Manx singer and harpist Erika Kelly is delighted to announce the release of her eagerly-anticipated debut single “Better I Try” on Tuesday 18 March.
Described as “a shining young star in the making” who is “undoubtedly going places” by Macs London magazine, Erika has teamed up with Island-based guitarist Malcolm Stitt [Boys of the Lough, Deaf Shepherd, Kate Rusby] and London musician Joshua Rumble [Proxies, Faro] to co-write this catchy, up-beat song about “striving for your dreams, no matter what, through making continuous efforts even if you receive nothing in return”. Erika recorded the single in London with James Flannigan who produces music for the X Factor and has worked with Snow Patrol, Lucy Spraggan, Rebecca Ferguson and many others. Accompanying the release of the single is a stunning video filmed in the Gaiety Theatre by young film-maker and free-runner Will Sutton [http://www.youtube.com/user/dasloverly - video available to view from 6.30pm today, Tuesday 11 March].
Already well known for her unique spin on pop songs by the likes of Lady Gaga, Ed Sheeran, Mumford & Sons and Florence & the Machine, Erika is rapidly making a name for herself online, particularly through her YouTube channel DasLoverly where she has nearly 4000 followers and has had over 500,000 views. Talking about her loyal followers, Erika explains that “I have attained a beautiful fan-base, who are the ‘loverliest’, most encouraging people! They make me feel consistently determined to achieve!”
21 year old Erika’s musical beginnings stem from performing traditional music at school in Ramsey. Singing old Manx Gaelic songs and playing Celtic music on the harp have undoubtedly given a distinctive quality to her covers of contemporary pop songs, and now to her original songs. Currently studying A-levels at Isle of Man College, Erika is also a keen lover of race walking and last year won the Midnight 20-Mile Stroll!
“Better I Try” is the first song from her forthcoming EP, and the single will be available to download from iTunes from Tuesday 18 March. Erika Kelly is grateful for the generous support of the Isle of Man Arts Council in making this recording possible, plus assistance from the Malcolm-Scott Dickinson Trust and Culture Vannin.
Erika and the band plan to tour and perform at festivals in the UK this summer.
Photo - Courtesy of Sarah Jewell.
