Photographer Credit: AceofLA (IG: @Aceofla)
Electrifying synth-pop duo Clay and Kelsy have released their highly anticipated debut EP, I am, a collection of intoxicating anthems of empowerment, self-acceptance, and the transformative power of introspection. Comprising five emotionally charged tracks, I aminvites listeners to journey through the struggles of identity and vulnerability, laying the groundwork for a three-part EP series that captures the complexities of the human spirit. Clay and Kelsy’s EP is now available to stream and download on all platforms worldwide.
Each track on I am is a reflection of a distinct phase in the journey of self-awareness, with Clay and Kelsy confronting doubts, loss, and the search for inner harmony. The title track, “I am,” stands as an affirmation amidst collapse, the threshold of transformation— a declaration of survival and self-acceptance. Other standout singles, such as “I Miss You” and “Memories of Me,” delve deeply into themes of hurt and anger, the raw emotions that arise from vulnerability, while songs like “Insecure” and “You Hurt Me” bring listeners face-to-face with the pain of self-doubt and betrayal. The EP unfolds as a descent through layers of emotional and spiritual darkness, setting the stage for an ultimate transformation.
In “Insecure,” the duo examines the unsettling unraveling of self-confidence, that the foundations of identity are not as stable as they seem. In “You Hurt Me,” Clay and Kelsy give us a voice to the suffering born from loss of attachment, and experiencing betrayal. With “I Miss You,” they plunge further into the sorrow and regret—the soul’s tendency to hold on so tightly even when release is the true path out. “Memories of Me” confronts listeners with the fragmentation of self in the face of despair. Touching on suicidal thoughts. The closing track, “I am,” offers a glimmer of resilience and self-affirmation amidst collapse. The powerful moment of self-acceptance and surrender, poised between the pain of the past and the readiness to face future trials.
“These songs follow a journey of self-destruction, reinvention, and processing the raw emotions of hurt and anger left in its wake,” the duo explains. The heartfelt storytelling sonically narrated and explored by Clay and Kelsy asks others to find their voices and live authentically, reinforcing the idea that every individual’s story matters. With I am, the duo has crafted a deeply resonant EP which marks the beginning of an exciting chapter for the pair as they continue to be a light for audiences through their unique and distinctive artistry.
Based in Los Angeles, Clay and Kelsy are known for their innovative blend of electronic production and heartfelt songwriting. As artists, producers, and founders of CKI, a queer woman-owned company that designs electronic instruments, they are trailblazers in both music and technology, committed to empowering women and underrepresented voices in the industry. Although they’ve recently celebrated 13 years as life partners, their musical journey as a duo officially began in 2021. Since then, they’ve rapidly captured attention with their bold, creative, and authentic storytelling, earning them recognition as one of ‘Shazam’s Top Movers.’ Their sultry, symphonic rendition of Bob Marley and the Wailers’ “Three Little Birds” for Apple TV’s The Morning Show soared to the #1 spot on Apple Music’s soundtrack charts, all while gaining over 478K organic streams on Spotify. Clay and Kelsy’s EP singles have received praise from press outlets like Mundane Magazine, buzzbands LA, Grimy Goods, and LGBTQ Music Chart. With a rapidly growing fanbase and continuous dedication to pushing boundaries, they are reshaping the role of artists and innovators in today’s music industry.