In the second act of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, the audience sees the infamous letter addressed to 'the unknown beloved'. The vague letter was intended as a practical joke for one of the characters, and highlights how people can create fantastical scenarios that validate their own beliefs from indirect communication. However, there needs to be a bigger discussion around the abstract question it proposes: what is it like to be adored while unrecognized? This is a unique experience Kelli-Leigh is all too familiar with. The artist’s iconic voice is heard in well-known summer hits like Duke Dumont’s “I Got U” and Secondcity’s “I Wanna Feel” amongst others – but you can only find accreditation for her work through the deepest of internet searches. Now, as an independent artist, Kelli-Leigh is getting some rightfully deserved recognition with her newest single, “Never Dance Again”.
“Never Dance Again” is a gripping dance-pop single that transports listeners back to the height of house anthems from the late 90s. The single opens with a hypnotizing melody before the first verse drops. The opening verses verify that this is going to be an auditory experience that explores the rollercoaster of emotions we have after a break-up. Listeners can easily identify the emotional fluctuation between the sweet moments of nostalgia that are seen in the accompanying music video (that was also directed and edited by Kelli-Leigh), and the fits of anger that lead to “tearing up old letters”. But the real spectacle to behold is the chorus where our artist’s vocal range and prowess is showcased. As the beat drops, listeners are treated to Kelli-Leigh’s powerful delivery that hits inflection, intonation, pitch, and timbre. It's stunning - it's very clear why this is the voice people go to to make summer hits. The chorus also acknowledges how difficult it is to engage in the experiences and hobbies we once shared with our partner. Engaging in these activities post break-up not only conjures up the memories of this partner, but simultaneously taints these memories, too. Which further demonstrates how emotionally turbulent this period is. It’s necessary, though; by allowing ourselves to embrace the weight of these big, extensive feelings we can begin healing and eventually move on. And I can’t imagine a better way to get over someone than by losing yourself in “Never Dance Again”.
Kelli-Leigh is a singer and songwriter from South London. After being involved in a bulk of the U.K. dance chart toppers of the 2010s, the artist was ready to tackle more of the music industry with her original creations. In 2018, Kelli-Leigh established her self-funded record label, Music Core to release solo projects and all of her upcoming music. "Never Dance Again" is set to be the artist's first track on an upcoming four-track EP - so, be on the lookout! The artist’s legendary pipes and writing have garnered her three U.K. Top 10 Records, two U.K. Number 1’s, two Billboard Dance Chart Number 1’s, and two Grammy nominated records. More recently, Kelli-Leigh received a writer’s credit on Diplo’s album Nite Version for Aluna’s tropical themed dance-pop single, “Forget About Me”, this past January. If you've enjoyed Kelli-Leigh's powerhouse hit as much as I have, show her some virtual love in the form of streams, likes, and follows.
Written by Giavanna Gradaille
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