Fleetwood Kelly: Reimagining Resilience Through Rhythm and Identity

Fleetwood Kelly is fast emerging as a distinct and unapologetically honest voice in today’s music landscape. As a queer artist, his work is defined by fearless emotional storytelling and a genre-defying sound that fuses indie, electronic, and experimental influences. Deeply rooted in his rural Pennsylvania upbringing, his music carries the echoes of open fields, family, and the search for identity far from big-city lights.

His musical journey began in middle school with voice lessons, which eventually led him to the theatrical world of musical theater. That early foundation not only sharpened his technical craft but also instilled a love for performance that continues to fuel his expressive, emotionally driven style.

Fleetwood Kelly’s debut leaned into the Americana and singer-songwriter traditions that mirrored his countryside upbringing. But his current chapter is a dramatic, dance-forward evolution—one he describes as the project he’s always wanted to make. A child of the “recession-pop” generation, Kelly drew early inspiration from artists like Lady Gaga and Kesha, whose music brought euphoria and release during difficult times. That same spirit—resilience through rhythm—permeates his latest work, which he views as a sonic response to the uncertainty of 2025, much like how 2008 shaped a generation in search of joy.

More than just a sound, Kelly’s music offers sanctuary. As an openly LGBTQ+ artist, he uses vulnerability as power—inviting listeners into his world while making space for those who rarely see themselves in mainstream narratives. Whether exploring heartache, liberation, or the complexities of identity, his music challenges convention while providing connection.

With new collaborations and dance-driven releases on the horizon, Fleetwood Kelly is forging a vibrant path forward—bold, expressive, and deeply human.

Kelly’s newest release, “Summer Hymnal”, is described as a euphoric collaboration with none other than CeCe Peniston — the R&B and house legend behind hits like “Finally.”

We of COURSE had to get Fleetwood Kelly to weigh in on the new heat!

“Summer Hymnal” feels like both a dance-floor release and a spiritual ritual. What was your emotional state when creating it, and how did the collaboration with CeCe Peniston come about?

“Summer Hymnal” really is the climax of a night out dancing. I simply wanted to create a song that evoked the kind of joy you feel when you’ve found what you’ve been searching for…when you’ve danced through the pain and become stronger because of it. The song is an homage to 90s house music while still feeling fresh. I felt that the song called for another powerful vocal and CeCe Peniston immediately came to mind. We reached out to her team, she loved the song, and now the rest is history. 

You’ve described the track as “the climax of a night out dancing.” What’s your personal relationship with nightlife as a form of healing or self-discovery?

I never really got into nightlife until I moved to Los Angeles. While I was openly queer, I still had a lot of healing and self-discovery to do. I found my community through nights out in West Hollywood, dancing until 2am and letting all my cares melt away under the disco ball. More importantly, I learned a lot about myself through the catharsis of music and dance.

Your sound has evolved from Americana roots to genre-bending indie-pop and now unapologetic dance music. What inspired this shift, and how does it reflect your personal growth?

My first album was very much a result of being stuck at home during the pandemic. I wrote most of the songs at the piano and then worked with my producer, Austin Foley (aka Jynjo), to record them. Growing up, I first got into pop music when artists like Lady Gaga, Kesha, and Rihanna dominated the charts, so part of me always wanted to make a dance pop record. When I started writing again, Austin and I wrote and produced the tracks in tandem. I get bored easily, so those who know me wouldn’t be surprised by my constantly shifting sound.

Growing up queer in rural Pennsylvania must have come with unique challenges. How did your upbringing shape the vulnerability and storytelling that now defines your music?

Growing up in rural Pennsylvania was definitely different than living in the urban sprawl of Los Angeles where I reside today. It was a slower way of life and not always tolerant of those who were different. Luckily, I had a supportive family who encouraged my interests in music and theatre and allowed me to express myself through the arts. My music is a reflection of my own life experiences, and I continue to chronicle my journey west in my songwriting.

You often fuse theatricality with emotional truth. How has your background in musical theatre influenced your live performances and songwriting process?

Once a theatre kid, always a theatre kid. I love the art of storytelling, so I always aim to paint a picture with my songwriting. The words and the music should set the scene and transport the listener to whatever world I’ve created. My new music is definitely bigger and more dramatic than my last project, so I can’t wait to perform it live on stage.

‘Summer Hymnal’ dropped during Pride Month. What does Pride mean to you in 2025, and how do you hope your music contributes to this moment in culture?

We still celebrate Pride in 2025 because people in this community still experience discrimination and violence solely based on who they are…who they love. We have a month because our government refuses to afford the trans community with protections they deserve. We have a parade because drag performances are being targeted and banned in certain places. Pride provides space for our community to authentically express themselves and celebrate our diversity. The “Summer Hymnal” is a metaphorical collection of music that you can always lean on to feel loved and celebrated. The song is a reflection of how music and dance were an integral part in my own queer journey, so it made perfect sense to release it during Pride Month.

You’ve spoken about being influenced by artists from the “recession-pop” era like Gaga and Kesha. What lessons from that time do you carry with you into today’s uncertain climate?

While I wouldn’t say “recession-pop” necessarily describes the sound of “Summer Hymnal,” I do think elements of escapism are felt throughout the track. We’ve once again found ourselves in an era of not just economic uncertainty, but also one where social injustices have become frighteningly commonplace. Like a lot of artists did during the Great Recession, I now feel the need to write and create more dance pop focused music as a response to the current socio-economic and geopolitical climate. I’ve learned that sometimes people just need a moment to breathe. A moment to forget everything and just feel joy. I may not have all the answers in the world, but what I do have is 4 minutes and 19 seconds of pop bliss in which my fans can escape and mentally recharge before returning to face their everyday challenges. 

Your music has been described as a safe space for listeners who don’t see themselves reflected in mainstream pop. How intentional is that mission, and what feedback have you received from fans?

As a queer person, I’ve seen how difficult it is for overtly queer music to break into the mainstream. How many Billboard Hot 100 number-ones singles have there been with explicitly queer lyrics? It goes to show that LGBTQIA+ artists still face an uphill battle in this industry because there are still a lot of people out there who are uncomfortable that we exist. So yes, it’s very intentional that my music serves as a safe space for listeners who might not see themselves reflected in mainstream pop. I aim to be as authentic as possible in my music and so far the reception from fans who’ve chosen to tune in and stick around for the next project has been pretty positive.

In a world that often pressures artists to pick a lane, you’ve chosen to defy genre. How do you stay grounded and authentic while navigating industry expectations?

Fuck expectations…picking a lane and doing the same thing every time is boring as hell! Right now, I’m just focused on making music I’m passionate about and building an audience who likes what I have to say, whether it’s an alternative/indie pop song about my ex or a sparkly 90s house inspired record about leaving it all on the dance floor.

Looking ahead, what stories are you most excited to tell with your next releases — and how do you see your role evolving within the wider music landscape?

I don’t want to give away too much about what’s coming next, but what I can say is that “Summer Hymnal” is just the start of this chapter of Fleetwood Kelly. Get ready to dance a lot!