KEHLI combines vibrant melodies with a bittersweet narrative on "Not OK"

Combining triumphant percussion instrumentation with shallower acoustic accompaniment, “Not OK” details the dying embers of a relationship, as the trust slowly fades and the connection between the couple is evidently suffering as a result of increased tension and stress.

Despite its heavy themes, “Not OK” is a sonically upbeat take on dissolvement, with her smooth, powerful vocals cut through as she takes her biggest step yet to become an artist free of constraints.

KEHLI’s passion for music first came to prominence at the age of 14, when she began trying her hands on several TV music shows, including The Voice and The X Factor. Before long, a video of KEHLI performing Jorja Smith’s “Let Me Down” found its way online and quickly amassed over 200,000 views in less than two days.

Driven on by the video’s success, she began working with several producers across Dublin, until she was introduced to producer/songwriter MSRD, who worked closely with KEHLI to help hone her sound. Their work together is set to form the bulk of KEHLI’s forthcoming debut EP, which is scheduled for release in early 2022.

Ever since the release of her debut single “One Last Kiss” in 2018, KEHLI has also collaborated with a number of up-and-coming artists, including KID ETERNAL, Louis II, and Irish singer/production duo 49th & Main on “Summer Lovin'”, KEHLI’s biggest track to date.

Speaking about the new track, KEHLI said that releasing “Not OK” became its own form of therapy and relief from a deeply personal period of her life.

“'Not OK' was a song I felt a lot of release from! It’s about the very moment you realise someone is falling out of love with you or your reality is falling apart and that is one of the worst feelings I’ve ever felt. Putting that concept into a song was hard, but I’m so excited for everyone to hear it as it’s my first release after the worst part of the COVID pandemic is hopefully over. I hope people can generally relate to it as well”.

With her EP on the way and more singles to come, KEHLI is an artist as full of potential and promise as to any around.