Meet Kelly Hyde | Singer-songwriter

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kelly Hyde and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kelly, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
To me when I think about risk taking, I think about how many things I do on the regular now that I used to be terrified of. Singing, for example. My whole life I knew I could sing, but I was mortified by the idea of anyone hearing me. I don’t even know where these fears come from. But I know it is a common fear, the fear of singing. Or the fear of expressing oneself, for that matter. Then one day I had a revelation. In 2011 I been brought on to an all women performance variety show called “SHE, On the Tip Of Her Tongue” , where poets, musicians, and dancers, many of whom where first time performers, got together and collaborated in a really cool production. It was probably because of the support around me, but I realized, hey, I really take refuge in music. Like, all the time, it’s something I turn to. Many people do. Imagine if these musicians didn’t do what they did just because they were scared? Where would that leave me? Who would I turn to? And how silly is that! I would yell at them to please create, I need it!! And then I realized that, what if I am that music to someone else… what if I could be a force of healing or refuge to people? I can’t let my own self doubt and fears get in the way. I’ve got songs to share, so I need to just try.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a singer-songwriter who primarily plays the baritone ukulele. I take a lot of pride in my lyrics. and harmonies. Something about the songwriting process has always felt very aligned with me, in that I can do it somewhat effortlessly and I am really proud of every song I have ever written. I’d like to think my songs speak to the human condition. I try to offer a sense of connection through evoking emotion. I’m authentic, I’m vulnerable, I’m blunt, and I like to point out irony and humor. I’ve been told I’m like a female Jack Johnson, and I love that. Paul Simon is a big inspiration to me. His style of writing is very unique.

I would not say it’s been easy to get to where I am today. But that doesn’t mean that it was hard either. It’s just been a long journey. Sometimes I think I would be “farther along” if I had better focus. I am a Pisces so thats good for music making but bad for business or self management! It has also been challenging being a Independent musician in this modern world. At the same time though, there are so many opportunities that exist for artists like me that didn’t back in the day. I am currently taking on these challenges by just learning about it more and I am working on my self discipline by trying to implement routines into my life. Wish me luck with that! I need it!

I am actually in the middle of re-branding. I used to perform and release music under the name Kaahele, the Hawaiian word for “Journey”. I recently decided to start going with my real name, Kelly Hyde. There were a lot of reasons for this change, but a big one was the sudden loss of my father in 2020. He was hit by a car while on his bike on an early morning in June. It’s a complicated story really, and in the end, he had ultimately lost a battle with addiction to alcohol. I was suddenly flooded with lot’s of paper work with his full name on it, which includes my name. His name was Theodore Kelly Hyde, but mostly known from his musical name, Grateful Ted. I started to feel oddly connected to my dad more than I ever have. He was also a musician and I really remind myself of him when I play. I decided to honor this name more than I have before, and a sense of ownership became really clear. Plus, Kelly means “Warrior” and thats pretty fitting for me too. Although our battles or our story don’t define who we are, they certainly shape us and offer triumphs and lessons. I feel a shift in this year with my music, and from the grief I have been through, I feel a change in how I present myself through my art. The pandemic has shown me that I really thrive in the realm of writing songs, recording, and making music videos.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
So I live on the Big Island of Hawaii, and I would be doing the local people wrong if I were to give out all of the best locations. It’s kind of an unsaid rule here. You are just going to have to come and see for yourself! You can’t go wrong with any of the beaches. But if you are looking for lot’s of sandy beaches, go to one of the other islands! I do encourage trail exploration and the Volcanoes National Park!

But I can for sure shout out the local businesses! I will tell you that I love eating food in Hilo, specifically at The Booch Bar and getting desert at Kula Shave Ice. Hilo has a great famers market too. The Farmers markets in Waimea are amazing as well. I always get a grilled cheese at Red Barn! Theres’s a sweet little spot for food and unique drinks in Hawi called Roots Alchemy. In Kona I would for sure take you to Poi Dog Deli!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Anyone who ever pushed and pushed me to go to my first open mic, you know who you are! My river Fam! There are too many to name. And all the of the people who supported me at my first shows and who contributed to my music- Big Island tribe, my boyfriend Brandon who built me a music studio, and my mentor, Joey Bradley, who took me by the hand and showed me the ropes during my first time in a real recording studio, and who continues to teach me about gear, vocal and ukulele tips, and just musical tastefulness in general.

Website: kellyhydemusic.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelly_hyde_music/

Linkedin: https://linktr.ee/Kellyhydemusic

Twitter: https://twitter.com/KellyHyde_Music

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Kellyhydemusic

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOGk5tIZaWDapEFo1K-oGhQ

Other: https://www.patreon.com/kellyhyde

Image Credits
Heather Brovsky, Groto Films