Following the release of her latest single ‘Community’, LOCK had the pleasure of speaking with US R&B/Soul artist KERI ELLE to discuss the influence behind her latest single and future plans.
Hi KERI ELLE and welcome to LOCK! For our readers, could you please tell us a little about yourself?
Hi!!! Thank you so much for having me! So…I’m a singer, songwriter, and lyricist. I’m also wife, mom, an around the way girl and a free spirit lol
My music generally is described as soulful, I might spit a few bars here and there, and I’m biased to Live music experiences.
I was a military kid, but born in Maryland, with my family being from Fernandina Beach,Florida, where I was raised for part of my childhood. I Graduated from high school in Hampton, VA and I’ve been a few places in between.
“Community” feels like a personal declaration. What was going through your mind the moment you decided to record it that very night?
The night I recorded it, I was thinking it was so crazy that my husband Collin Gibson, could write something that sounds so much like me. Lol it’s definitely what I feel I should’ve did in certain situations and fell right in place with the season of life I’ve been in.. which is being honest, drawing boundaries and loving myself among other life lessons.
The song has a powerful message of self-worth and setting boundaries. Was there a specific experience that inspired this narrative?
My husband says he tried to speak for every woman he might’ve done wrong in his past. Lol We have been together a long time and have definitely been through times when this would’ve beenI’ve been in a couple of situations that warranted this song and witnessed my closest ladies go through it as well.
How do you hope listeners—especially women—feel when they hear this song?
It can be scary to stand up for yourself to some people. There are those that might not even feel they have the right to do so. I hope the song gives them that courage, resonates and feels empowering.
What drew you to the beat from Epik The Dawn, and what made it the perfect foundation for this particular message?
The Beat has that energy! The musicality is soulful and how he puts that over the four on the floor, steppers groove gives this song that feel good factor, IMO.
“Community” is one of 13 tracks on Elle Is For Love. How does it fit into the album’s overall story or emotional arc?
The whole album is a declaration for me. It’s about self love and reclaiming my power. It begins with affirmations of new beginnings and starting at a surface level gradually digs deeper into the makings of where I am as a woman, as a person. Being honest about my feelings about me, my relationships, my loves, my past hurts, facing shadows and coming out on the other end learning to love myself and others. Communityis definitely a turning point in the album that ushers in the deep dive Into the whys. Why did I have to draw a line…where did the breakdown begin. In my opinion.. it’s the beginning of healing.
Is there a particular message or takeaway you want your audience to walk away with after listening to the full project?
I hope anyone who listens to the project feels seen and understood in some way. I know my inspiration for a song may be from one space and hearing the and song may trigger a different emotion for someone else. I just hope it connects.
Your music blends boldness and vulnerability in a way that’s rare—how do you find that balance in your songwriting?
Honestly, I think I’m just learning to truly tap in to that. Both being bold and being vulnerable can be a little scary…especially in front of others. I’m focusing on making music that speaks in my real voice.. with real thoughts..after years of feeling I’ve censored myself.. Focusing on being transparent in my music.
What’s next for KERI ELLE are there live performances, or more music we can look forward to?
Show wise: I’m excited to rock at the Taste Of Soul Festival in Atlanta coming up in August. I’m currently in rehearsals with my band locking in on this album preparing for the live shows to come. We are looking to start really moving live this fall.
I’m def open to invites 😉
Musically, I’ll be Rocking with Elle for a while…really pushing each song to the max from the project. I hope to get to know lots of new, beautiful souls through it and connect with those I’ve been rocking with.
The next release is “Move Over” featuring Shredtvt. I’m sooo hype about it. The visual was shot and directed by my talented friend and award winning videographer, William Feagins Jr.
Finally, what does “community” mean to you beyond the song?
Community is my drawing a line in the sand, Mary J,, No More Drama, love myself too much to let you screw me over, anthem. I think we all need a dose of that sometimes ❤️