Ian Kelly has just released not one, but two new albums. Fifteen years after the opus Speak your mind who introduced him to us, the singer-songwriter is releasing his first full-length album in French The cloudsas well as Speak your mind again, an orchestral version of his album was certified gold in 2008.
Ian Kelly is not idle: in addition to raising four children aged 18, 15, 8 and 5, the self-taught musician composes, produces and plays the works of various artists in his studio and takes care of the Morin-Heights Superfolk Festival he founded 7 years ago and has his own label: Sunset Hill Music.
His two new albums were born in that community spirit that hasn't left the 44-year-old artist since he left town to settle in Morin Heights in 2009.
It must be said that the surroundings of this community in the Laurentians are known as a meeting point for numerous singers, producers and musicians who take advantage of the tranquility of the surrounding nature to recharge their batteries while being involved in their community.
Human encounters
Ian Kelly admits: For him, music is the best excuse to create and experience human encounters. “Music is about making contacts,” says the singer, who only realized after some time that he didn’t find happiness on stage.
“Of course I like going to people, but with a gang. Being alone on stage made me afraid. It took me 20 years to figure this out. I like interacting with people, but the pressure of selling tickets, promoting, all that was difficult,” he admits.
Two years ago he sang his songs in an orchestral version with around ten musicians for a few performances at the Gesù Church in Montreal. Then he wanted a project that would allow him to work with all these wonderful people again. The 15th anniversary of his album Speak Your Mind seemed like the perfect excuse.
“I was tempted to do it and I think that should dictate what we do in music. It all started with the joy of working with them. I gave them carte blanche and had confidence because these people around me elevated what I was already doing. And then doing something we love together, what better could you ask for?” says the proud father of Mahika, 18, who sings with him on the album.
Ready for French
As for his first official album in French (there have already been singles and EPs), Ian Kelly says he is ready for it.
“I think I found my sound in French. I felt creative. I wanted to surprise myself, to surpass myself,” explains the man who offers eleven pieces in the language of Molière, including the first two excerpts already made available to the public: Les entêté.es and Vie en video.
“I really like the definition of success that says success is found more in the human experience than in the song itself,” the artist continues, proud of his life choices over the past few years.
“I stopped drinking 20 years ago and found some balance with my wife and children. I have a quality of life that is not just based on my music, but that allows me to make the music I want to make.”
-The albums The clouds And Express your opinion again by Ian Kelly can be found on the platforms.