"I’ve been scribbling lyrics since I was about 10 years old," confides McKinney resident KellyMarie Spencer. She's the self-proclaimed "girl who wrote an entire album of songs inspired by the TV show The Office," called 'It Is My Album.'
The Office was a mockumentary sitcom television series. KellyMarie says she wrote all the album's songs during the 2020 COVID-19 lockdown. She explains, "After having a baby, I was inspired to take on the challenge of writing love songs based on my favorite show. It was one of the coolest things I've ever done, a wonderful whirlwind."
"Like many others, The Office has meant more to me than mere entertainment. This show has gone with me as I navigated heartbreak, moved cities, battled anxieties, ventured in the professional world, fell in love, and made it through sleepless nights as a new mom," she adds. "I made sure to fill each track with nostalgia by weaving in references to our favorite scenes and characters. Digging into the feelings of the characters of this brilliant comedy sparked my compassion in a new way."
KellyMarie's debut EP in 2018 was titled "On A Whim." This past December, KellyMarie released a Christmas single entitled, "Hey, A Child Is Born!" as an upbeat, joyous celebration of the birth of Christ. It also included participation from her three, young children.
"Growing up, I had hopes of becoming a singer, but kept the music to my own little world. It’s a running joke with my parents that no one knew I could sing until college. I finally found the courage to pursue my musical dream in college, and I’ve been singing ever since," she quips.
While she grew up in the Dallas area, she moved to McKinney in 2015 after marrying her husband at the Flour Mill and falling in love with the city.
KellyMarie says she especially relied on doodling lyrics in her notebook and songwriting during her teenage years to process change, sadness, beauty and celebration.
"I always laugh when I look back on my moody teenage lyrics from high school, but I think songwriting has been vital in helping me process difficult situations in my life," she states.
This local musician plays piano and ukulele for songwriting purposes only.
"I consider my main instrument my voice. I’m incredibly passionate about layering vocals in my music and finding unique ways to incorporate this into my songs. In my songwriting, the more layers, the better, honestly," she says.
Regarding genres of tunes, KellyMarie says she adores vintage music, fashion and knick-knacks. "Oldies, such as Fleetwood Mac, Ella Fitzgerald and The Beach Boys, have always left an impact on me, and continue to inspire me musically. I love the energy and sound of these songs as well as the memories with my dad that I associate with them."
Her songwriting process typically starts with one line, not even a melody at that point.
"Something I think, see or hear will inspire me, and I have to ever so purposefully seek it out for the line to leave the scribble stage of my songwriting process. It’s a challenge and takes a lot of patience, but is magical when it finally all comes together," she says.
In this season of KellyMarie's life, she says she's mostly inspired by people’s stories. "So, currently I find stories, whether in books, shows or in real life, and I throw myself into their thoughts and feelings until I find the song. Next, I think about what the mood of the song should be to specifically match the character I'm singing about."
She proclaims the whole process as life-giving as she's "in the thick fog that so often is songwriting, I know that I am doing what God made me for."
The singer says she's had the privilege of working with amazing musicians on all of her projects. "My producer, Chris Jacobie, is crazy talented and knows how to bring out the whimsical flare that I so desire in my music."
Based on her experiences, she says she would advise other emerging musical artists to not pay attention to what other artists are doing. "Just make music that you like and are proud of. Also, be patient and don’t be afraid to sit in the uncomfortable silence as you fight to bring that musical inspiration to life."
However, a fellow performer with whom KellyMarie says she'd like to collaborate with is Ingrid Michaelson, no doubt. Ingrid is a singer-songwriter from New York City who writes and performs primarily in hybrid pop genres. "She’s incredible and her music has largely influenced my own. If given the chance, I’d probably be speechless, but I would love to sit and learn from her."
What's next for this local performer? "Short term, I want to continue writing and recording music that is honest, whimsical and encouraging. And a long-term goal of mine is to write songs for movies and TV shows."
KellyMarie says she wants to leave people feeling encouraged and hopeful and seen. "I want to be authentic in my music, and have people feel like they got to know me better after listening to my music. I also want people to move and groove to my melodies, and to see that there is beauty everywhere, sometimes you just have to wait for it."
At press time, her next song was due to be released Jan. 17. Called “Don’t Offend The Room,” she says it was inspired by a children's book and takes a look into the lives of a cast of kids. "It’s a real special one to me."
In her free time, KellyMarie enjoys gardening and watching for birds and butterflies.
She says she also can be found frequenting her favorite thrift shops or going to escape rooms, especially the one in Frisco, with her husband. "I cherish motherhood as a precious job, too, and I love learning new things about my children every day."
Additionally, according to this whimsical artist, a good day or bad day is always a reason to enjoy an iced chai latte.
"I'm so humbled, reflecting back on when these songs were simply phrases and melodies in my head… and now we are HERE. I’m surrounded by incredible people, and I’m so honored and so stinking grateful."
You may recall KellyMarie from when she performed at Collective Coffee or Cocktail Creamery in downtown McKinney.