In Conversation with Maria Kelly

Balancing her BIMM degree with crafting soft, atmospheric music out of personal demons – Mayo-born Maria Kelly has plenty on her plate. However, having signed with Veta Records in 2016, the singer quickly discovered her musical niche, which gave her real creative focus. “I grew up surrounded by Irish traditional music,” she explains. “I had a musical family too. Once I finished up the Leaving Cert, music was really the only option for me, there wasn’t anything else I wanted to do as strongly.

“It’s definitely a lot to balance university and this career – even if they’re the same industry, I’ve been very lucky with it. I get to enjoy both parts of it and being in BIMM – which is a very supportive and engaging environment – has taught me so much about the Irish music industry. Everybody wants to help you, give advice and push you further.”

With delicate tracks composed of plucked acoustic guitar and her husky vocals, Kelly has tapped into personal issues of social anxiety and depression in her material.

“Writing these songs is a therapeutic coping mechanism for me,” notes Kelly. “For that reason, I don’t think I’ve ever felt vulnerable playing live – the music helps me connect with others. It can be nice to meet someone who understands deeply personal stuff. It’s comforting, not nervewracking – though there are also some frazzled moments before the shows!

Having taken time to learn to trust her own decisions and creative process, Kelly will shortly graduate and then head for Berlin, where her producer is based. “I’ll be doing some work with him and then maybe playing some gigs. I just need to write songs for myself first and foremost. That’s one of the most important things I’ve learned during my degree and my whole songwriting career – to write for yourself and no-one else really.”