Kelsey Waldon

Armed with undeniable talent and an intense love of her craft (and country music), Kelsey Waldon is a rare and incredibly refreshing artist; an emerging force of raw, honest, and grounded songwriting in the Nashville music scene. Having collected and absorbed more records in her 23 years than most people will hear in a lifetime, and drawing influence from songwriting greats such as Townes Van Zandt, Guy Clark, and Bob Dylan, she has an exceptional ability to evoke an older and often seemingly forgotten era of songwriting, while simultaneously creating a relevant, cutting edge, and unique style, true to her own experience.

Originally from Barlow, Kentucky, Kelsey lives in Nashville, TN full time. She has just released her fourth studio album, “Fixin’ It Up (The EP)”, has appeared on world famous WSM 650 AM, has appeared in American Songwriter and on Daytrotter, and has shared bills with Hayes Carll, Peter Rowan, James McMurtry and more.

Kelsey’s music, like her spirit, is both charismatic and infectious, and to hear her is to experience the world through the inspired eyes of a strong young woman; ready to take on the world, and (much like her idols Emmylou Harris and Dolly Parton) not afraid to stand out.

“Clearly she’s developing some pretty serious chops as a songwriter …”

-Twangville

“Great voice, great songs, wonderful woman.”

-Emma Swift, Americana broadcaster with Saturday Night Country - ABC Local Radio. USA correspondent @rhythmsmag. Singer, writer, record collector, enthusiast.

“We’re big fans of her old-school southern style done with modern hand, that is as equally informed by Townes Van Zandt and Guy Clark as it is by the classic ladies of country.”

-Lockeland Springsteen

“Fixin’ It Up doesn’t attempt to imitate the glory days of country, or try to reword honky-tonk motifs cleverly enough to be passed off as an ode, or a tribute to the greats—it comes from somewhere between her heart and her hands, with her heroes in the background instead of on her sleeve.”

-Lucca Soria, No Depression

“She Rules”

-Sean Moeller, www.daytrotter.com

“Kelsey Waldon singing the Townes Van Zandt classics “Pancho and Lefty” and “To Live’s to Fly” at Threadgill’s. (Full disclosure: This was part of a tribute concert and signing event for my book about Van Zandt.) The next generation singing Townes is what it’s all about. Waldon delivered beautifully. That Peter Rowan followed with “No Lonesome Tune” and “I’ll Be There” (a Van Zandt co-write) was icing.”

-Brian T. Atkinson on his Top 10 moments from SXSW, 2013, from CMTEdge.com.