A Chat with Kelly Monrow (01.11.21)
Performing under the name Kelly Monrow, actress Kelly Dowdle embraces a new musical project. We speak with her about her debut single ‘Mama Said’, debut music video, celebrity crushes and more!
OSR: Kelly, you are best known for your acting, so why have you decided to begin releasing music?
Monrow: I decided to start making music during the pandemic. I have always loved singing just never allowed myself to express myself that way. For a creative, I see it as another outlet to express myself.
OSR: You act under the name Kelly Dowdle but perform under the name Kelly Monrow, why use a pseudonym?
Monrow: My middle name is Monrow and I wanted to have a different persona with music so decided to run with my middle name. It is fun for me to have two different lanes although I am sure the two worlds will merge.
OSR: What is the backstory to your debut single ‘Mama Said’?
Monrow: My producer and I were in a writing session and we were laughing about all the things a hardcore Southern woman teaches her daughter, so we started talking about all the things my mom used to tell me growing up and turned that into the song in about ten minutes.
OSR: Does it have significant meaning for you?
Monrow: The song represents female empowerment and mother-daughter relationships teaching daughters to be autonomous and empowered. This song is special to me because my mom has been a beautiful role model to me in being an independent woman.
OSR: What about the video for ‘Mama Said’, what was the concept behind it?
Monrow: It’s all about female encouragement. The little girl in the video hears her parents yelling so she creates a new scenario for herself. That little girl represented me as a child in the video.
OSR: Do you believe your skills as an actress helped with filming?
Monrow: Yes!! I am very confident as an actress so I think it will help me tell all of my lyrical stories better. It is quite exciting to create and produce each of my music videos.
OSR: What was the most enjoyable thing about filming the music video?
Monrow: To see all the little girls so happy and confident that day. It really made me feel super happy and reminded me I am on the right path.
OSR: What about the least enjoyable thing?
Monrow: Having to sing back the lyrics all day. I think I can go a little while without hearing my own song. I need a break! ?
OSR: If you could change anything about the song and video, what would it be and why?
Monrow: I wouldn’t change a thing. It was a great first song to release.
OSR: If this was your last day on Earth, what would you do?
Monrow: Probably make another music video to a hit song I write. ?
OSR: Do you have a celebrity crush?
Monrow: I used to love Paul Walker and Gerard Butler.
OSR: What are your plans for the future?
Monrow: I am going to just keep creating and performing when I can. I have several songs coming out next so I am excited! Thanks for listening. I think if you like ‘Mama Said’ you’ll enjoy the ones to come!
Thanks to Kelly Monrow for speaking with us. For more from Kelly Monrow check out her Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Spotify.
