As seen in the JULY 2021 PRINT ISSUE
Text By HAIDER RIFAAT
Photographer: Dylan Perlot
Stylist: Dina Vibes
Model : Emery Kelly
A platform like The X Factor can get you places, but not every artist makes it big in the industry. Following his exit from the show, Emery Kelly continued to shine as a performer with the boy band Forever in Your Mind, producing music alongside Ricky Garcia and Liam Attridge.
Fast forward to 2021, Kelly is now taking the high road as a solo performer, registering more singing and acting roles as he plans to move forward and prove his gravitas as an artist. This year, he landed a recurring character opposite John Stamos in the Disney+ dramedy Big Shot, and will soon release his debut solo album titled Some of My Emotions. With these feats, Emery is destined to rise to the occasion. Haider Rifaat of Flanelle Magazine got in touch with the young star for an exciting chat about his journey in the limelight.
Emery, give our readers some insight into your life, and who you are as a person?
I am a 23-year-old musician, singer, actor, writer and a producer from Long Island, New York who has been working on his dream for over 8 years in Los Angeles.
How has your journey from The X Factor until now been like?
Honestly, it has been a whirlwind! I have been able to be a part of different types of TV shows and films. I got to create music with my band and tour across the U.S., and I can never forget the amazing people I have met along the way. I love what I do!
How did you manage to register more singing and acting opportunities following your elimination from The X Factor with Forever in Your Mind?
We had a team that supported us after the show, and helped us with our careers.
You currently star alongside John Stamos in the Disney+ drama-comedy Big Shot. Tell us who do you play?
I play Dylan! He is a cool kid with a genuine heart, and he loves basketball!
Did you know you had the actor in you once you took a leap into films and television?
I grew up doing musical theater so I have always been able to act. It wasn’t really hard for me to get into acting.
Having dabbled with both singing and acting, which subfield of the arts do you feel most comfortable with?
Music, all the way!
You will soon release your debut studio album – Some of My Emotions. What themes does the album explore?
Yes – I want the album to come out this year. I have finished all the music, which means I am now in the process of filming content for S.O.M.E. (Some of My Emotions). The album explores different types of music. It is versatile, genre-bending and sonically different at the same time. I have a feeling people are going to vibe with it!
Why did it take you 8 years to produce a debut solo album?
Time doesn’t matter to me. When the moment is right to release, the moment is right.
What is your vision as an artist?
My vision is to make the world a better place with music and art.
Which two artists would you like to collaborate with in acting and singing? Why?
I would love to work with Robert Downey Jr. or Leonardo DiCaprio in any film because I have watched them since I was a little kid and always loved their acting techniques. In music, I would love to collaborate with Frank Ocean or Tyler, The Creator.
Have any ups and downs come your way in your career so far? How did you pull through these roadblocks?
Of course! Every person has their ups and downs in whatever career they are pursing. For me, I feel like success doesn’t run on a straight line. It is more of a wave. You will have your highs and lows. The way I pull out of my lows is to reset myself and remember who I am surrounded with in my environment of work. Connections are also a key factor in this industry.
To conclude, tell us who is a source of inspiration for you?
I find inspiration in all different types of actors, singers, producers, and even my dad!
