Parlé Magazine: You’ve said that music has saved your life. How so?
Kelly Price: Music was my coping mechanism. I could place myself outside my body. It humbles you.
Parlé: Do you think your music has saved a fan’s life?
Kelly: Definitely. It makes you take your work more seriously. As an artist it’s exciting to know that you’ve made someone’s life decision after them listening to your song. To get married or un-married, when you realize that people are listening it brings a feel of responsibility that can’t be ignored or denied. There’s someone watching us. Whether an artist wants to admit that or not.
Parlé: Why did you decide not to have your new album Kelly on a major record label?
Kelly: The nature of the industry is changing. People are getting famous on Youtube. I felt I had the advantage of having a following. My fans know what I do and who I am. The independent world gives me more hands on with day to day handling of what needs to be done.
Parlé: Was the recording process more intense because not only was this your album but its on your label, so did you have complete control over what you wanted to do with this record?
Kelly: I’ve written music for all of my albums. There were times when production wanted me to work with someone who was hot at the time but I was apprehensive. I’d write 20-25 songs and get 14-16 songs on a record. I wrote 100 songs but will have 10-12 songs on Kelly. I also get to monitor my time and get opportunities to pace myself. I didn’t cut myself off. I took my time working on this album.
Parlé: You’ve recorded a few albums, what makes this your most honest work yet?
Kelly: The point of life that I’m currently at is a ‘me right now’ type of attitude. I am 37 years-old, my son is in college and my daughter is in high school. I’m becoming okay with me. I can’t live life as an artist or person being someone that someone else has tried to mold me into. I’m not going to put on a dress that’s two sizes too small. I’m custom making my own clothes so that they’ll never fit anyone else if you know what I mean.
Parlé: The song “Tired” was inspired by a conversation you had with R. Kelly. Did the inspiration come after the conversation or did you find yourself taking notes?
Kelly: As I’ve evolved in life my writing process has taken a turn. I’m inspired by everyday life. I could be in the middle of something and hear a commercial. I enjoy songs writing themselves.
Parlé: Some topics discussed in your album deal with love, relationships, forgiveness, and world issues. What other topics can we expect from Kelly?
Kelly: Live for you. Have fun and party. It ain’t that serious. You’ll hear a lot of happy theme songs. Self forgiveness is a real thing in life. My album addresses everything I think is necessary to cover in life. You have to let go of intense moments. My album takes you on a journey to feel empowered, to cry, all at the same time.
Parlé: Did you collaborate with any artist on this album?
Kelly: I did a duet with Mint Condition called “Not my Daddy.” The rest of the album is just me.
Parlé: I always like to ask artists who will enjoy their album…
Kelly: Any human that will love in their lifetime. This album is more of a human experience than an artistic experience.
Parlé: In 2005, you wrote the book, “Inscriptions of my Heart.” Do you see yourself writing another book?
Kelly: I’ve written books that I have not released. I really consider myself a writer first. Several books are saved on my hard drive. I write poetry, pen to pad, pad to keyboard, I let it flow. As a writer you can go beyond.
Parlé: What do you see Kelly Price doing in 2011? Do you want to go on tour, create a clothing line…
Kelly: Yes and yes. 2011 is not enough time for me. A clothing line is definitely something I’ve always wanted to do. I’ve done fashion shows and clothes for women that are plus sized. It’s something that’s very personal to me. I battle everyday like every full figured woman. My reason for moving to Los Angeles was to brand out.
Parlé: Any last words:
Kelly: Thank you for always supporting me. I also believe you won’t be disappointed. I’ve received amazing acknowledgment since not having an album out in 5 years to hear the response of my first single makes me extremely thankful and grateful for my fans. I’m happy that they’re excited to hear what I have to say.
