Kelela’s latest album, *In the Blue Light*, opens not with the pulsating beats or glitchy synths fans might expect from her avant-garde dance music roots, but with the intimate ambiance of a live performance. The sound of a murmuring crowd, a pianist warming up, and a voice reminding the audience to silence their phones sets the stage. A harp’s looping melody emerges, followed by Kelela’s ethereal, layered vocals reimagining “Enemy,” a track from her 2013 mixtape *Cut 4 Me*. What was once a fierce, synth-driven anthem now transforms into a haunting, jazz-infused reflection on self-reliance. This reimagined opener sets the tone for an album that bridges her past and present, blending her signature sound with the raw, emotive energy of live jazz.

Recorded during her residency at New York’s iconic Blue Note jazz club in May 2024, *In the Blue Light* is a collection of reworked tracks from her catalog, alongside covers of Betty Carter’s “30 Years” and Joni Mitchell’s “Furry Sings the Blues.” Over the past 10 months, Kelela meticulously refined the recordings, aiming to capture the essence of a band in perfect sync. “It was challenging to choose and master the songs,” she admits, “but I think I did my best.” The result is a stunning showcase of her versatility, proving that her dancefloor anthems can seamlessly transition into soulful, piano-led ballads.

The album also serves as a window into Kelela’s musical upbringing. Growing up in Washington, DC, she was immersed in jazz, listening to tapes in her father’s car and playing records on her mother’s sound system. These early experiences shaped her eclectic taste and her ability to weave multiple genres into her work. Reflecting on her creative process, she notes the challenge of balancing her wide-ranging influences. “I have a relationship with a wide range of sounds,” she says. “The challenge is narrowing down which of those sounds needs to be included and homing in on the statement I’m trying to make.”

In a recent interview with *Vogue*, Kelela delves into the origins of her Blue Note residency, her deep connection to jazz, and how this project hints at the direction of her upcoming third studio album. She recalls her first visit to the Blue Note and the profound impact of seeing Amel Larrieux perform, a moment that solidified her love for the venue and its rich musical legacy. “There were very few alt Black women icons I could see growing up,” she shares, “and Amel Larrieux was one of them.”

*In the Blue Light* is more than an album—it’s a journey through Kelela’s artistic evolution, a testament to her ability to reinvent her sound while staying true to her roots. With its lush arrangements and introspective themes, the record invites listeners into a world where jazz, R&B, and electronic music collide, offering a glimpse of what’s to come in her next chapter.**Trailer:**
In a world where music transcends boundaries, one artist finds inspiration in the raw sincerity of a voice that changed everything. From secret showers to iconic stages, this is a journey of discovery, reinvention, and the relentless pursuit of musical truth. Dive into the story of an artist shaped by jazz, hip-hop, and the vibrant cultures of Washington, DC, as they navigate the crossroads of identity and artistry. Witness the moment a Tiny Desk performance sparks a dream, leading to a historic Blue Note residency. This is more than music—it’s a testament to the power of sound, soul, and the unyielding desire to create something timeless.

**Paraphrased Digest:**
The artist reflects on how Amel Larrieux became a blueprint for their own existence in the world of music. At the time, they were a secret singer, hesitant to perform publicly, feeling behind others in their journey. Hearing Amel’s heartfelt and skilled performances was a turning point, inspiring them to dive deeper into music. This led to a deep appreciation for jazz and the iconic Blue Note venue, known for its rich history and legendary roster.

The artist’s love for experimenting with genres and formats stems from their upbringing during the era of hip-hop producer J Dilla, where breaking down beats and samples was a cultural norm. This hybridized musical life, combined with influences like go-go music and Baltimore club, shaped their creative identity. They credit this diverse background for their ability to reinterpret and rearrange their own music, a practice deeply rooted in jazz traditions.

The Blue Note residency came to life after a transformative Tiny Desk performance, where the harpist’s rendition of “Raven” struck a chord. The artist realized the song’s compositional strength and envisioned a larger moment for it. This led to the dream of a Blue Note performance, a milestone they had always aspired to achieve. The residency became a culmination of their journey, blending their love for jazz, hip-hop, and the rich musical tapestry of their upbringing.**Trailer:**
Dive into the sonic journey of an artist redefining the boundaries of music. From the timeless brilliance of “All the Way Down” to the emotional depth of “Bankhead,” this record is a testament to the power of reinvention. Experience the thrill of familiar melodies transformed into something entirely new, where every note carries a sense of wonder and discovery. Join the artist as they navigate the challenges of reinterpretation, embracing imperfections and celebrating the raw, unfiltered beauty of live performance. This is more than a record—it’s an invitation to hear music in a way you’ve never heard before.

**Paraphrased Digest:**
The artist reflects on the creative process behind their latest record, emphasizing the importance of versatility and emotional depth in their songwriting. They describe how slowing down and recontextualizing familiar songs, like “All the Way Down” and “Bankhead,” reveals new layers of meaning and evokes powerful emotional responses. The artist shares their love for live music, where the familiar becomes unfamiliar, creating a sense of wonder and excitement. They also discuss the challenges of selecting tracks for the record, balancing perfectionism with the authenticity of live performance, and the desire to offer listeners something fresh and transformative. Ultimately, the record is a celebration of discovery, imperfection, and the magic of reimagining music.This project was clearly a significant and deeply personal endeavor for you, something you’ve been passionate about for a long time. How does it feel to finally complete it?
It’s incredibly fulfilling because, honestly, no one asked me to create this record—it was truly a labor of love. I want my audience to understand this side of me, to connect with it, and to see how it relates to the work they already know and love. It would be amazing if this project sparked moments of discovery for them, opening doors to the ways people have experimented with music, particularly in jazz. My goal is to encourage a culture of remixing and to keep bringing that creativity to the forefront. This project is about inspiring people to build a relationship with this kind of music and motivating my peers to explore and share that part of themselves too.

**Trailer:**
Dive into a journey of passion and creativity with this deeply personal project—a labor of love that bridges the past and present. Discover the connections between music, experimentation, and self-expression, as this artist invites you to explore the world of jazz and remixing. A celebration of artistic growth and discovery, this project is not just about music, but about inspiring others to embrace their own creative potential. Get ready to experience a transformative musical adventure that will leave you inspired and connected.