The name Amir directly translates to “Prince”. Born to an Indian mother and a Black father, Amir Kelly embodies his mixed heritage through his fierce and tenacious nature. Moved by the enchanting instrumentation of classical Indian music and the rich layers of 90's R&B, Amir has created a genre of his own: Blindian Pop. This fusion proclaims his artistic purpose, which is one of authenticity and reclamation. His sultry tone, innovative production, and jaw-dropping visuals invite the listener to a global experience. Amir is currently finishing production of his debut EP—a cinematic soundscape detailing the journey of reclaiming his crown.
Amir’s journey with music started at the young age of three years old, when he was known to sing for anyone who’d listen. While performing at talent shows, parties, and singing competitions, Amir’s love for the stage grew deeper. He began both studying voice and teaching music to young children in middle school. Amir has studied with over 8 coaches in multiple genres, and attended Chapman University’s Hall Musco Conservatory after high school. At Chapman, Amir discovered the art of classical voice technique, but knew his heart resonated with more popular styles. After his first year at Chapman, Amir was diagnosed with Stage 3 Burkitt’s Lymphoma, a life altering form of cancer that truly shifted his perspective. He auditioned for his dream school, the University of Southern California’s Thornton School of Music, while in treatment. After overcoming cancer, Amir was admitted into USC, where he studied both Popular Music and Music Industry under legendary industry hard-hitters like Patrice Rushen, Kevin Lyman, and Trudy Green.
AMIR’S STORY
While at USC, Amir began to cultivate a strong creative community, and released his first single: Maui. Maui was an R&B take on a love without limits. While in school, Amir began to vocal coach other artists, with his first being R&B songstress UMI. Following the success of Maui, Amir went on to release Eden, a song about the idea of original sin and temptation. After Eden, Amir began to steadily work with classmate and producer Cole Mitchell, as they curated a sound that uniquely embodies Amir’s mixed culture. Growing up on Bollywood movies, Amir has become a master world builder both cinematically and sonically.
In his last few years of college, Amir developed a love for mindful practices and yoga. This would later serve him during the pandemic, as a means of staying grounded and implementing healing. Since graduating college, Amir Kelly has worked and developed over 50 vocalists, including artists such as UMI, Amindi, Brandon Banks, Cameo Adele and many more. Amir utilizes a holistic approach to the voice, including affirmations, breathwork, and meditation in each session.
Music had always been the ultimate healer for Amir while he was sick, but proved even more so through the tumultuous pandemic as Amir lost both his father and aunt to covid. He decided to take a short hiatus from releasing music in order to focus on healing. Amir continues to perform live and create music daily. He anticipates his next release to be in 2023, and once he’s back from his hiatus, there will be no stopping him from claiming his throne.