August 4, 2025 • 19 mins
Join us for an inspiring conversation with Kelly Alayna on the Christian Music Bro podcast. Kelly shares her journey from her early days in music to her current solo career, highlighting her experiences in worship and Christian country music. Discover the story behind her latest single "Purpose," and how it serves as an anthem for believers stepping out in faith. Kelly also opens up about her move from Georgia to Tennessee, the challenges of balancing family life, and the importance of community and support systems. Don't miss this heartfelt episode filled with music, faith, and personal growth. #ChristianMusic #KellyAlayna #Podcast #interview #Christianmusicbropodcast #ccm
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:01):
This is the Christian Music Bro podcast. We have had
Kelly here before. Kelly was on the Christian Music feature
Landscape episode at the end of last year. So if
you were watching and you're still following my channel to
this date was at the end of twenty twenty four.
It was Kelly, Elena, Jordan Blaine, and many other artists.
It was a great episode. I recommend checking it out
if you're wonder what the future state of Christian music
(00:23):
looks like and like just hear what we think about.
And then we also did an interview with her in
February of twenty twenty four. That was a long time ago, Kelly.
Speaker 2 (00:32):
Gosh, it doesn't seem that long, but it really.
Speaker 1 (00:34):
Was about a month and I mean not a month,
a year and a half ago. Yeah, But Kelly, it's
great to see you back on the podcast.
Speaker 2 (00:43):
Dude, it's good to be here.
Speaker 1 (00:45):
Kelly. Can you tell us little bit about your music background.
I know you've discussed this a little bit last time
we met on the podcast, but just for any new
faces or returning faces, I just want to re like
a refresher.
Speaker 3 (00:56):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (00:56):
Absolutely, I've been doing music my whole life.
Speaker 3 (01:00):
I have videos of me singing when I'm three four
years old. I started picking out of the piano around
five or six years old. My mom put me in
pane lessons and I did piano all the way through
middle school. I believe, played in church, loved it, and
I was in band. I played flutes. I did band
in college. I traveled all over I joined a worship team,
(01:27):
I got married, joined a worship team in Panama City, Florida,
and I met my duo partner that I was a
part of for eight years, Corey. We were part of
Corey and Kelly, and we did worship, CZM music, Christian country,
all those sorts of things. And then we went our
separate ways in twenty twenty three and I started my
solo career as Kelly Lena and my husband and my
(01:47):
family we moved up.
Speaker 2 (01:48):
Here to Murphysbury, Tennessee.
Speaker 3 (01:50):
And I've just been plugged into Nashville and just saying
yes to whatever God has for me. I've been writing
music myself for about eight plus two in ten years
something like that, And yeah, I just love music. I
can't imagine not living a life without music, you know, right.
Speaker 1 (02:08):
And you were in Georgia before this, If I remember
it aren't you. Yes, how is it moved from gen Tennese. Like,
it's not like a massive I mean it's kind of
a massive move, but it's not you We're going to
go in like up like a couple of states. But
I know someone like Grace Graber who's moved from Oregon
to Nashville. But like, how was to move? Like I know,
like sometimes like you have younger kids too, and younger kids,
(02:29):
like really are we moving?
Speaker 2 (02:31):
Right? No? It was.
Speaker 3 (02:32):
It was pretty crazy. Actually, we lived in Georgia for
five years and that's actually my hometown. I'm from hazel Hurst, Georgia,
born and raised, and so we were there for five
years and then moved in December of this past year.
My husband actually moved ahead of us the October before that,
and it was in the middle of Hurricane Helene that
(02:54):
hit us, and like it devastated my town pretty much.
Speaker 2 (02:58):
There were trees.
Speaker 3 (02:59):
Everywhere, so, I mean, homes got damaged and it was
a crazy thing. And my husband moved in October and
the kids and I we were gonna wait until the
end of the school year. But after all that, God
told us, no, you need to pick up and go,
and we did and The kids started their new school
in January of this past this past January, I guess,
(03:20):
and I was worried about that because, yeah, like you said,
little kids, you know, they have established the friend.
Speaker 2 (03:27):
Group and they're comfortable.
Speaker 3 (03:29):
And my family was in Georgia and it was just
definitely plucking us out of our comfort zone. But I
prayed that God would show up, especially in their lives,
and he did. They've made friends, they've thrived in their school.
My daughter, she's going to eighth grade this upcoming year,
and that's like such an influential age, especially when you
take them and move them to a new situation and environment.
(03:52):
But she is thriving with music and learning new instruments.
My little boy, I call him a playground evangelists, Like literally,
he's going to are great this coming year. And he
walks around school and he'll ask the other kids do
they know Jesus And he'll just let them know his story.
Speaker 2 (04:08):
So I've been so proud of you.
Speaker 1 (04:10):
Kids are really special. I don't have any kids, but
I used to work with kids, and like I was
a caemic conser. I think I've brought it up on
this podcast once or twice, but kids are just a
great thing and like life should. I feel like a
lot of people, if you have kids, the life should
be involved with their loved ones, so like your kids
and your husband or wife. So I think that's really important.
Like family is really important, especially in the community like this,
(04:31):
because sometimes like for example for this podcast, like it
does get tough some time, and it's just good to
have like family to rely around, like when the seasons
get tough and hard, and it's just good. Yet the
big support with your kids and husband.
Speaker 2 (04:45):
Mm hmm. I'm so thankful for that.
Speaker 3 (04:47):
I have such a good support system between them, my
husband and my kids. They'll go if I'm singing somewhere,
they'll come along and they'll they won't complain. They love
it so much. And even my family got home in Georgia.
You know, if my husband and not even try somewhere,
my mom, my grandparents, they step up and they're like.
Speaker 2 (05:03):
Yeah, we'll keep the kids in the dog whatever you need.
So having a support system is very important.
Speaker 1 (05:07):
It's great. And if you don't have a support system,
sorry or hanging away from your interview time, but I
just find to make a public announcement. So sorry, But
if you don't have a support system. Try to get
involved in some community, even if it's a quilled kamil community,
or even if it's like a coffee community. If you
go to a coffee shop there's a wee community. Maybe
introduce yourself to a group of coffee Just try to
get some support system. You're not a loane in this world. Yeah,
(05:31):
even like church yards are gonna be another tim but
you're not a loan in this world. There's always people
to talk to. You might have to introduce yourself at start,
and that might be able to nerve wracking, but it
gets better. Trust me. You just released a new song
Purpose within the last few months. Can you tell us
a little bit about that project and what kind of
sparked the idea of it.
Speaker 2 (05:47):
Listen, I love the song so much.
Speaker 3 (05:50):
I've had it for gosh over happy year now and
I haven't gotten tired of it.
Speaker 2 (05:55):
God really blessed me with this song.
Speaker 3 (05:57):
I wrote it August of last year and are started
writing it and it really just came out of nowhere.
Like it's not my normal style. I'm usually country, you know,
based or whatever. But this pop and the rap that
was included with it, with this phenomenal artist Jordan Gatewood.
Speaker 2 (06:15):
He goes by the name of Jay Woods. It's just amazing.
Speaker 3 (06:18):
And I grew up listening to pop and some hip hop,
believe it or not, in R and B, and I
loved it. So it's really it's taken me back to
my roots doing this song. But I was also a
competitive sports player and I always needed that anthem song
to just get me hyped up for before a game.
(06:40):
And I really feel like that's what purpose does. It
really hypes up believers because we step out and faith
sometimes and we pursue God's calling on our lives.
Speaker 2 (06:50):
But the world has a.
Speaker 3 (06:52):
Fine way of just beating us down sometimes and it's
really frustrating and a lot of times me myself, you know,
I'm like, God, You've called me to do this, Why
is this so hard?
Speaker 2 (07:01):
Why am I hitting these walls?
Speaker 3 (07:03):
And what do I want you to do? Did I
hear you right? That sort of thing? And really that's
what purpose is about. You know. God gives us these
lessons to help us learn how to fulfill and to
walk in His calling and don't get discouraged. You know,
you can always reach out to God and you were
created for this moment. Fear is a liar all the things.
So this is really just a pump up song to
(07:24):
help other believers get encouraged and re energize them.
Speaker 1 (07:29):
And everyone should have added up to your pump up mix.
It's a really good song. I recommend it. I've been
following Kelly's journey a lot, especially since last time we
met her on this podcast, like we said in February,
so she's been putting a lot of singles. She's did
a worship cover album that if we have time, we'll
touch based on that. But you did a big worship
cover album earlier, like in March Wiz year. I think,
if I'm not mistaken, yes, you're absolutely right. And then
(07:51):
she released a song and take Me Back to Church
when Kelly was like writing a song, and Kelly kind
of touched a little bit like she was showing me
some ideas she had. So I recommend checking out that
song flash War. He's a freely purpose. Do you have
any other music planning to come out this year you
can talk about If not, I'll just back off like milk.
Speaker 2 (08:08):
No I do like I.
Speaker 3 (08:09):
Love talking about it. I've got a single that I
wrote several weeks ago. It's called Detour and I'm actually
recording vocals for that tomorrow with Walter Hollowell. He's a
phenomenal producer. I love working with him. I will put
ideas out, I'll create my own demos and I'll give
it to him and I'll say, hey, this is what
I want and i want it to sound like, for example,
(08:30):
a mixture between Toby Mack and Taylor Slut or whatever
it is, you know, and he'll chanelle at every time.
But yeah, I've got that. That's recording in the works.
It will be released probably sometimes fall, and then I've
had kind of a high demand for him album.
Speaker 2 (08:46):
I grew up on him. It's a small little Southern Baptist.
Speaker 3 (08:49):
Church, so I know pretty much all of them and
I do have some favorites. And so just like my
worship piano cover album that I put out, I want
to do another one but him, more hymn based, and
that'll be coming out soon whenever I start working on that.
But I have I've done three so far, so I'm
excited about that project.
Speaker 1 (09:07):
What have you learned during the season, like spiritually, creatively
or personally have you learned or anything in that time?
Speaker 3 (09:15):
Really just trying to hear God's voice, because a lot
of times the world's noise can be way louder than God.
Speaker 2 (09:23):
You know, he speaks in a still small voice. And
also a.
Speaker 3 (09:26):
Lot of times we like to question, you know, God,
is this really useful talking?
Speaker 2 (09:29):
Or is it? Are these my own adults?
Speaker 3 (09:32):
And the way I like to distinguish it is sometimes
I won't think like that, you know, and or I'll
get an idea that just popped out of nowhere and
I'm like, God, is that you? But there was a
season earlier this spring, I think, where I didn't really
have anything books out, Like my TikTok live ministry with
my husband, we love it.
Speaker 2 (09:51):
We go live.
Speaker 3 (09:52):
This past week we went live every night and I
think we're going to try to do that at least
an hour every night.
Speaker 2 (09:57):
I know it's late for the Eastern time zone people.
Speaker 3 (10:00):
We try to do it after our kids are in
bed so we don't miss out on, you know, any
family time or that sort of thing. But it's crazy,
Like lately we've had four to five hundred viewers every
time we've gone live, and that just blows my mind
that people are like listening to worship or singing in
prayer request or you.
Speaker 2 (10:16):
Know, we talk about our day, that sort of thing.
I love that.
Speaker 3 (10:19):
But I prayed one day I said, God, you know,
I love my online ministry that we have going on,
but if you want me to do this like I
need to be out live and in person. And so
I prayed that prayer and I said, God, please provide opportunities.
And man, my summer it took off. Like I always
doing songwriters rounds. I play at the Row in downtown
Nashville every Saturday right now from three to four. But
(10:40):
I'm just thankful, Like it's just a season of saying yes.
You know, whatever God sends my way, I say yes,
and I step out in faith, no matter if I'm
intimidated or nervous or whatever it may be. You know,
that's the only way you can grow in your calling
or in your purpose.
Speaker 2 (10:55):
Is to say yes.
Speaker 1 (10:56):
And I just want to say ad lib. I like
your hat collection behind.
Speaker 2 (10:59):
You, Oh thank you. Listen, I've got it. I'm in
my ball cap.
Speaker 3 (11:04):
Error. So it used to be like the country hats,
but now the ball caps are so easy, especially if
you wake up you're having a bad hair day or
you know whatever.
Speaker 2 (11:11):
They're just easy to just throw on. So I've started
my collection. Thank you.
Speaker 1 (11:15):
I have a half question too, I have like twenty
five hats or something.
Speaker 2 (11:19):
Oh gosh, I'm not there yet, but I'm.
Speaker 1 (11:20):
Getting there slowly, but it is very cool. And what
do you say to a younger version of yourself in
the music industry, Like, do you have like any wisdom
like that you would tell your younger self or you
would share with someone that wants to get started in
the music industry.
Speaker 3 (11:34):
You know what that is a good question. What I
would say is stay true to yourself. Research everything. Always Google, uh,
google people, google companies, google playlists. Like really, the way
I got to where I was is that would google
radio stations or you know, just trying to find out information.
(11:56):
Learn how to do so many things by yourself, because
if you can be health dependent on everything, putting out
your own video, your graphics, learning how radio works, if
you can build relations with radio stations and stay in
the word, because there's so many things that can come
your way that a lot of times this is the
enemy talking and if you don't know your scripture, you
(12:19):
don't have anything to fire back at those thoughts in
your head.
Speaker 2 (12:22):
But stay grounded.
Speaker 3 (12:24):
The biggest thing is though is to learn how to
be self dependent because you don't necessarily need a record
label these days, independent artists are on the rise and
really invest in things like TikTok or you know, build
your community, build your community, build your following and let
that kind of speak for itself. And it is a
slow process. You're not gonna have instant success, and you
(12:46):
can't get discouraged, and you will have the highs and
the lows. Like I experience a valley at least two
to three times a week, and my husband has it
taught me off the ledge, and I'm like, you know this,
this is the day that I go apply at McDonald's.
Speaker 2 (12:59):
You know, I can't I do.
Speaker 3 (13:00):
This full time, you know, and you can get scared
when you're dependent on Okay, I don't know what's going
to happen this week. You know, I put my music
out and nobody likes it. I'm terrible at this. You know,
those thoughts come. We'll bombard you if you're not just
grounded in the word, or you have your village to
help pray for you or encourage you or whatever it
may be.
Speaker 2 (13:20):
So hopefully that makes sense, and that's some advice.
Speaker 3 (13:23):
I would definitely tell my younger self or any other
artists that's looking to get into the industry.
Speaker 1 (13:29):
I think part of that goes I like di advice,
but and part of it is get to find a community,
like find a church, find a copy group, shop group,
or everything. Find your community. And if you build a community,
they can help you in your ministry as well.
Speaker 3 (13:43):
Yes, and also if you're going you know, the artist
or even the songwriter side of things, really connecting with
those other artists and songwriters that were going through the
same thing, because a lot of the feelings that you're
having is not just you, like everybody else is feeling
the same thing, and so if you're able to bounce
that off of each other, you'll definitely feel better about yourself.
Speaker 1 (14:02):
What's next for you? We kind of talked a little
bit about the projects side, like that you're having the
new songs coming out and you want to make a
hymn album. Do you have like any tours or dreams
you hope to chase in the next like year or.
Speaker 3 (14:11):
So, man, I would like, I don't know, I'm always
like nervous about tours, Like I would love to go
on tour. I would really love to open for Crowder, Like,
I'm putting that out there and I'm praying that if
that's something God wants to happen, that it will happen,
even it was just for a small show. What I mean,
there's not a small show for Crowder. But you know
(14:32):
what I mean, I am, just like I said, just
saying yes to whatever God then's my way. I don't
know what that looks like. And I'm just grateful for
every day. I'm grateful for every opportunity that comes out
my way.
Speaker 2 (14:45):
So we'll see.
Speaker 1 (14:46):
I went the one on to acoustic Story coming Jason Gray.
That was a really cool experience. If you ever to
check that out, that's awesome.
Speaker 2 (14:52):
You know, I've heard Jason Gray stuff on. I think
what is it the message?
Speaker 1 (14:56):
Yeah?
Speaker 2 (14:56):
Are serious?
Speaker 3 (14:57):
One of those where he has those you know stories
time coffee.
Speaker 1 (15:01):
Yeah, that one of those recordings.
Speaker 2 (15:03):
I love those. Those are so interesting to me.
Speaker 1 (15:05):
Yeah, that's very cool. What's a worship song you wish
you wrote? I'm just curious, like everyone has a favorite
worship song and you and I did to worship piano alum.
I just want to do there's a favorite when you
wish you wrote, or or if you don't know if
it's not when you wish you wrote, what's one you
wish you? I don't know how to say that performed it?
I guess no.
Speaker 3 (15:26):
I definitely wish I wrote I Speak Jesus Charity Girl,
because I love that one and that I always have
to do that one every TikTok live, especially when there's
a lot of prayer requests flooding in as we're doing this,
I will sing that song and in between the verses,
I will just pray over everybody in the in the chat,
everybody that has brought a worship, and you could build
(15:48):
the Holy Spirit even through the screen like I always
let get tangled or something, you know, when I know
the Holy Spirit's working. And so that song is just
so powerful because you're literally speaking Jesus over every situation
in circumstance.
Speaker 2 (16:03):
And that's that's a great song.
Speaker 1 (16:05):
It is a good song and my personal one. I'm
just going to offlick what you said. I like Abandoned
by Benjamin William Hastings.
Speaker 2 (16:11):
Ah, yeah, that's a good one too. I like that one.
Speaker 1 (16:14):
That's a good one. And speaking of charity, get on,
benjam William Hastings. They are going to tour together, So
check out that tour. I'm just punishing in some Christian
news in here for fun too in the middle of it,
because if it just comes relevant to what we were
talking about. So go check out that tour. I don't
know the dates. I know it's only like six shows,
but Josh Baldwin's gonna be out there too, I think,
And I think Phil Wick almost saw your name. If
(16:35):
I'm not mistaken, it's like the joy FM Happy Tour
or whatever.
Speaker 2 (16:37):
That's awesome.
Speaker 1 (16:38):
I'd like to give you the floor to speak about anything.
I know there's a lot of things that have changed
in your life recently without that, but we talked about
a lot of those. Is there anything I missed that
has since we met back in twenty twenty four that
you want to add that we haven't talked about.
Speaker 3 (16:52):
No, I guess really, just if you are someone who
has been reserved, you know, or you think just let
my song purpose. If you think you're doing what God's
called you to do, but you feel something else in
your heart, maybe it's a dream, maybe it's something that
you're scared to do. Don't don't be scared, because you
will never be truly satisfied and you will never receive
(17:14):
all one hundred percent blessings if you stand in a
comfort zone.
Speaker 2 (17:17):
Because you know, when I was in my duo.
Speaker 3 (17:19):
Corny Kelly, it was great, like we did exactly what
God has called us to do in that season, and.
Speaker 2 (17:25):
I felt like I was doing what I was supposed
to be called to do.
Speaker 3 (17:28):
And so whenever we separated, I was devastated and I
was like, God, you know, where do I go?
Speaker 2 (17:33):
And I wrote a song about it, where do I
go from here?
Speaker 3 (17:36):
But now two years into it, I realized that God
had so much more that I didn't even know. Like
I thought I was good, but this has changed me
and turned me into a different person, and I'm more
bold and I'm able to step out and pray over
people or speak, you know, things that I was nervous about.
I was okay with just stand and letting her lead.
(17:56):
But now that I'm able to fully depend on God
because I have nobody us a leane onto, It's changed
my life. So if you're scared you haven't stepped outside
of your comfort zone, but that.
Speaker 2 (18:06):
You know you were supposed to do it, do it now.
Speaker 1 (18:10):
Kelly. It was nice to sit down with you again
with the new improved show. I'm excited to see what's
next in your life. That your new chapter has been
exciting since like we met the last time too.
Speaker 2 (18:19):
So yeah, I'm excited about you. You got a lot
happening too. You're rocking it over there.
Speaker 1 (18:24):
I feel like we both ignore in this industry now
like come back flat story. You're like, like a lot
has changed for both of us in the past year,
but this was more about you than me, so we're
not going to talk about by for joining again today,
I appreciate it. Yeah, thank you, And remember for those
who are watching this podcast to like follow the subscribe
to the channel, also follow Kelly's channel. We'll be posting
on a lot of reels of this interview with Kelly on
(18:46):
our social media page, so you can find that. When
she gets tagged, you can follow her there. You can
also look she just woke her up as Kelly Aline
the music and she check her TikTok lives out. I
promise you I won't fall suit during one again.
Speaker 2 (18:58):
But I like to think that we're just singing people
to sleep.
Speaker 1 (19:02):
So I mean, who needs Bob Ross when you have
Kelly and.
Speaker 2 (19:06):
Luna, Like there you go. I don't know if that's
a compliment or a hate but I'll take it.
This is the Christian Music Bro podcast. We have had
Kelly here before. Kelly was on the Christian Music feature
Landscape episode at the end of last year. So if
you were watching and you're still following my channel to
this date was at the end of twenty twenty four.
It was Kelly, Elena, Jordan Blaine, and many other artists.
It was a great episode. I recommend checking it out
if you're wonder what the future state of Christian music
(00:23):
looks like and like just hear what we think about.
And then we also did an interview with her in
February of twenty twenty four. That was a long time ago, Kelly.
Speaker 2 (00:32):
Gosh, it doesn't seem that long, but it really.
Speaker 1 (00:34):
Was about a month and I mean not a month,
a year and a half ago. Yeah, But Kelly, it's
great to see you back on the podcast.
Speaker 2 (00:43):
Dude, it's good to be here.
Speaker 1 (00:45):
Kelly. Can you tell us little bit about your music background.
I know you've discussed this a little bit last time
we met on the podcast, but just for any new
faces or returning faces, I just want to re like
a refresher.
Speaker 3 (00:56):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (00:56):
Absolutely, I've been doing music my whole life.
Speaker 3 (01:00):
I have videos of me singing when I'm three four
years old. I started picking out of the piano around
five or six years old. My mom put me in
pane lessons and I did piano all the way through
middle school. I believe, played in church, loved it, and
I was in band. I played flutes. I did band
in college. I traveled all over I joined a worship team,
(01:27):
I got married, joined a worship team in Panama City, Florida,
and I met my duo partner that I was a
part of for eight years, Corey. We were part of
Corey and Kelly, and we did worship, CZM music, Christian country,
all those sorts of things. And then we went our
separate ways in twenty twenty three and I started my
solo career as Kelly Lena and my husband and my
(01:47):
family we moved up.
Speaker 2 (01:48):
Here to Murphysbury, Tennessee.
Speaker 3 (01:50):
And I've just been plugged into Nashville and just saying
yes to whatever God has for me. I've been writing
music myself for about eight plus two in ten years
something like that, And yeah, I just love music. I
can't imagine not living a life without music, you know, right.
Speaker 1 (02:08):
And you were in Georgia before this, If I remember
it aren't you. Yes, how is it moved from gen Tennese. Like,
it's not like a massive I mean it's kind of
a massive move, but it's not you We're going to
go in like up like a couple of states. But
I know someone like Grace Graber who's moved from Oregon
to Nashville. But like, how was to move? Like I know,
like sometimes like you have younger kids too, and younger kids,
(02:29):
like really are we moving?
Speaker 2 (02:31):
Right? No? It was.
Speaker 3 (02:32):
It was pretty crazy. Actually, we lived in Georgia for
five years and that's actually my hometown. I'm from hazel Hurst, Georgia,
born and raised, and so we were there for five
years and then moved in December of this past year.
My husband actually moved ahead of us the October before that,
and it was in the middle of Hurricane Helene that
(02:54):
hit us, and like it devastated my town pretty much.
Speaker 2 (02:58):
There were trees.
Speaker 3 (02:59):
Everywhere, so, I mean, homes got damaged and it was
a crazy thing. And my husband moved in October and
the kids and I we were gonna wait until the
end of the school year. But after all that, God
told us, no, you need to pick up and go,
and we did and The kids started their new school
in January of this past this past January, I guess,
(03:20):
and I was worried about that because, yeah, like you said,
little kids, you know, they have established the friend.
Speaker 2 (03:27):
Group and they're comfortable.
Speaker 3 (03:29):
And my family was in Georgia and it was just
definitely plucking us out of our comfort zone. But I
prayed that God would show up, especially in their lives,
and he did. They've made friends, they've thrived in their school.
My daughter, she's going to eighth grade this upcoming year,
and that's like such an influential age, especially when you
take them and move them to a new situation and environment.
(03:52):
But she is thriving with music and learning new instruments.
My little boy, I call him a playground evangelists, Like literally,
he's going to are great this coming year. And he
walks around school and he'll ask the other kids do
they know Jesus And he'll just let them know his story.
Speaker 2 (04:08):
So I've been so proud of you.
Speaker 1 (04:10):
Kids are really special. I don't have any kids, but
I used to work with kids, and like I was
a caemic conser. I think I've brought it up on
this podcast once or twice, but kids are just a
great thing and like life should. I feel like a
lot of people, if you have kids, the life should
be involved with their loved ones, so like your kids
and your husband or wife. So I think that's really important.
Like family is really important, especially in the community like this,
(04:31):
because sometimes like for example for this podcast, like it
does get tough some time, and it's just good to
have like family to rely around, like when the seasons
get tough and hard, and it's just good. Yet the
big support with your kids and husband.
Speaker 2 (04:45):
Mm hmm. I'm so thankful for that.
Speaker 3 (04:47):
I have such a good support system between them, my
husband and my kids. They'll go if I'm singing somewhere,
they'll come along and they'll they won't complain. They love
it so much. And even my family got home in Georgia.
You know, if my husband and not even try somewhere,
my mom, my grandparents, they step up and they're like.
Speaker 2 (05:03):
Yeah, we'll keep the kids in the dog whatever you need.
So having a support system is very important.
Speaker 1 (05:07):
It's great. And if you don't have a support system,
sorry or hanging away from your interview time, but I
just find to make a public announcement. So sorry, But
if you don't have a support system. Try to get
involved in some community, even if it's a quilled kamil community,
or even if it's like a coffee community. If you
go to a coffee shop there's a wee community. Maybe
introduce yourself to a group of coffee Just try to
get some support system. You're not a loane in this world. Yeah,
(05:31):
even like church yards are gonna be another tim but
you're not a loan in this world. There's always people
to talk to. You might have to introduce yourself at start,
and that might be able to nerve wracking, but it
gets better. Trust me. You just released a new song
Purpose within the last few months. Can you tell us
a little bit about that project and what kind of
sparked the idea of it.
Speaker 2 (05:47):
Listen, I love the song so much.
Speaker 3 (05:50):
I've had it for gosh over happy year now and
I haven't gotten tired of it.
Speaker 2 (05:55):
God really blessed me with this song.
Speaker 3 (05:57):
I wrote it August of last year and are started
writing it and it really just came out of nowhere.
Like it's not my normal style. I'm usually country, you know,
based or whatever. But this pop and the rap that
was included with it, with this phenomenal artist Jordan Gatewood.
Speaker 2 (06:15):
He goes by the name of Jay Woods. It's just amazing.
Speaker 3 (06:18):
And I grew up listening to pop and some hip hop,
believe it or not, in R and B, and I
loved it. So it's really it's taken me back to
my roots doing this song. But I was also a
competitive sports player and I always needed that anthem song
to just get me hyped up for before a game.
(06:40):
And I really feel like that's what purpose does. It
really hypes up believers because we step out and faith
sometimes and we pursue God's calling on our lives.
Speaker 2 (06:50):
But the world has a.
Speaker 3 (06:52):
Fine way of just beating us down sometimes and it's
really frustrating and a lot of times me myself, you know,
I'm like, God, You've called me to do this, Why
is this so hard?
Speaker 2 (07:01):
Why am I hitting these walls?
Speaker 3 (07:03):
And what do I want you to do? Did I
hear you right? That sort of thing? And really that's
what purpose is about. You know. God gives us these
lessons to help us learn how to fulfill and to
walk in His calling and don't get discouraged. You know,
you can always reach out to God and you were
created for this moment. Fear is a liar all the things.
So this is really just a pump up song to
(07:24):
help other believers get encouraged and re energize them.
Speaker 1 (07:29):
And everyone should have added up to your pump up mix.
It's a really good song. I recommend it. I've been
following Kelly's journey a lot, especially since last time we
met her on this podcast, like we said in February,
so she's been putting a lot of singles. She's did
a worship cover album that if we have time, we'll
touch based on that. But you did a big worship
cover album earlier, like in March Wiz year. I think,
if I'm not mistaken, yes, you're absolutely right. And then
(07:51):
she released a song and take Me Back to Church
when Kelly was like writing a song, and Kelly kind
of touched a little bit like she was showing me
some ideas she had. So I recommend checking out that
song flash War. He's a freely purpose. Do you have
any other music planning to come out this year you
can talk about If not, I'll just back off like milk.
Speaker 2 (08:08):
No I do like I.
Speaker 3 (08:09):
Love talking about it. I've got a single that I
wrote several weeks ago. It's called Detour and I'm actually
recording vocals for that tomorrow with Walter Hollowell. He's a
phenomenal producer. I love working with him. I will put
ideas out, I'll create my own demos and I'll give
it to him and I'll say, hey, this is what
I want and i want it to sound like, for example,
(08:30):
a mixture between Toby Mack and Taylor Slut or whatever
it is, you know, and he'll chanelle at every time.
But yeah, I've got that. That's recording in the works.
It will be released probably sometimes fall, and then I've
had kind of a high demand for him album.
Speaker 2 (08:46):
I grew up on him. It's a small little Southern Baptist.
Speaker 3 (08:49):
Church, so I know pretty much all of them and
I do have some favorites. And so just like my
worship piano cover album that I put out, I want
to do another one but him, more hymn based, and
that'll be coming out soon whenever I start working on that.
But I have I've done three so far, so I'm
excited about that project.
Speaker 1 (09:07):
What have you learned during the season, like spiritually, creatively
or personally have you learned or anything in that time?
Speaker 3 (09:15):
Really just trying to hear God's voice, because a lot
of times the world's noise can be way louder than God.
Speaker 2 (09:23):
You know, he speaks in a still small voice. And
also a.
Speaker 3 (09:26):
Lot of times we like to question, you know, God,
is this really useful talking?
Speaker 2 (09:29):
Or is it? Are these my own adults?
Speaker 3 (09:32):
And the way I like to distinguish it is sometimes
I won't think like that, you know, and or I'll
get an idea that just popped out of nowhere and
I'm like, God, is that you? But there was a
season earlier this spring, I think, where I didn't really
have anything books out, Like my TikTok live ministry with
my husband, we love it.
Speaker 2 (09:51):
We go live.
Speaker 3 (09:52):
This past week we went live every night and I
think we're going to try to do that at least
an hour every night.
Speaker 2 (09:57):
I know it's late for the Eastern time zone people.
Speaker 3 (10:00):
We try to do it after our kids are in
bed so we don't miss out on, you know, any
family time or that sort of thing. But it's crazy,
Like lately we've had four to five hundred viewers every
time we've gone live, and that just blows my mind
that people are like listening to worship or singing in
prayer request or you.
Speaker 2 (10:16):
Know, we talk about our day, that sort of thing.
I love that.
Speaker 3 (10:19):
But I prayed one day I said, God, you know,
I love my online ministry that we have going on,
but if you want me to do this like I
need to be out live and in person. And so
I prayed that prayer and I said, God, please provide opportunities.
And man, my summer it took off. Like I always
doing songwriters rounds. I play at the Row in downtown
Nashville every Saturday right now from three to four. But
(10:40):
I'm just thankful, Like it's just a season of saying yes.
You know, whatever God sends my way, I say yes,
and I step out in faith, no matter if I'm
intimidated or nervous or whatever it may be. You know,
that's the only way you can grow in your calling
or in your purpose.
Speaker 2 (10:55):
Is to say yes.
Speaker 1 (10:56):
And I just want to say ad lib. I like
your hat collection behind.
Speaker 2 (10:59):
You, Oh thank you. Listen, I've got it. I'm in
my ball cap.
Speaker 3 (11:04):
Error. So it used to be like the country hats,
but now the ball caps are so easy, especially if
you wake up you're having a bad hair day or
you know whatever.
Speaker 2 (11:11):
They're just easy to just throw on. So I've started
my collection. Thank you.
Speaker 1 (11:15):
I have a half question too, I have like twenty
five hats or something.
Speaker 2 (11:19):
Oh gosh, I'm not there yet, but I'm.
Speaker 1 (11:20):
Getting there slowly, but it is very cool. And what
do you say to a younger version of yourself in
the music industry, Like, do you have like any wisdom
like that you would tell your younger self or you
would share with someone that wants to get started in
the music industry.
Speaker 3 (11:34):
You know what that is a good question. What I
would say is stay true to yourself. Research everything. Always Google, uh,
google people, google companies, google playlists. Like really, the way
I got to where I was is that would google
radio stations or you know, just trying to find out information.
(11:56):
Learn how to do so many things by yourself, because
if you can be health dependent on everything, putting out
your own video, your graphics, learning how radio works, if
you can build relations with radio stations and stay in
the word, because there's so many things that can come
your way that a lot of times this is the
enemy talking and if you don't know your scripture, you
(12:19):
don't have anything to fire back at those thoughts in
your head.
Speaker 2 (12:22):
But stay grounded.
Speaker 3 (12:24):
The biggest thing is though is to learn how to
be self dependent because you don't necessarily need a record
label these days, independent artists are on the rise and
really invest in things like TikTok or you know, build
your community, build your community, build your following and let
that kind of speak for itself. And it is a
slow process. You're not gonna have instant success, and you
(12:46):
can't get discouraged, and you will have the highs and
the lows. Like I experience a valley at least two
to three times a week, and my husband has it
taught me off the ledge, and I'm like, you know this,
this is the day that I go apply at McDonald's.
Speaker 2 (12:59):
You know, I can't I do.
Speaker 3 (13:00):
This full time, you know, and you can get scared
when you're dependent on Okay, I don't know what's going
to happen this week. You know, I put my music
out and nobody likes it. I'm terrible at this. You know,
those thoughts come. We'll bombard you if you're not just
grounded in the word, or you have your village to
help pray for you or encourage you or whatever it
may be.
Speaker 2 (13:20):
So hopefully that makes sense, and that's some advice.
Speaker 3 (13:23):
I would definitely tell my younger self or any other
artists that's looking to get into the industry.
Speaker 1 (13:29):
I think part of that goes I like di advice,
but and part of it is get to find a community,
like find a church, find a copy group, shop group,
or everything. Find your community. And if you build a community,
they can help you in your ministry as well.
Speaker 3 (13:43):
Yes, and also if you're going you know, the artist
or even the songwriter side of things, really connecting with
those other artists and songwriters that were going through the
same thing, because a lot of the feelings that you're
having is not just you, like everybody else is feeling
the same thing, and so if you're able to bounce
that off of each other, you'll definitely feel better about yourself.
Speaker 1 (14:02):
What's next for you? We kind of talked a little
bit about the projects side, like that you're having the
new songs coming out and you want to make a
hymn album. Do you have like any tours or dreams
you hope to chase in the next like year or.
Speaker 3 (14:11):
So, man, I would like, I don't know, I'm always
like nervous about tours, Like I would love to go
on tour. I would really love to open for Crowder, Like,
I'm putting that out there and I'm praying that if
that's something God wants to happen, that it will happen,
even it was just for a small show. What I mean,
there's not a small show for Crowder. But you know
(14:32):
what I mean, I am, just like I said, just
saying yes to whatever God then's my way. I don't
know what that looks like. And I'm just grateful for
every day. I'm grateful for every opportunity that comes out
my way.
Speaker 2 (14:45):
So we'll see.
Speaker 1 (14:46):
I went the one on to acoustic Story coming Jason Gray.
That was a really cool experience. If you ever to
check that out, that's awesome.
Speaker 2 (14:52):
You know, I've heard Jason Gray stuff on. I think
what is it the message?
Speaker 1 (14:56):
Yeah?
Speaker 2 (14:56):
Are serious?
Speaker 3 (14:57):
One of those where he has those you know stories
time coffee.
Speaker 1 (15:01):
Yeah, that one of those recordings.
Speaker 2 (15:03):
I love those. Those are so interesting to me.
Speaker 1 (15:05):
Yeah, that's very cool. What's a worship song you wish
you wrote? I'm just curious, like everyone has a favorite
worship song and you and I did to worship piano alum.
I just want to do there's a favorite when you
wish you wrote, or or if you don't know if
it's not when you wish you wrote, what's one you
wish you? I don't know how to say that performed it?
I guess no.
Speaker 3 (15:26):
I definitely wish I wrote I Speak Jesus Charity Girl,
because I love that one and that I always have
to do that one every TikTok live, especially when there's
a lot of prayer requests flooding in as we're doing this,
I will sing that song and in between the verses,
I will just pray over everybody in the in the chat,
everybody that has brought a worship, and you could build
(15:48):
the Holy Spirit even through the screen like I always
let get tangled or something, you know, when I know
the Holy Spirit's working. And so that song is just
so powerful because you're literally speaking Jesus over every situation
in circumstance.
Speaker 2 (16:03):
And that's that's a great song.
Speaker 1 (16:05):
It is a good song and my personal one. I'm
just going to offlick what you said. I like Abandoned
by Benjamin William Hastings.
Speaker 2 (16:11):
Ah, yeah, that's a good one too. I like that one.
Speaker 1 (16:14):
That's a good one. And speaking of charity, get on,
benjam William Hastings. They are going to tour together, So
check out that tour. I'm just punishing in some Christian
news in here for fun too in the middle of it,
because if it just comes relevant to what we were
talking about. So go check out that tour. I don't
know the dates. I know it's only like six shows,
but Josh Baldwin's gonna be out there too, I think,
And I think Phil Wick almost saw your name. If
(16:35):
I'm not mistaken, it's like the joy FM Happy Tour
or whatever.
Speaker 2 (16:37):
That's awesome.
Speaker 1 (16:38):
I'd like to give you the floor to speak about anything.
I know there's a lot of things that have changed
in your life recently without that, but we talked about
a lot of those. Is there anything I missed that
has since we met back in twenty twenty four that
you want to add that we haven't talked about.
Speaker 3 (16:52):
No, I guess really, just if you are someone who
has been reserved, you know, or you think just let
my song purpose. If you think you're doing what God's
called you to do, but you feel something else in
your heart, maybe it's a dream, maybe it's something that
you're scared to do. Don't don't be scared, because you
will never be truly satisfied and you will never receive
(17:14):
all one hundred percent blessings if you stand in a
comfort zone.
Speaker 2 (17:17):
Because you know, when I was in my duo.
Speaker 3 (17:19):
Corny Kelly, it was great, like we did exactly what
God has called us to do in that season, and.
Speaker 2 (17:25):
I felt like I was doing what I was supposed
to be called to do.
Speaker 3 (17:28):
And so whenever we separated, I was devastated and I
was like, God, you know, where do I go?
Speaker 2 (17:33):
And I wrote a song about it, where do I
go from here?
Speaker 3 (17:36):
But now two years into it, I realized that God
had so much more that I didn't even know. Like
I thought I was good, but this has changed me
and turned me into a different person, and I'm more
bold and I'm able to step out and pray over
people or speak, you know, things that I was nervous about.
I was okay with just stand and letting her lead.
(17:56):
But now that I'm able to fully depend on God
because I have nobody us a leane onto, It's changed
my life. So if you're scared you haven't stepped outside
of your comfort zone, but that.
Speaker 2 (18:06):
You know you were supposed to do it, do it now.
Speaker 1 (18:10):
Kelly. It was nice to sit down with you again
with the new improved show. I'm excited to see what's
next in your life. That your new chapter has been
exciting since like we met the last time too.
Speaker 2 (18:19):
So yeah, I'm excited about you. You got a lot
happening too. You're rocking it over there.
Speaker 1 (18:24):
I feel like we both ignore in this industry now
like come back flat story. You're like, like a lot
has changed for both of us in the past year,
but this was more about you than me, so we're
not going to talk about by for joining again today,
I appreciate it. Yeah, thank you, And remember for those
who are watching this podcast to like follow the subscribe
to the channel, also follow Kelly's channel. We'll be posting
on a lot of reels of this interview with Kelly on
(18:46):
our social media page, so you can find that. When
she gets tagged, you can follow her there. You can
also look she just woke her up as Kelly Aline
the music and she check her TikTok lives out. I
promise you I won't fall suit during one again.
Speaker 2 (18:58):
But I like to think that we're just singing people
to sleep.
Speaker 1 (19:02):
So I mean, who needs Bob Ross when you have
Kelly and.
Speaker 2 (19:06):
Luna, Like there you go. I don't know if that's
a compliment or a hate but I'll take it.
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Special Summer Offer: Exclusively on Apple Podcasts, try our Dateline Premium subscription completely free for one month! With Dateline Premium, you get every episode ad-free plus exclusive bonus content.
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!