What’s your stage name and where are you from?
My stage name is Kelbs, and I’m from the Valley, UK.
What’s the story behind your stage name?
The story behind my stage name is as simple as KELBS is what everyone already calls me. So why change it?
Describe your musical journey in three sentences.
When I was younger, my mum always listened to music, so it became my escape method. Maybe that was the same for her. I used to sit in my bedroom writing songs about my week or even about my year and perform them to my siblings, who never hesitated to give me their brutally honest opinions. I used to zone into 2Pac & Biggie more than anything else. I personally loved the way they could write their life in a story-type way but still make it a radio hit, which was always a big inspiration for me. Fast forward to now, I’ve recorded three tracks—”Hoods Hottest,” “Selfish,” and one waiting to be released, “Make a Change.” And making a change is exactly what I intend to do.
Share an interesting experience you had while creating your latest track.
When I created “Hoods Hottest” and “Selfish,” it was all completely new to me, and it kinda made me feel uncomfortable—not because I didn’t think I had it, but more because it was a big change for me. Then, when I went back to the booth to record “Make a Change,” I went in more confident and with a better understanding of how I wanted my next track to sound. So I delivered this with conviction!
What message do you want to convey through your music?
Do what you have got to do to survive and make a change.
Tell us about a challenge you faced during production and how you overcame it.
To go from someone who is not used to making music professionally to then being in a position where I’m going into a studio was a challenge in itself. The way I chose to overcome this was by finding the right support system and staying focused on the end goal.
If you could collaborate with any artist, who would it be and why?
2Pac, but I wasn’t born in the right generation for that. Central Cee or Aitch.
Where do you see your music taking you in the next year?
I see my music opening doors I’ve only ever dreamed about and putting the Valley on the musical map.
What’s the next big step for you as an artist?
Making a music video.
Where can we hear/watch your most recent work?
SoundCloud, and it will be available on all other streaming platforms in the near future.
What is the best way to contact you if fans want to give feedback or if other artists/producers want to collaborate?
Email: Kelbiehiggins@outlook.com
Instagram: @X4kelbie20
Big love 🍾💜