From the Stage to the Soul, The Journey of Music Artist Astra Kelly

Some artists choose music, while for others, music chooses them. For Astra Kelly, the path was clear from childhood. At just five years old, while roller skating in a basement, she confidently told a friend, “I’m going to be a singer someday.” That dream never wavered.

Starting with piano lessons at age eight, Astra immersed herself in music throughout her youth. Her father, a guitarist and singer, became her earliest duet partner. By 14, she was writing songs, though, in her words, “they weren’t really any good, but I was just following my heart.” By 15, she joined her first band. At 18, she picked up the guitar, and shortly after high school, she found herself in The Junction, a band with serious momentum. That led her to Chicago, where she truly stepped into her role as a professional musician.

The Road Less Traveled: An Independent Path

The music industry is a labyrinth, and navigating it is no small feat. Astra Kelly entered the business in an era before social media, when record labels held the keys to an artist’s success. Live music was thriving, albums were selling, and new artists had a shot. But after experiencing the industry’s darker side early on, she made a defining decision, to stay independent.

Without the major label machine, she had to find her own way. That meant hustling hard, playing in multiple bands, doing session work, backing vocals, teaching vocal lessons, working in recording studios, and even stepping into radio and TV. The digital age brought even more challenges, as streaming replaced album sales, and artists were forced to become content creators rather than just musicians.

Yet, despite the hurdles, she carved out a career, a testament to pure passion and resilience.

Ask any musician, and they’ll tell you, there’s nothing like a live performance. For this artist, her most unforgettable moment came when she took the stage at the Cubby Bear in Chicago, opening for a major band. With 1,000 people in the audience, she felt a surge of energy like never before.

“It felt totally natural and exhilarating,” Astra recalls. “I remember walking off stage feeling like I’d arrived… like this was the beginning of something huge.”

Her voice carries echoes of Janis Joplin, Fleetwood Mac, Heart, and Aretha Franklin, artists who shaped her sound. But the inspiration to pursue music wasn’t a choice, it was fate.

Beyond music, her parents played a pivotal role. They encouraged her to follow her dreams but also instilled a crucial lesson: “Be a musician, be a songwriter, but you have to make money.” That mindset has been a cornerstone of her career, understanding that music is also a business.

Beyond the Music, Giving Back & A New Chapter

Her artistic spirit extends beyond music she’s also the voice of Melvin, a street cat turned advocate. Through @something_about_melvin on Instagram, she educates and entertains, raising awareness for street cats and animal adoption.

Her journey also led her to Arizona, though the road there was deeply personal. When the pandemic hit, her mother was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. She left her home in San Diego to care for her, dedicating everything to her mother’s final years.

After her mother’s passing in 2021, she found herself adrift, uncertain of the future. To heal, she embraced a nomadic life, RVing full-time, hoping to reconnect with her creativity. It worked. That journey led to her latest album, “Soul Fires”, a project born from grief, discovery, and renewal.

Arizona, particularly Bisbee, became her new home, a quirky, artistic community that resonated with her spirit.

The Future of an Artist

For the first time in a long time, she’s allowing herself to just love music again. The industry has changed, now it’s about followers, views, and virality. But she’s focusing on what truly matters, writing, performing, and connecting with audiences.

“It’s a lot of pressure we artists put on ourselves,” Astra admits. “We don’t always feel good enough or successful enough. Now, we’re content creators, not just musicians. But I’ve rediscovered my love for music, for music’s sake.”

With short tours in the works and a deepening connection to Arizona’s music scene, she’s embracing the next chapter on her own terms.

Advice for Young Artists

For those looking to follow in her footsteps, Astra Kelly offers wisdom hard-earned through experience:

“Do it for the love of music, unless you’re serious about making it a career. If you are, diversify. Use all your talents to create value. You have the world at your fingertips, so find a clever way to engage people on social media. And above all practice your craft always.”

From a five-year-old with a dream to a seasoned artist still forging her own path, Astra Kelly’s story is one of resilience, reinvention, and an unbreakable love for music. No matter where the industry shifts, one thing remains certain, the fire still burns.

From the pages of the UCW Magazine: Penned by Louis Velazquez