), are guest vocalists and co-writers on the record, along with a host of session luminaries from both coasts including: Omar Hakim (Madonna, David Bowie) and Rachel Z (Peter Gabriel).
Highlighted by pop gems, “Over The Moon," “Once In A While” and the Diane Warren penned, “Life’s Like That," Kelley soars above the tracks with lush vocal harmonies surrounded by rich sonic textures, which all fit nicely into the contemporary pop music realm. Kelley is not one to compete with the nondescript stylings that inhabit the orbit of the American Idol star-making machinery. She goes much deeper than that with themes of love gone wrong on the mountainous “Stay,” featuring Paul Freeman, and the whimsical “Shoulda Known,” featuring Kyler England. Not afraid to rock out or display her Nashville roots, Kelley channels Shania Twain on the aggressive “Pushover," sends you soaring on the irresistible "The One I Love," and ventures uptown on the Motown-inspired groove of “Have You Seen Him?”
The delicate balance between artistic depth and pop success is a tightrope act that Kelley navigates quite nicely. Two of the album's standout tracks, “Sorry” and “Emily,” were recorded in an acoustic setting with strings, acoustic bass and percussion. It is on these tracks that Kelley shows her maturity as an artist beyond her years. “Sorry” reveals Kelley in a contrite state of mind, lamenting over broken promises, misunderstanding and, ultimately, forgiveness. The album closes with “Emily,” a haunting vocal refrain about the “other” woman, who Kelley cannot seem to get out of her dreams nor her “worried mind.” Guest violinist Jerry Goodman conjures up a stirring vision of “Emily,” dancing the night away without a care in the world.
Interestingly enough, Justyna Kelley’s debut, “Over The Moon,” manages to cross generational lines without pandering to any. Male and female fans of Joni Mitchell, John Mayer or Taylor Swift will all find something enjoyable on this record, more than likely finding themselves humming along to her melodies and even trying out a harmony or two. Thoroughly enjoyable!
Born and raised in Nashville, TN, and currently residing in Los Angeles, Justyna Kelley was exposed to the charm and allure of the music industry from day one. While growing up in “Music City” as the daughter of renowned singer/songwriter and recording artist Irene Kelley, musical visitors and impromptu jam sessions at home were always the norm. From an early age, Justyna was encouraged by both her parents to pursue her natural gift for singing, performing and songwriting. When Justyna ecstatically received her first guitar for Christmas at age nine, she realized that this was not only her calling, but a deep and heartfelt passion that she would pursue naturally, fearlessly and without compromise.
By her senior year in high school, Justyna began to take the craft of songwriting more seriously. Intent upon writing more proficiently and wanting to actively pursue co-writing opportunities with other like-minded songwriters in Nashville, Justyna was earnestly able to hone her songwriting skills and create a body of work that continued to grow exponentially. Justyna became even more skilled in guitar and piano as her reverence for musical icons such as Joni Mitchell, Patti Griffin, James Taylor and The Beatles continued to inspire her. Justyna attended college at The University of the South, where she became a member of the University Jazz Band and joined a local rock group that performed around campus.
In December 2005, Justyna moved to New York City to study music and theatre as part of her college curriculum. Upon her arrival, she quickly found herself performing as an off-Broadway actor and singing in clubs around Manhattan. It was during that year in New York that Justyna began working in the studio with music business veterans, Charles Koppelman, Joel Simon and Guy Eckstine. During the rest of her college years, and between studies, Justyna also toured with Irene Kelley as a back-up singer, often opening the show with a set of original compositions. One of her fondest and most formative musical memories is of headlining venues around the US with her mother and opening for such luminaries as: Jackson Browne, Emmylou Harris and Jonathan Edwards.
After graduating Summa Cum Laude from The University of the South, Justyna moved to Los Angeles to carve out a career in the music business. In 2008, working under the tutelage of co-producer and manager Guy Eckstine, Justyna embarked on an ambitious and creative journey that has led to the completion of her very first album, “Over The Moon.” With legendary record producers, David Kershenbaum and Kevin Killen at the helm, and songwriting collaborations with such hit-makers as Diane Warren, Phil Galdston, Irene Kelley and Rand Bishop, Justyna’s artistic visions have been fully realized on her breathtaking debut.
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Hope you're doing well - just stopping by to say hello and wish you and yours the absolute best! Have a great week and thanks for letting me be a friend!
Hi Justvna, Thats a Lovely name. Thanks for the add, you have got a great sound, very orignal and very well done. If you have time check out my song (How Can I) it needs lyrics but tell me what you think of it
Thanks for the ad! Enjoyed listening to your music - great Tunes! If you have a chance give us a listen and a comment of what you think of our songs. Glad to make your cyber-acquaintance! Cheers! Eddie.
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