In the unpredictable world of music, certain artists emerge as genuine enigmas. Theolonius Kelly is one such artist. Described as "elusive" by The Pit London just six years ago, his latest release, ‘Previously Unreleased Music’, is a fascinating curio that only deepens the mystery.
A prolific workaholic with over seven and a half hours of music on Spotify, he’s a true creative polymath who has collaborated with the likes of F1lthy and Lil B, and pushed the boundaries of fashion with his label, working alongside tattooist and artist Blue Corolla. Despite his immense output, the man himself remains difficult to pin down.
‘Previously Unreleased Music’ is a case in point. More an artistic statement than a traditional EP, the two-track release stems from an archived radio interview series, with tracks mixed live in the studio. We recently scored the opportunity to speak with Theolonius Kelly, stripping back some of the mystery and learning more about his creative process, and what it means to truly be a self-reliant creative.
Thanks so much for stopping by! When did you first start making music? Where did it all begin, and what inspired you?
“I started making music at 14 when I was temporarily living at my aunt’s house. When I went to my mother’s house I needed something to do that didn’t make a lot of noise. Of course, I made a lot of noise in Ableton and Serato that no one would hear for a long time.”
You’ve just released a new two-track collection, ‘Previously Unreleased Music’. Can you tell us a bit about your latest release and what it means to you?
“This release is just letting go and having fun. The EP’s namesake is a mix of tracks I love that never were placed or released. I’m stoked they’re finally in the world. Jamie (Digital Terror) and I made ‘Test’ after a long walk in the forest by his old house. We were so light and beaming with energy after being immersed in nature for so long that day - and I think that reflects in the clean and simple dreamlike quality of the track.”
Were there any artists, moments, or experiences that influenced you when writing the release?
“It was fun to mix live, in a room with Josh (prolific music producer and engineer “YOUTH”) and Ginge (founder of Swampkult Records). The pressure of being live isn’t something I’ve felt in a long time, and not something I felt on the show. It was more a show of dexterity - and showing I can create at any level I want to. I’m blessed by my network of creatives. Blue Corolla inspires me a lot and allows me to create in his studio designer garb which I have complete creative control over.”
What was your songwriting process for the release? How did it all come together?
“The songs were some I had in various Google Drives, iCloud folders and USB’s and hadn’t thought of for years prior to the show. It was fun. My throwaways are better than some people’s releases. People know that - and they listen. I’m forever grateful for my cult following. They changed my life. I have an education now that I financed with streaming royalties. I mean it when I say I love my fans.”
How would you describe the sound across the new tracks? Has there been a change or evolution in style since you first began?
“Listen to all my music. Theres something for everyone. I grew up on Bowie and Gorillaz. I explore genres like these two pushed the boundaries of what a single person or project could be. I think we’ve lost musicianship in that people can only play or create a single type of music. My discography spans rock, alternative, hip hop, trap, punk and gospel.”
Is there a central message or theme you were trying to convey in your latest release? Is there a moment in the release that really captures that idea?
“The cover is a scene from BDSM dominatrix dungeon in NYC. The man in the gimp mask represents for me the creative, and the woman the master of the creative - hoe-ing his ass like iceberg slim for every last penny. I’m not living like that. I have and will always have skills to pay the bills. My parents taught self-reliance as a responsibility, and that chip was on my shoulder prior to anyone wanting to take a selfie with me.”
Looking ahead, what are your aspirations as an artist? Where do you see yourself in the next few years, both musically and personally?
“I don’t know what’s next. No one does. Thats why every human being works so hard. We’re all working for a better future. I’m working towards being able to build buildings to further my practice. I think this way I can service humanity while extending my creative arm outward and upwards to god.”
What's next after this release? Do you have any new releases or shows on the horizon?
“What’s next? Finer and finer art - no matter the format whether it be music or fashion. I want to keep elevating my practice. Last year and this year are only evidence that my quality only continues to improve for my audience."
Theolonius Kelly’s approach to his art—whether it’s music, fashion, or media—is all about self-reliance and elevating his practice. He's an artist who believes in the power of a "cult following" and the ability to finance an education with streaming royalties. His dedication to his craft is evident, and he shows no signs of slowing down. As he puts it, "finer and finer art" is always on the horizon.
His journey is a testament to working hard for a better future, constantly extending his creative arm outward and upwards. For more from Theolonius Kelly, be sure to check out Petty Cash Records on Instagram.
