YouTube’d: Hello Kelly

I know it’s not Tuesday, but I can make and break my own YouTube rules….

Of my many musical discoveries in the past year, one stands out as the most significant. And yet, until now, I’ve neglected to spotlight it here. I think it’s because I’m hesitant to type praise when there’s actual weight behind the words. I can say I love Rob Thomas or Bono without a second thought. But extend that to musicians I actually know and I’m suddenly extra careful with my phraseology. I don’t want to sound trite or gush in a way that reads as insincere.

In late 2008, my friend Jon sent me an email. He told me he had just finished directing a music video. I wasn’t familiar with Hello Kelly, but I was excited for his project. A few months later, my first introduction to the band looked like this:

Simple Love Song

Fastforward to summer 2009. Suddenly Francy (Hello Kelly’s front man) and I were good friends. And “Simple Love Song” remained one of the most played songs on my iPod. Sometimes first music-impressions loop in my head. Over and over.

I discovered “Paper Bag Princess (Hey Elizabeth)” when I first saw Hello Kelly play live. Total crowd favorite. Even non-Robert Munsch fans can get behind this insanely catchy pop-rock tune that blends awesomeness with optimism.

And the long-awaited video came out today! (Hence my not waiting for YouTube Tuesday. I like being timely.)

Hey Elizabeth

And it’s true, folks: As the song says, Francy can play a mean guitar and you can talk to him about almost anything.

Read his blog for a peek into his pretty cool brain. The man is a WRITER. For real.

And now he’s going for broke. It’s do-or-die time. He’s setting up shop in Nashville at this very moment, chasing a huge dream with his God-given talents. And I’m on board. ‘Cause, like Zac Efron tends to remind us, we’re all in this together. (Plus, it’s a very Donald Miller-approved thing to do, pursuing a story worth telling.)

Help the guy out. Give. Pray. Listen. Let’s band together (pun very much intended) and encourage and participate in one another’s adventures. The new album is going to be good. Trust me.

Sometimes I post videos here that have changed my little world. Well, here’s a video that challenges you to change someone else’s:

Help Hello Kelly

Stay tuned. The best is yet to come. As is a Christmas movie. And a sitcom. And The Supersonics. And….

Now get thee to iTunes and download the self-titled Hello Kelly album while you await the upcoming excellence. Do it. Even if I had zero personal connection to the band, I’d still love every single song. That’s my endorsement. All thumbs up.