The Kelli Baker Band
Recently signed as a Sony Music Artist under Bad Jeu Jeu Records, Kelli Baker brings a sound unlike any other.
Winner, Long Island Blues Challenge “Road to Memphis” 2022
”When I put on Kelli Baker, I get transported into a world of fresh nostalgia. Her voice is like the legendary blues women of the 1930’s and 40’s, but with a modern seductiveness. Her songs are moody and sensual and worth listening to on repeat. There’s no one with her particular sound right now.”
— Rob Rush, Program Director and PM Drive Host, 94.3 The Shark (Long Island)
With a powerhouse voice dripping with a haunting sensuality that slips easily into growling old school blues-tones, Kelli speaks her heart like a beat poet in a late night dive. The kind you only know if you’re in the know. Her music is an amalgamation of authentic blues/rock and heart-on-her-sleeve singer/songwriter pop with folk/gospel roots.
Known in some circles as “The Phoenix”, Kelli was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona. She moved to New York in 2012, with $500 in cash, chasing the heels of Hurricane Sandy. Learning music like so many others in the church choir, Kelli graduated to fronting a hard rock band and a folk duo, writing her own music at an early age.
Kelli has consistently tours nationally, including performing in Paris, France. She appears regularly at iconic music houses such as NYC’s The Bitter End, taking the stage at The Cutting Room, Rockwood Music Hall, and some of New York’s most discerning venues.
Kelli was made Brand Ambassador for Monster Cables in July of 2022 and will be representing Monster/performing for Monster at The NAMM show in Anaheim, January 2024.
Her track, “Blood on the Nile” was met with critical acclaim, landing on Spotify’s coveted editorial playlist, “Blues Roots”, as well as as commercial airplay on the UK’s #1 country music station, and a headlining feature in Guitar Girl Magazine.
Kelli has swiftly moved through the ranks of New York’s bristling music scene to become a known name. She has been featured in Relix Magazine, Guitar Girl Magazine, on WFUV’s coveted NY Slice, Rollin’ With hosted by Rob Rush of 94.3 The Shark, Launch Music Conference & Festival, Brooklyn Vegan, Broadway World, NYC.Com, Better Lemons, VoyagePhoenix, Faces of Long Island, Fresh Brewed Sessions, The Tedeschi Trucks podcast, Knock ‘Em Dead Comedy, UnRated Magazine, UK Radio’s Don’s Hit List, Governor’s Radio, Breaking Sound Radio, Rising Stars Radio with Rick Eberle, The Douglas Coleman Show, DiscoverYou Radio, The Long Islander, and The Island Now, among many others.
Kelli delivers a commanding performance and has been compared to Bonnie Raitt, Chris Cornell, Susan Tedeschi, and Aretha Franklin. Her dynamic blues tones and gospel nods have been called a kind of ethereal blues. Her major influences are The Rolling Stones, Muddy Waters, Jane’s Addiction, The Black Crowes, Bonnie Raitt, Tedeschi Trucks Band, and Neil Young.
The Kelli Baker Band recently recorded at the iconic Cove City Sound Studios with Richie Cannata (Billy Joel, Lords of 52nd Street) and John Arbuckle (Justin Bieber, Jon Bellion). Kelli has recorded at Milk House Studios with multi-platinum producer Philip A. Jimenez (Wheatus, Teenage Dirtbag) and Blokhed Studios with Grammy-nominated producer Tommy Stiegler. Susan Aquila (recorded and worked with Led Zeppelin, Paul McCartney, Steven Tyler) appears on “Cathedral”. She resides just outside of New York City.