Bridget Kelly "The Ladies Conversation" At Google HQ

Bridget Kelly, singer and songwriter hailing from New York City, held a ‘The Ladies Conversation’ with her fans in London yesterday evening. The night included effortless performances by Kelly, including her monumental single, ‘Special Delivery’ and a live Q&A with the audience revealing Kelly’s own trials and tribulations in the music industry.

Being a graduate from a renowned performing arts high school in Manhattan, Kelly pursued her career as singer by performing at open mic and underground shows before being signed to Roc Nation.

A whirlwind success, Kelly regularly performed Jay-Z’s ‘Empire State of Mind’. The collaboration led Kelly to perform at the prestigious Madison Square Gardens, Coldplay’s ‘Vida La Vida’ tour and Coachella. By 2012, the singer and songwriter had featured on Kendrick Lamar’s ‘Street Dreamin’ and released her EP, ‘Every Girl’. The chart success of Kelly’s single ‘Special Delivery’ propelled her into the forefront, with a second EP ‘Cut to… Bridget Kelly’ and penning songs for artists such as Kelly Clarkson.

In 2014, Kelly decided to part with Roc Nation and become an independent artist. When asked for her reasoning of the move, the singer revealed her split with the record label was a ‘risk’, but has been rewarded with the independence and power to control her career and creativity.

An insightful conversation, Kelly spoke openly about her challenges being a talented artist in the superficial and increasingly saturated industry. The singer mentioned her appreciation for music, the creative process and support from her fans reaffirmed her love for the industry, despite the politics behind the scenes.

Kelly also reminded the audience the importance of being firm in who you are and trusting your own instincts when joining the music industry. Reflecting on her choices, Kelly revealed many record labels try to “mould” artists into a finished product instead of allowing for growth and development; which now as an independent artist, she is able to do.

Overall, the conversation which illuminated some truths about the music industry, inspired many young, talented women in the audience and also shed some light on Kelly as an individual.