Daily Inspiration: Meet Kellindo Parker

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kellindo Parker. 

Hi Kellindo, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself
When I was 5 my dad was hired to be the first black professor at Columbia University so my mom who was also a teacher and is a beautiful visual artist, moved from Davis, California to NYC which is where I grew up. At the age of 9, I had my first job as a singer in the children’s chorus at The Metropolitan Opera House. That lasted for three exciting and educational years. I performed in some of the most beautiful operas including Tosca and Hansel and Gretel with my childhood crush Sarah Jessica Parker. 

In 2006 I went to Atlanta and joined forces with Wondaland Arts Society where I met Chuck Lightning, Janelle Monáe, and Nate Wonder. They were already working on Metropolis when I added my edgy guitar and classic rock vibes. Several album recordings, collaborations, tv appearances, and world tours later here we are in 2022! 

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Some of the road has been smooth. However, there have been some real struggles. I remember when we finished Metropolis, we were trying to get a label deal but nobody understood what we were doing. I immediately realized that as black artists we get pigeonholed. The industry is confused when you aren’t hip-hop or R&B. That’s one of the reasons you start your own label. 

I am having the same obstacles as a solo artist. If I were white, it would be no problem for “them” to sign me and post my music all over the radio. That’s a big deal when what you do goes unrecognized by the very industry that you spent your whole life working towards conquering. In the 60’s black artists often had to post pictures of white people on the covers of their albums to obtain higher record sales. 

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My specialty is guitar, singing, and composing. However, I’m most known for being the lead guitarist and co-composer for Janelle Monáe. As a solo artist, I’m very excited to announce that we just finished recording and mixing my debut EP. In addition, we are planning to release the incredible “Sugar” music video which we filmed in the UK! 

I’m most proud of my work with Janelle Monáe! Because of the results, all that hard work has brought us. The fact that we’ve come so far from tiny clubs to arenas is astonishing. 

All the hard work has paid off. 

What sets me apart from everyone else is that nobody is doing quite what I’m doing today. I’m incorporating such a wide scope of genres in my music while delivering an edgy rock n roll concert. All of this is hard to come by especially from an artist who looks like me. 

If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
I would say being kind and understanding. Also being a giver has been most important to my success. 

Contact Info:

• Email: kellindoparker@gmail.com
• Website: kellindo.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealkellindo/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Kellindoparker/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/KELLINDO
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/KellindoParker
• SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/kellindoparker/popular-tracks

Image Credits
Scott Murry Photographer
Fabiennewertsch Photographer
Patrick Smith
Joshua Sloan