Catching up with… Kelli Welli!
Kelli Welli is a Portland-based Americana artist who also makes music for kids! Her newest album, Let’s Go, Pistachio! Will be released on January 29th.
Kelli found a few minutes from raising her twins to share the experience of being a working musician, visual artist and mom.
NW Kids: What are some of the challenges in combining your career in music with motherhood?
Kelli Caldwell:
Time. Time. And… Time. Just never enough time to do it all, so you have to make compromises. Kimberly from ABC Doulas said that in my new mom’s group way back when and it was really nice to hear: Something’s got to give, it just does.
Juggling motherhood and music has meant squeezing career into pockets and moments here and there, and then eventually with childcare help, into a few strategic hours now and then. It’s meant drumming up enough energy after putting kids to bed or sending an email from my phone while sitting on the “big kid potty” with my kids, the dog, and the cat crammed into the bathroom watching me (because, of course), all while battling against a feeling of guilt for some inexplicable, but societally conditioned reason. So… baby steps for my twins and baby steps for my music career.
NWK: On the plus side, has quarantining helped you in your career (or life generally)?
KC:
The quarantine meant a sudden halt to my career for many months. And I felt desperate about it at times. My husband was able to work things out with his company to go down to 80% time starting in the fall, so I could get back to working more. I think, if they haven’t already, women and men need to push back and assert equity on this.
This quarantine has provided the sudden and stark reminder about what’s really important in life.
The quarantine forced everyone to slow the bleep down… get outside… chill out… hang out together… in the bathroom, while mom’s trying to have 5 minutes to do her business… oh wait, that was the same before Covid-life!
NWK: Can you tell us some of the best places you’ve discovered around town for socially distanced outings with the kids?
KC:
We’ve just really appreciated being able to get outside — talk about a reminder about what’s important in life. And thankfully we live in a wonderful place to do that year-round. I don’t know that it’s easy for everyone, so you have to just do what you can, but we’re so grateful that the parks and playgrounds have remained open through this latest round of shutdowns. We’ve been able to set up a few playdates outside and it’s been such a relief.
NWK: What was the last gig you performed in public? And, what do you hope to share with your Portland fans once things open up again?
KC:
The last three places we played in public are all such wonderful supporters of local children’s music: Alberta Street Pub, Mississippi Pizza, and Hoot-n-Annie Resale Boutique. We really miss the folks there and can’t wait to get back to performing and being part of the amazing community they’ve helped to build. Can’t wait to share new music and HUGS with our kids and the people who love them again!
NWK: What are some of your other plans for 2021?
KC:
Well, I have a new album coming out January 29th called Let’s Go, Pistachio!. So, next time you’re sitting on the “big-kid potty” with your phone handy, surrounded by an audience of kids and pets, maybe you can check out my music at kelliwelli.com or your favorite music store. I’d particularly love you to hear, “I’m Proud of You,” because it’s not just meant for kids. It’s meant for the people who love kids, because I know how hard it is to juggle everything and how much harder it’s been during the quarantine.
