Kelsea Little

Harps aren’t in the modern sense of the word “cool”. They’re supposedly soft and sappy and are simply used for the theme songs of daytime TV melodramas. Nevertheless, that hasn’t deterred sunny San Diego’s Kelsea Little – a musician capable of playing a fair few unconventional instruments as well as holding a note. She even has a name for her harp – Neil. It’s actually very appropriate given the amount of work the harp puts into the entire album. It’s quite rare that you hear a modern album dominated by such fingerings but this is the mechanics of Personal Myth; it’s completely against the convention of having a guitar, piano or synths dictating the melodies.

Personal Myth is a mini album that is a testament to the young lady who has an eclectic understanding of many genres that she effortlessly weaves into indie, folky pop ballads that are contemporary and unique as well as being honourable to the roots of several musical genres. There are upbeat offerings, poignant numbers and romantic ditties that keep the album fresh throughout.

Little conveys an idealist world view that comes across loud and clear in her music. Her unbridled imagination adds more colourful facets to moments in life that are often so monochromatic. Her music is for the deeper soul who appreciate Little’s considered honesty backed up by her harp playing and the often winding, whining treated guitars that echo in the background.

Personal Myth is largely acoustic and Little hasn’t taken any shortcuts or looked for many handouts from computer-generated aids. The melodies are natural and so is her rich cadence that delivers pearls of wisdom beyond her years. Her musical maturity also belies her age but is the key to her creating this legacy of songs that will ultimately vastly outlive her in the minds and hearts of listeners. Because of this you can listen to her on an iPod or attend her live shows and still come away with the same enriched feeling.