His name may be new to you, but chances are you have heard his blazing guitar skills and some of his songs on the radio, now Kellindo Parker is ready to deservingly carve out a place for himself as a solo artist. Kellindo’s debut song “When Flowers Could Dance” was recently released this month via Creative Entertainment Network/The Orchard, a division of Sony Music. A blend of rock, soul, funk, and psych, Kellindo forges outside the genre-ruled box. He started young and his childhood was unique and filled with music, singing opera in the Children’s Choir at the Metropolitan Opera House at Lincoln Center from ages 9-12. With musical influences in the family, Kellindo’s uncle Maceo Parker made a name for himself for his work with James Brown in the 1960s, as well as Parliament-Funkadelic in the 1970s. Parker was a prominent soloist on many of Brown’s hit recordings, and a key part of his band, playing alto, tenor and baritone saxophones. So, it’s no surprise Kellindo went on to study jazz guitar as well as classical and jazz music history at the Manhattan School of Music. After college Kellindo formed his first band, Parker and started to make a name for himself in the NYC club scene, the band would go on to win the Best Band Award at renowned live music venue Arlene’s Grocery. As word started to spread about the up and coming guitarist, his uncle Maceo Parker asked him to join him on a world tour as his lead guitarist. Upon his return, he started working with Grammy nominated artist Janelle Monae in 2006 and has not looked back. Their collaboration has led to many successes. Originally brought on to be her lead guitarist, Kellindo also became a collaborator and co-arranger on ”Many Moons” from the Grammy nominated Metropolis album, he also co-wrote “Mushrooms and Roses,” “Come Alive” and “Dance or Die” from Monae’s Archandroid album. In 2013 Kellindo’s songwriting continued to flourish when he co-wrote “Q.U.E.E.N,” “Sally Ride,” “Victory,” and “We Were Rock and Roll” from Monae’s critically acclaimed album Electric Lady. While Kellindo still works with Monae, he has also established himself as a successful songwriter, recently signing a publishing deal with Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC. Check out Kellindo’s latest track below!
We caught up with Kellindo as talked about this latest track and more!
So how has the release of “When Flowers Could Dance” gone down?
It was received very well. Definitely a learning experience. It taught me the importance of improving my organization skills. Still it was and still is very exciting.
Would you say this is the theme/style of more new material coming from you in 2019?
Yes and no. I have a whole album in the works so Stay tuned!
Can you tell us something about the song, no one else knows?
It’s literally a self-portrait from when I was a student in junior high and the biggest challenge was trying to find a way to fit in when deep inside, I knew I really didn’t.
If you could work with any band on a new song, who would it be and why?
Tame Impala. I love their vibe. Kevin Parker is an excellent writer, producer. I’m not just saying that because we share the same last name and initials. Lol… I had the pleasure of meeting him many moons ago when they opened for us and MGMT at Red Rocks.
How is its different performing solo rather than being in a band, do you prefer one over the other?
It’s very different and similar in some ways. Being in another band my priorities are simply to help and support. It’s a lot of work and takes focus but way less stressful for me because the spotlight is not specifically on me. Solo is a whole other beast. I have to have both my guitar chops and my vocal chops. Plus, I’m the one who’s job is to engage the audience in between songs.
What do you get up to in your spare time when not working on music?
I like going to museums, read, watch tons of football and baseball. I love going on road trips and discovering awesome restaurants.
Will you be touring in 2019 at all?
Yes! Dates for Janelle Monae’s European tour are being announced and my band is scheduling shows as well.