We were lucky to catch up with Pelly recently and have shared our conversation below.

Pelly, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

Professionally was never the overarching goal, it was always personally. Music communicated with the essence of who I was like nothing else from a young age, poetry and words were like dancing to me since I was a kid, a blank canvas to fill the space with your creative individualism and experiences. A story you get to tell. When I was in my early 20s, I began to fuse these two mediums and explore the possibilities of making my own music, alongside the poetic calling I felt within my spirit since adolescence. From there, new passion and skill sets began to blossom, alongside inspiration and motivations to learn and become even better. These emerged out of each piece and progressive step, and with the passing of time, professional opportunities came knocking at my door. I gladly accepted them as new stepping stones along the path and journey in my mountain to climb. A journey worth seeing, and witnessing, every step of the way.

Pelly, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I go by the artist name Pelly. Which is both a surname of my family, and a personal endeavour in life. In its English origin it means “filled with happiness”. Now, as I, and many of you may know, “happiness” is an inside job, not an exterior circumstance. I believe so is music. And I believe that when we invest in what truly fulfills us (our meaning and purpose) we can express from the inside what gives fuel to that purpose. And what shows outwardly will be a beautiful and impactful interaction to those it touches. I think perhaps a better translation of my name would be “filled with life”, and the only goal I have as an artist is to share every innate energy of that life with others, so they too, may be inspired to procure the journey of their own life, and their happiness – from the inside out. Music has an amazing way to pull out what is most dormant inside of us. It’s magical that way I think. When words, rhythm, instruments, melody, and tempo all come together – it connects, it shows, it reveals – what’s sitting there… on the inside.

As an artist, I am most proud of being radically and authentically myself. I never shy away from getting into my deepest emotions, or expressing the most explosive, inspiring energy I can. It’s my calling card. To hear what inspires me, listen closely to what it inspires, and share that to the best of my growing ability with others. That is my process. The words and lyrics entangle with each sewn experience I’ve had in life. Every song emerges as a consequence of who I am, and in return, I am allowed to become even more of who I am through the song. It is a beautiful cyclical process of becoming. And I would never replace it or relinquish it by choice. Whether I could garner success, recognition, money, fame, or not – I would still act on behalf of that process. Because it is more than just work for me – it’s therapy, it’s growing, it’s a deep seeded need to learn more about myself and the world around me. It’s everything.

With independently founding my business, 12th House Entertainment in 2021, alongside my manager Jordan Lyga, our ongoing collective goal is to build a creative-centric brand that can become a centerfold in the world of independent artists across the Midwest and beyond. In astronomy, the Twelfth House is considered the “unseen realm,” and governs all things that exist without physical forms, like dreams, secrets, and emotions. Those in the Twelfth House are often highly intuitive and creative. And that is the ethos we want to bring as artists, entertainers, philanthropists, and businessmen through the emerging growth of the 12th House brand. A place where everyone can come to use their intuition and creative energy for the good of the individual star to the greatness of the galaxy they shine in. Build, flow, create, and shine on.

I am also included in an already established cooperative artist-focused brand named “KYN Collective” out of Minneapolis, MN. This Collective seeks to take the power of community to the next level by supporting every artist and artistic endeavor we find inspiring, and galvanizing the power of a creative tribe to push for continuing progress. We lift each other up in our unique journeys, and in that action, become inspired to lift ourselves. The tree of life grows large, its roots run deep, and it’s branches stretch wide. As KYN, we seek to do the same in our community, and beyond.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Many times in my journey as an artist and as a person, I have wanted to throw in the towel. Battered by life, bouts of mental illness, struggling moments, broken memories, failed opportunities, and hardships. I came far too close far too many times to never knowing my journey’s progress and potential because of a crippling fear that sought to take root in my soul. Those fears, those doubts, those voices inside and out that seek to diminish and snuff out your light. They are very real, they are very present, and they are very powerful if you cede your power to them. DO NOT. Always rage. Rage against the dying of the light. You are meant to shine, as the spirit of a child does, and when we have the courage and bravery to do so, we unconsciously give others permission to do the same. THAT is the true power of being an artist. And because I fought for the vision of that light, clawing and scraping out of every dark pit that malevolence sought to throw me in, I won. I grew. I became a warrior in the war for my spirit. A leader for the journey of my life. An artist for the words of my soul. And everything to come from me as a creative in the future will express the beautiful struggle of that process, to be here in this present moment, able to freely share those experiences with empowerment, and conviction.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

I think the systems and technology that society has created to directly and intentionally support artists of all kinds is the most amazing and incredible feat for art ever produced. It has allowed for people like me to be themselves, do their thing, express their gifts, reach their audiences, and create specific, expansive communities worldwide. Social media, streaming, and the amassed digital network of the internet has provided what all artists always needed to thrive – a direct line to connect with their relational audiences, and methods of garnering complete independence over their art and careers. This has opened the doors to who knows how many new artists, how many new mediums, pathways, expressions, etc. One could say it has become limitless. And that is exactly what draws us artists to the art, to break free from our limitations, and to connect with something universal, and divine. Technology, and those who can use it to it’s fullest potential, has leveled the playing field for independent artists who want to thrive and succeed. The new ecosystems of artist support and interaction lie right at our finger tips, and I couldn’t think of something more amazing and powerful to help embody the nature of art itself. Universal connection – near, far, and right in your pocket. Find your art, support your artists, and live alongside the ever expanding artistic universe. I believe there is something for everyone to connect with inside.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @pellymusic
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pellymusic?mibextid=ZbWKwL
• Twitter: @pe11ype11
• Youtube: @pellymusic1of1
• Other: linktr.ee/pellymusic (for all social links, articles, news coverage, streaming, and landing pages)