We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kely Pinheiro. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kely below.

Kely, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

One of the most meaningful projects I’ve worked on is my string quartet’s debut album. During the pandemic, I began to jam and play gigs with the ensemble now called Nebulous Quartet. We’re all very good friends and we met in college. The group is composed of 1st violin, Claudius Agrippa, 2nd violin, Fabienne Jean, violist, Noah Leong and I play the cello. What I think that makes us special is our diversity!

We all bring something different to the table and we all have been very receptive to each other’s contributions to our music. I grew up in Brazil and I love Brazilian music, Latin, and African-influenced styles – obviously, I’m biased haha. The quartet has been incredibly open to my Brazilian-inspired technique as well as repertoire. I also contribute to the group with my vocal and arranging skills and that’s been an amazing learning experience for me as an artist. Noah is an amazing violist, and he does a wonderful job of adding dense and complex harmonies to our sound. Besides, he’s an astounding producer and his work has provided a solid foundation for our album. Fabienne is an exceptional improviser and I always feel honored to perform with her. Her presence and sound are very distinct! On top of that, being able to listen to her impressive violin chops and timbre has been such a delightful experience. She’s able to blend hardware and interesting gear with the violin language like I’ve never seen before. Last but not least, Claudius. He’s one of the most talented and expressive violinists I’ve met. His sheer musicianship is breathtaking and he’s great at bringing the ensemble together with his encouraging sense of leadership and interpersonal skills!

I’m very lucky to be a part of this quartet and I can’t emphasize enough how excited I am to be working with them on this project! Our album has been basically brought to life by a grant we received from the City of Boston called Opportunity Fund. We were awarded in 2022 and that incentive gave us the opportunity to spend a few days at the Ashlawn Recording Company with recording engineer Charles Dahlke. We have been mixing and producing the album since then. This project is different from most of the ones I was involved in the past because there are several layers to it. Mixing hundreds of strings tracks and making sure that our ideas are well translated through production are some of the biggest challenges, but we’ve been giving our best and collaborating with wonderful musicians in order to bring this project to life as best as we can.

Now, we’re in the last stages of it and hopefully, we’re gonna be able to release it by spring 2024. I’m looking forward to it!

Kely, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m Kely Pinheiro, and I’ve been fortunate to have a journey with the cello that’s been shaped by various experiences. Hailing from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, my family’s love for music cultivated my passion for the cello at an early age.

In 2013, I embarked on an enriching journey with Camerata Laranjeiras string orchestra in Rio, where I had the privilege of exploring diverse musical genres, such as folk, pop, rock, and Brazilian music. This exploration helped me shape a musical style that I hope resonates with others.

My adventure continued at Berklee College of Music in Boston, where I was awarded a full-tuition scholarship in 2018. There, I honed my skills and embraced innovation. My time there allowed me to expand my skills and discover the beauty of collaboration. A notable highlight was supporting Astrid S on tour, a humbling experience that allowed me to learn and adapt.

Recently, I achieved a milestone by earning my degree in Cello Performance and Contemporary Writing & Production from Berklee. Right after that, I joined the Hadestown National Tour as a cellist and assistant conductor. That’s been such an exciting opportunity for me to grow as an artist!

Also, joining the Nebulous String Quartet has been a truly fulfilling journey! Over the past years, I became passionate about singing, songwriting, and producing, which has led me to explore my creativity on various fronts.

My music weaves relatable lyrics in Portuguese and English, connecting with a diverse global audience. Through heartfelt cello arrangements, I aim to move listeners and create profound emotions. I invite them to join me on a musical journey that is both enlightening and enjoyable. I’m grateful for the opportunity to create music that connects with audiences globally!

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist or creative is the profound sense of fulfillment derived from channeling one’s passion into meaningful expressions that resonate with others. Through my craft, I have the privilege to evoke emotions, inspire thought, and bring joy to people’s lives. While the journey of an artist is demanding, and fueled by dedication and perseverance, the ability to touch hearts through my creations is incredibly gratifying.

Acknowledging the invaluable support of my family, friends, and sponsors, who’ve provided unwavering encouragement and the means to focus on my artistic pursuits, I’m reminded of the importance of a nurturing environment. Unfortunately, not everyone is fortunate in this regard, and I recognize the significance of such backing in pursuing one’s artistic path.

Every time I step onto the stage or present my work, the opportunity to connect with my audience and offer them a respite from the everyday brings a profound sense of purpose. By providing others with moments of joy and introspection, I find a reciprocal nourishment of my own spirit. This intrinsic motivation, coupled with the confidence derived from my journey, fuels my commitment to continuous artistic growth.

In essence, being an artist grants me the privilege to weave narratives that transcend boundaries and cultures, fostering a shared human experience. This journey is an ongoing flame in my heart, igniting my dedication to create, inspire, and leave a positive impact on the world around me.

How did you build your audience on social media?

Building my social media audience was a journey that began when I decided to attend Berklee College of Music. At the time, I was still a Music Education major in Rio de Janeiro. While I had a network within the artist community, I needed to reach a broader audience, including potential sponsors from the business world, in order to cover my living expenses during my college years in the US.

My journey started with a crowdfunding campaign called “Kely vai pra Berklee.” With the support of non-profits and professors, I was introduced to key figures in the media. This connection led to collaborations with a press officer and producers who got me featured on TV, radio, and newspapers. This exposure generated an overwhelming wave of support, not just financially but also in terms of spreading the word about my campaign. These individuals played a pivotal role in driving attention to my Instagram and Facebook pages, resulting in a significant increase in followers.

For those starting to build their social media presence, my advice is to leverage your unique story, connect with influencers or experts in your field, and actively engage with your audience. Consistency, authenticity, and collaboration can be your greatest assets in growing your social media presence. Remember, building an audience takes time, dedication, and a genuine connection with your followers.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.kelypinheiro.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/that_braziliancellist/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pinheirokely
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kely-pinheiro-a73162207/
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@kelypinheiro2595?si=kHjAKcfxl3FK5N_r

Image Credits
1- Luiza Mesquita 2, 3, 4- Roberto Torres 5- Chet Oshima 6- Mayra Duarte 7, 8- Michael Ray VC Angeles