About Kelela:
Throughout her globally revered, boundary-pushing career, Kelela has established a lane of her own in R&B and electronic music. On her long-awaited third album, new avatar, the singer/songwriter (through the versatility of the guitar) challenges perceptions of these genres, while weaving together fragments of lived experiences to shape a world of connection and resilience during times of unrest.
The songs journey through Black femme rage, joy as resistance, Gotham City-esque dystopia, misogynoir, romantic tension, and more. It’s anchored by production that demands a broader rethink about alternative, rock and indie music.
Kelela’s defiant nature has propelled her so far already — from her hometown of Washington, D.C to world stages. In 2013, she released her debut mixtape, Cut 4 Me. She continued solidifying her revolutionary R&B sound with 2015’s Hallucinogen EP, with The New York Times naming its single, “Rewind,” one of the “25 Songs That Tell Us Where Music Is Going”. By 2017, she released her electric debut album Take Me Apart (which was followed by 2018’s TAKE ME A_PART, THE REMIXES), building upon her intimate storytelling.
After a nearly five-year hiatus, she returned in 2023 with her groundbreaking second album, Raven, and its critically-acclaimed counterpart, RAVE:N, The Remixes in 2024. Raven has been hailed as one of the ‘Best Albums of 2023’ by Pitchfork, Billboard, Vulture, Variety, and more, while the remixes solidified her as a leader in the dance music space.
In 2025, Kelela showcased yet another innovative side of her artistry with her live album In The Blue Light, which hit #5 on the Contemporary Jazz chart and #20 on the Jazz Albums chart. Now, with new avatar, Kelela displays the masterful intention she puts into forming new sonic cityscapes. But don’t confuse it with escapism: “I don’t want the music to be a distraction from what’s really going on in the world; I want it to help you get into it.”
About Soft Kill:
Soft Kill from Chicago Illinois is the brainchild of Tobias Grave, making morose and infectious punk songs since 2011. Starting with the seminal “An Open Door” and including stand out records like 2016’s “Choke” and 2020’s Billboard chart topping “Dead Kids, R.I.P. City”. Tobias’ struggle with addiction and loss have created a depth and emotional landscape often missing from the genre.
About Soft Kill:
Soft Kill from Chicago Illinois is the brainchild of Tobias Grave, making morose and infectious punk songs since 2011. Starting with the seminal “An Open Door” and including stand out records like 2016’s “Choke” and 2020’s Billboard chart topping “Dead Kids, R.I.P. City”. Tobias’ struggle with addiction and loss have created a depth and emotional landscape often missing from the genre.
About Soft Kill:
Soft Kill from Chicago Illinois is the brainchild of Tobias Grave, making morose and infectious punk songs since 2011. Starting with the seminal “An Open Door” and including stand out records like 2016’s “Choke” and 2020’s Billboard chart topping “Dead Kids, R.I.P. City”. Tobias’ struggle with addiction and loss have created a depth and emotional landscape often missing from the genre.
About Soft Kill:
Soft Kill from Chicago Illinois is the brainchild of Tobias Grave, making morose and infectious punk songs since 2011. Starting with the seminal “An Open Door” and including stand out records like 2016’s “Choke” and 2020’s Billboard chart topping “Dead Kids, R.I.P. City”. Tobias’ struggle with addiction and loss have created a depth and emotional landscape often missing from the genre.
About Soft Kill:
Soft Kill from Chicago Illinois is the brainchild of Tobias Grave, making morose and infectious punk songs since 2011. Starting with the seminal “An Open Door” and including stand out records like 2016’s “Choke” and 2020’s Billboard chart topping “Dead Kids, R.I.P. City”. Tobias’ struggle with addiction and loss have created a depth and emotional landscape often missing from the genre.
About Soft Kill:
Soft Kill from Chicago Illinois is the brainchild of Tobias Grave, making morose and infectious punk songs since 2011. Starting with the seminal “An Open Door” and including stand out records like 2016’s “Choke” and 2020’s Billboard chart topping “Dead Kids, R.I.P. City”. Tobias’ struggle with addiction and loss have created a depth and emotional landscape often missing from the genre.
About Soft Kill:
Soft Kill from Chicago Illinois is the brainchild of Tobias Grave, making morose and infectious punk songs since 2011. Starting with the seminal “An Open Door” and including stand out records like 2016’s “Choke” and 2020’s Billboard chart topping “Dead Kids, R.I.P. City”. Tobias’ struggle with addiction and loss have created a depth and emotional landscape often missing from the genre.
About Soft Kill:
Soft Kill from Chicago Illinois is the brainchild of Tobias Grave, making morose and infectious punk songs since 2011. Starting with the seminal “An Open Door” and including stand out records like 2016’s “Choke” and 2020’s Billboard chart topping “Dead Kids, R.I.P. City”. Tobias’ struggle with addiction and loss have created a depth and emotional landscape often missing from the genre.
About Soft Kill:
Soft Kill from Chicago Illinois is the brainchild of Tobias Grave, making morose and infectious punk songs since 2011. Starting with the seminal “An Open Door” and including stand out records like 2016’s “Choke” and 2020’s Billboard chart topping “Dead Kids, R.I.P. City”. Tobias’ struggle with addiction and loss have created a depth and emotional landscape often missing from the genre.
About Soft Kill:
Soft Kill from Chicago Illinois is the brainchild of Tobias Grave, making morose and infectious punk songs since 2011. Starting with the seminal “An Open Door” and including stand out records like 2016’s “Choke” and 2020’s Billboard chart topping “Dead Kids, R.I.P. City”. Tobias’ struggle with addiction and loss have created a depth and emotional landscape often missing from the genre.
About Soft Kill:
Soft Kill from Chicago Illinois is the brainchild of Tobias Grave, making morose and infectious punk songs since 2011. Starting with the seminal “An Open Door” and including stand out records like 2016’s “Choke” and 2020’s Billboard chart topping “Dead Kids, R.I.P. City”. Tobias’ struggle with addiction and loss have created a depth and emotional landscape often missing from the genre.
About Soft Kill:
Soft Kill from Chicago Illinois is the brainchild of Tobias Grave, making morose and infectious punk songs since 2011. Starting with the seminal “An Open Door” and including stand out records like 2016’s “Choke” and 2020’s Billboard chart topping “Dead Kids, R.I.P. City”. Tobias’ struggle with addiction and loss have created a depth and emotional landscape often missing from the genre.
About Soft Kill:
Soft Kill from Chicago Illinois is the brainchild of Tobias Grave, making morose and infectious punk songs since 2011. Starting with the seminal “An Open Door” and including stand out records like 2016’s “Choke” and 2020’s Billboard chart topping “Dead Kids, R.I.P. City”. Tobias’ struggle with addiction and loss have created a depth and emotional landscape often missing from the genre.
About Soft Kill:
Soft Kill from Chicago Illinois is the brainchild of Tobias Grave, making morose and infectious punk songs since 2011. Starting with the seminal “An Open Door” and including stand out records like 2016’s “Choke” and 2020’s Billboard chart topping “Dead Kids, R.I.P. City”. Tobias’ struggle with addiction and loss have created a depth and emotional landscape often missing from the genre.
About Soft Kill:
Soft Kill from Chicago Illinois is the brainchild of Tobias Grave, making morose and infectious punk songs since 2011. Starting with the seminal “An Open Door” and including stand out records like 2016’s “Choke” and 2020’s Billboard chart topping “Dead Kids, R.I.P. City”. Tobias’ struggle with addiction and loss have created a depth and emotional landscape often missing from the genre.
About Soft Kill:
Soft Kill from Chicago Illinois is the brainchild of Tobias Grave, making morose and infectious punk songs since 2011. Starting with the seminal “An Open Door” and including stand out records like 2016’s “Choke” and 2020’s Billboard chart topping “Dead Kids, R.I.P. City”. Tobias’ struggle with addiction and loss have created a depth and emotional landscape often missing from the genre.
About Soft Kill:
Soft Kill from Chicago Illinois is the brainchild of Tobias Grave, making morose and infectious punk songs since 2011. Starting with the seminal “An Open Door” and including stand out records like 2016’s “Choke” and 2020’s Billboard chart topping “Dead Kids, R.I.P. City”. Tobias’ struggle with addiction and loss have created a depth and emotional landscape often missing from the genre.
About Soft Kill:
Soft Kill from Chicago Illinois is the brainchild of Tobias Grave, making morose and infectious punk songs since 2011. Starting with the seminal “An Open Door” and including stand out records like 2016’s “Choke” and 2020’s Billboard chart topping “Dead Kids, R.I.P. City”. Tobias’ struggle with addiction and loss have created a depth and emotional landscape often missing from the genre.
About Soft Kill:
Soft Kill from Chicago Illinois is the brainchild of Tobias Grave, making morose and infectious punk songs since 2011. Starting with the seminal “An Open Door” and including stand out records like 2016’s “Choke” and 2020’s Billboard chart topping “Dead Kids, R.I.P. City”. Tobias’ struggle with addiction and loss have created a depth and emotional landscape often missing from the genre.
About Soft Kill:
Soft Kill from Chicago Illinois is the brainchild of Tobias Grave, making morose and infectious punk songs since 2011. Starting with the seminal “An Open Door” and including stand out records like 2016’s “Choke” and 2020’s Billboard chart topping “Dead Kids, R.I.P. City”. Tobias’ struggle with addiction and loss have created a depth and emotional landscape often missing from the genre.
About Soft Kill:
Soft Kill from Chicago Illinois is the brainchild of Tobias Grave, making morose and infectious punk songs since 2011. Starting with the seminal “An Open Door” and including stand out records like 2016’s “Choke” and 2020’s Billboard chart topping “Dead Kids, R.I.P. City”. Tobias’ struggle with addiction and loss have created a depth and emotional landscape often missing from the genre.
About Soft Kill:
Soft Kill from Chicago Illinois is the brainchild of Tobias Grave, making morose and infectious punk songs since 2011. Starting with the seminal “An Open Door” and including stand out records like 2016’s “Choke” and 2020’s Billboard chart topping “Dead Kids, R.I.P. City”. Tobias’ struggle with addiction and loss have created a depth and emotional landscape often missing from the genre.
About Soft Kill:
Soft Kill from Chicago Illinois is the brainchild of Tobias Grave, making morose and infectious punk songs since 2011. Starting with the seminal “An Open Door” and including stand out records like 2016’s “Choke” and 2020’s Billboard chart topping “Dead Kids, R.I.P. City”. Tobias’ struggle with addiction and loss have created a depth and emotional landscape often missing from the genre.
About Soft Kill:
Soft Kill from Chicago Illinois is the brainchild of Tobias Grave, making morose and infectious punk songs since 2011. Starting with the seminal “An Open Door” and including stand out records like 2016’s “Choke” and 2020’s Billboard chart topping “Dead Kids, R.I.P. City”. Tobias’ struggle with addiction and loss have created a depth and emotional landscape often missing from the genre.
About Soft Kill:
Soft Kill from Chicago Illinois is the brainchild of Tobias Grave, making morose and infectious punk songs since 2011. Starting with the seminal “An Open Door” and including stand out records like 2016’s “Choke” and 2020’s Billboard chart topping “Dead Kids, R.I.P. City”. Tobias’ struggle with addiction and loss have created a depth and emotional landscape often missing from the genre.
About Soft Kill:
Soft Kill from Chicago Illinois is the brainchild of Tobias Grave, making morose and infectious punk songs since 2011. Starting with the seminal “An Open Door” and including stand out records like 2016’s “Choke” and 2020’s Billboard chart topping “Dead Kids, R.I.P. City”. Tobias’ struggle with addiction and loss have created a depth and emotional landscape often missing from the genre.
About Soft Kill:
Soft Kill from Chicago Illinois is the brainchild of Tobias Grave, making morose and infectious punk songs since 2011. Starting with the seminal “An Open Door” and including stand out records like 2016’s “Choke” and 2020’s Billboard chart topping “Dead Kids, R.I.P. City”. Tobias’ struggle with addiction and loss have created a depth and emotional landscape often missing from the genre.
About Soft Kill:
Soft Kill from Chicago Illinois is the brainchild of Tobias Grave, making morose and infectious punk songs since 2011. Starting with the seminal “An Open Door” and including stand out records like 2016’s “Choke” and 2020’s Billboard chart topping “Dead Kids, R.I.P. City”. Tobias’ struggle with addiction and loss have created a depth and emotional landscape often missing from the genre.
About Soft Kill:
Soft Kill from Chicago Illinois is the brainchild of Tobias Grave, making morose and infectious punk songs since 2011. Starting with the seminal “An Open Door” and including stand out records like 2016’s “Choke” and 2020’s Billboard chart topping “Dead Kids, R.I.P. City”. Tobias’ struggle with addiction and loss have created a depth and emotional landscape often missing from the genre.
About Soft Kill:
Soft Kill from Chicago Illinois is the brainchild of Tobias Grave, making morose and infectious punk songs since 2011. Starting with the seminal “An Open Door” and including stand out records like 2016’s “Choke” and 2020’s Billboard chart topping “Dead Kids, R.I.P. City”. Tobias’ struggle with addiction and loss have created a depth and emotional landscape often missing from the genre.
About Soft Kill:
Soft Kill from Chicago Illinois is the brainchild of Tobias Grave, making morose and infectious punk songs since 2011. Starting with the seminal “An Open Door” and including stand out records like 2016’s “Choke” and 2020’s Billboard chart topping “Dead Kids, R.I.P. City”. Tobias’ struggle with addiction and loss have created a depth and emotional landscape often missing from the genre.
About Soft Kill:
Soft Kill from Chicago Illinois is the brainchild of Tobias Grave, making morose and infectious punk songs since 2011. Starting with the seminal “An Open Door” and including stand out records like 2016’s “Choke” and 2020’s Billboard chart topping “Dead Kids, R.I.P. City”. Tobias’ struggle with addiction and loss have created a depth and emotional landscape often missing from the genre.
About Soft Kill:
Soft Kill from Chicago Illinois is the brainchild of Tobias Grave, making morose and infectious punk songs since 2011. Starting with the seminal “An Open Door” and including stand out records like 2016’s “Choke” and 2020’s Billboard chart topping “Dead Kids, R.I.P. City”. Tobias’ struggle with addiction and loss have created a depth and emotional landscape often missing from the genre.
About Soft Kill:
Soft Kill from Chicago Illinois is the brainchild of Tobias Grave, making morose and infectious punk songs since 2011. Starting with the seminal “An Open Door” and including stand out records like 2016’s “Choke” and 2020’s Billboard chart topping “Dead Kids, R.I.P. City”. Tobias’ struggle with addiction and loss have created a depth and emotional landscape often missing from the genre.
About Soft Kill:
Soft Kill from Chicago Illinois is the brainchild of Tobias Grave, making morose and infectious punk songs since 2011. Starting with the seminal “An Open Door” and including stand out records like 2016’s “Choke” and 2020’s Billboard chart topping “Dead Kids, R.I.P. City”. Tobias’ struggle with addiction and loss have created a depth and emotional landscape often missing from the genre.
About Soft Kill:
Soft Kill from Chicago Illinois is the brainchild of Tobias Grave, making morose and infectious punk songs since 2011. Starting with the seminal “An Open Door” and including stand out records like 2016’s “Choke” and 2020’s Billboard chart topping “Dead Kids, R.I.P. City”. Tobias’ struggle with addiction and loss have created a depth and emotional landscape often missing from the genre.
About Soft Kill:
Soft Kill from Chicago Illinois is the brainchild of Tobias Grave, making morose and infectious punk songs since 2011. Starting with the seminal “An Open Door” and including stand out records like 2016’s “Choke” and 2020’s Billboard chart topping “Dead Kids, R.I.P. City”. Tobias’ struggle with addiction and loss have created a depth and emotional landscape often missing from the genre.
About Soft Kill:
Soft Kill from Chicago Illinois is the brainchild of Tobias Grave, making morose and infectious punk songs since 2011. Starting with the seminal “An Open Door” and including stand out records like 2016’s “Choke” and 2020’s Billboard chart topping “Dead Kids, R.I.P. City”. Tobias’ struggle with addiction and loss have created a depth and emotional landscape often missing from the genre.
About Soft Kill:
Soft Kill from Chicago Illinois is the brainchild of Tobias Grave, making morose and infectious punk songs since 2011. Starting with the seminal “An Open Door” and including stand out records like 2016’s “Choke” and 2020’s Billboard chart topping “Dead Kids, R.I.P. City”. Tobias’ struggle with addiction and loss have created a depth and emotional landscape often missing from the genre.
About Soft Kill:
Soft Kill from Chicago Illinois is the brainchild of Tobias Grave, making morose and infectious punk songs since 2011. Starting with the seminal “An Open Door” and including stand out records like 2016’s “Choke” and 2020’s Billboard chart topping “Dead Kids, R.I.P. City”. Tobias’ struggle with addiction and loss have created a depth and emotional landscape often missing from the genre.
About Soft Kill:
Soft Kill from Chicago Illinois is the brainchild of Tobias Grave, making morose and infectious punk songs since 2011. Starting with the seminal “An Open Door” and including stand out records like 2016’s “Choke” and 2020’s Billboard chart topping “Dead Kids, R.I.P. City”. Tobias’ struggle with addiction and loss have created a depth and emotional landscape often missing from the genre.
About Soft Kill:
Soft Kill from Chicago Illinois is the brainchild of Tobias Grave, making morose and infectious punk songs since 2011. Starting with the seminal “An Open Door” and including stand out records like 2016’s “Choke” and 2020’s Billboard chart topping “Dead Kids, R.I.P. City”. Tobias’ struggle with addiction and loss have created a depth and emotional landscape often missing from the genre.
About Soft Kill:
Soft Kill from Chicago Illinois is the brainchild of Tobias Grave, making morose and infectious punk songs since 2011. Starting with the seminal “An Open Door” and including stand out records like 2016’s “Choke” and 2020’s Billboard chart topping “Dead Kids, R.I.P. City”. Tobias’ struggle with addiction and loss have created a depth and emotional landscape often missing from the genre.
About Soft Kill:
Soft Kill from Chicago Illinois is the brainchild of Tobias Grave, making morose and infectious punk songs since 2011. Starting with the seminal “An Open Door” and including stand out records like 2016’s “Choke” and 2020’s Billboard chart topping “Dead Kids, R.I.P. City”. Tobias’ struggle with addiction and loss have created a depth and emotional landscape often missing from the genre.
About Soft Kill:
Soft Kill from Chicago Illinois is the brainchild of Tobias Grave, making morose and infectious punk songs since 2011. Starting with the seminal “An Open Door” and including stand out records like 2016’s “Choke” and 2020’s Billboard chart topping “Dead Kids, R.I.P. City”. Tobias’ struggle with addiction and loss have created a depth and emotional landscape often missing from the genre.
About Soft Kill:
Soft Kill from Chicago Illinois is the brainchild of Tobias Grave, making morose and infectious punk songs since 2011. Starting with the seminal “An Open Door” and including stand out records like 2016’s “Choke” and 2020’s Billboard chart topping “Dead Kids, R.I.P. City”. Tobias’ struggle with addiction and loss have created a depth and emotional landscape often missing from the genre.
About Soft Kill:
Soft Kill from Chicago Illinois is the brainchild of Tobias Grave, making morose and infectious punk songs since 2011. Starting with the seminal “An Open Door” and including stand out records like 2016’s “Choke” and 2020’s Billboard chart topping “Dead Kids, R.I.P. City”. Tobias’ struggle with addiction and loss have created a depth and emotional landscape often missing from the genre.
About Soft Kill:
Soft Kill from Chicago Illinois is the brainchild of Tobias Grave, making morose and infectious punk songs since 2011. Starting with the seminal “An Open Door” and including stand out records like 2016’s “Choke” and 2020’s Billboard chart topping “Dead Kids, R.I.P. City”. Tobias’ struggle with addiction and loss have created a depth and emotional landscape often missing from the genre.
About Soft Kill:
Soft Kill from Chicago Illinois is the brainchild of Tobias Grave, making morose and infectious punk songs since 2011. Starting with the seminal “An Open Door” and including stand out records like 2016’s “Choke” and 2020’s Billboard chart topping “Dead Kids, R.I.P. City”. Tobias’ struggle with addiction and loss have created a depth and emotional landscape often missing from the genre.
About Soft Kill:
Soft Kill from Chicago Illinois is the brainchild of Tobias Grave, making morose and infectious punk songs since 2011. Starting with the seminal “An Open Door” and including stand out records like 2016’s “Choke” and 2020’s Billboard chart topping “Dead Kids, R.I.P. City”. Tobias’ struggle with addiction and loss have created a depth and emotional landscape often missing from the genre.
About Soft Kill:
Soft Kill from Chicago Illinois is the brainchild of Tobias Grave, making morose and infectious punk songs since 2011. Starting with the seminal “An Open Door” and including stand out records like 2016’s “Choke” and 2020’s Billboard chart topping “Dead Kids, R.I.P. City”. Tobias’ struggle with addiction and loss have created a depth and emotional landscape often missing from the genre.
About Soft Kill:
Soft Kill from Chicago Illinois is the brainchild of Tobias Grave, making morose and infectious punk songs since 2011. Starting with the seminal “An Open Door” and including stand out records like 2016’s “Choke” and 2020’s Billboard chart topping “Dead Kids, R.I.P. City”. Tobias’ struggle with addiction and loss have created a depth and emotional landscape often missing from the genre.
