"I’m ready for this ride or not": An interview with Emery Kelly

Interview: Olga Burak / lala__burak

Photography: Dylan Perlot / dylanperlot
@ Exclusive Artists

Styling: Dina Vibes / dinavibes_

If you start looking at Emery Kelly's career precisely, you may have a thought that he is an incredibly lucky one. He started with a memorable debut on the X-Factor scene, which led to a popular boy band. Through the past years we saw him in several significant movies and now the young artist is all into his solo career. It would seem that everything he puts his hand on, means to be bound to success. However, the secret of such triumph is simple – the ability to risk and be true to yourself. In fact, his first EP is fully built on it. Every song is a mirror of the musician’s emotions that he experienced through the past year. Turns out, if you are honest with yourself, every move makes sense and leads to something bigger. We had a chance to talk with Emery more about his album, participation in the new Disney show, and upcoming plans. 

In a couple of your previous interviews, you mentioned that when you were a kid, you were always passionate about singing and acting. But do you remember the exact moment when you decided to make a career out of your hobby? 

No, not really. I’ve always wanted to be a performer. But, I guess, a real kick was watching my sister audition for American Idol.

Today you are about to release your first solo album and at the same time, you have anticipated a couple of big projects as an actor. Which field is a priority for you – music or movie? 

I love both! The music industry is where my soul is, and the movie world – is where my heart belongs. It is as simple as that!

You were discovered on a reality show X-Factor. Why did you decide to take part in the audition? 

I wanted to make it, to see if I could become something in the entertainment industry! It was a challenge for me to understand whether I’m ready for this ride or not.

During the show, you were set in the group Forever In Your Mind with two other participants of the show. After gaining success in the boy band, why did you decide to switch to the solo musician career? Was it a tough decision for you all to take a break from the group? 

Of course, it was tough! We loved what we were doing as a group, but we all wanted to do things on our own too… So, I think, we all had a good mutual understanding. I started on the X-Factor as a solo artist, so I knew at some point in time in the future I’ll be a solo artist again. And here we are!

As we mentioned before, your solo album Some Of My Emotions (S.O.M.E) will come out soon. What inspired you to create it? 

Some Of My Emotions is inspired by my life, my family, my friends, the things I do every day, the music I listen to, the art I see when I go to galleries, time when I’m skating in LA, and even to evenings when I’m sitting on a mountain top view during the sunset I get inspired to create. Basically it describes every part of my world today. 

Describing your album you mentioned, that it is about feeling and being connected to each other. What kind of feelings were you exploring while you created it? 

I went through a lot of different emotions while working on this project, and the one that stood out the most was LOVE. 

You are also an actor in demand today. Why have you decided to try acting yourself in acting? 

I grew up doing musical theater so I’ve always loved acting and singing! Both of these activities are natural for me.

The audience knows you as Lucas from Alexa & Katie, Aiden from Max Winslow and the House of Secrets, and a few weeks ago we saw you as Dylan in the new Disney show Big Shot. Which of the characters was closer to you? 

All of them are so close to me. They’re all different in many ways, but I’d have to say Dylan from Big Shot is currently my favorite one. 

One of your first big screen works – the Netflix show Alexa & Katie, talks about such a huge theme as cancer. Would you like to take part another time in such a movie? 

Yes, of course! But these kinds of topics are difficult ones and should be presented in a story with truthfulness and delicacy at the same time. Otherwise these movies will just hurt the audience. 

You also tried your hand in co-writing and performing the soundtrack The Answer for the Max Winslow and the House of Secrets movie, where you also had a part as an actor. Does the work around the soundtrack differ from the one you have for your album tracks?

Oh yes! The Answer and S.O.M.E. are completely different in sound. I would characterize it, as The Answer is a prequel to S.O.M.E.

You had an amazing experience to share a set with a legend of television as John Stamos during your last work for Disney show Big Shot. How was it? 

John Stamos is sooo awesome!!! He’s a vibe! And his acting skills on set are amazing! It was a dream to work with him! Some of my friends were jealous of my experience with “Uncle Jesse”!

When you are working on your part in a movie, have you ever faced any difficulties or struggles? Have you ever thought of leaving a project, because you were not sure that you would fully visualize a character? 

No, not at all! I had so much fun being on a set and being the character I was. I did a lot of preparation on the character before going to shoot. In fact, the more we shoot, the more we shoot – the more I get to know Dylan. Like I knew his habits, little preferences and so on… so at the end we were mainly one person.

According to your words, you are planning to develop the idea of your album S.O.M.E. in other fields, as in clothes. Who inspired you to try yourself in design and what kind of garments are you going to make? 

My great friend Franzy Staedter inspired me! She was the main stylist for FIYM and has helped me put so much in fashion questions. I’m going to make whatever I can make! Maybe something completely new and unexpected for most!

Looking backwards through all your career, what was the key to your success? 

I was always being myself. I was honest with my goals and wishes, and tried to hold them no matter what.

What are your plans for this year? Any new projects that you would like to tell us about

Music, music and again music! Get ready! A lot of new singles are about to hit your playlists.