In the vast world of rock and metal, few personalities manage to capture the spirit of the music while championing the artists behind it. Kelly, the force behind *Venom Magazine*, is one such powerhouse. Through her platform, she has become a vocal advocate for bands of all levels, from up-and-coming local acts to national sensations, offering them a stage to tell their stories. But Kelly isn’t just about the music; her journey, perspective, and passion for punk fashion are all part of the dynamic presence she brings to the industry.
Rocking Out: The Playlist of Kelly’s Life
To understand Kelly’s vision, it’s important to dive into the music that moves her. Her playlist is a testament to her deep appreciation for the raw energy and authenticity of rock and metal. Among her current favorites is Xero Hour’s explosive single, *6 ft*. “It’s an absolute banger,” she says, “the type of song you play when you’re angry and just want to let it out.” In her world, music is not just background noise; it’s an emotional outlet and a source of empowerment.
Another band that strikes a chord is *September Mourning*. Their track, *Body Count*, stands out for Kelly, particularly because of frontwoman Emily Lazar’s captivating stage presence. “Emily is absolutely underrated,” Kelly emphasizes. “Her ability to deliver not only a note but an entire performance along with theatrics is unparalleled.” Kelly draws parallels between Lazar’s energy and that of Maria Brink from *In This Moment*, another favorite of hers, highlighting the brilliance these women bring to the stage.
Her playlist runs deep, featuring bands that hold a special place in her heart. Groups like *One Day Alive*, *Adema*, and even Josey Scott, the original voice of *Saliva*, are more than just names; they’re part of her rock family. “They are some of the sweetest guys you will EVER meet,” Kelly shares, praising their Southern charm and genuine personalities. For her, rock is about the community and connections built both on and off stage. She’s a fan of both classic and modern bands, including heavyweights like *Korn*, *Godsmack*, *Linkin Park*, and *Deftones*, alongside rising stars like *Falling in Reverse*.
Creating Venom: A Platform for the Underdogs
Kelly’s journey with *Venom Magazine* was born out of a desire to give a voice to those often overlooked in the industry. She saw immense talent at the local level—bands with raw potential who were struggling to find their footing in the shadow of bigger acts. “There wasn’t a great outlet for bands of ALL levels to get their names and stories out to the world,” Kelly explains. The idea was simple: create a platform that could showcase these talents, giving them the recognition they deserved.
From its inception, *Venom Magazine* took off faster than Kelly could have imagined. Within weeks, it had an international reach, spreading from Europe to Greece, Italy, and beyond. “It just spread like wildfire,” she recalls. Today, *Venom* stands as a testament to her passion for the rock and metal scene, proving that when you create with heart and authenticity, the world notices.
Breaking Stereotypes: The Woman Behind the Mic
Being a woman in the rock and metal scene isn’t without its challenges. Kelly is all too familiar with the sexism that persists within the industry. “We have a female rock vocalist category… why isn’t there just a rock vocalist category with everyone included?” she questions, pointing out the unnecessary segregation that still exists. For her, the way to handle such situations is to face them head-on, drawing on her tough upbringing in foster care. “Growing up in tough surroundings gave me the skin I needed,” she says, crediting her past for shaping her into the resilient woman she is today.
Her journey isn’t just about defying the odds; it’s about taking control of her narrative. “There will never be a time when I will let any circumstance dictate the outcome of my future,” Kelly asserts. Her story is a powerful reminder that strength comes from adversity, and that when women stand their ground in male-dominated spaces, they pave the way for others to follow.
The Realities of the Rock Industry: Myths and Misconceptions
The rock and metal industry is often misunderstood, and Kelly has no qualms about addressing the myths that plague it. One of the biggest misconceptions she aims to dispel is the idea that venues pay bands well for their performances. “This is simply NOT the case,” she says. “Typically, bands will need to push tickets in order to play, even up to a national level.” For Kelly, it’s crucial to shine a light on this reality, ensuring that artists entering the industry are well-prepared. She also shares a word of caution: “Promoters for some venues can be incredibly shady… word of advice to every band: have a solid contract with every venue you play at.”
The message is clear: the music scene isn’t all glitz and glamour. It requires hard work, hustle, and, above all, awareness. Kelly’s transparency is a breath of fresh air in an industry where artists are often left in the dark about the business side of things.
From Bon Jovi to Xero Hour: A Lifelong Passion for Rock
Kelly’s love for rock and metal music runs deep, tracing back to her childhood. “The first time I heard Bon Jovi, I was hooked,” she reminisces. Her adoration for the rock legend was so strong that six-year-old Kelly was convinced she’d grow up to marry Jon Bon Jovi. That early exposure to rock music laid the foundation for her passion, which evolved over the years to include the heavier, grittier sounds of metal.
Today, Kelly’s current favorite band is Xero Hour, a group she’s had the privilege of hearing pre-release tracks from. “Their new music is so fantastic!” she exclaims, teasing what fans can expect from their upcoming releases. Her excitement for discovering and supporting new talent is palpable, reinforcing her commitment to staying at the forefront of the rock and metal scene.
Punk Fashion: Aesthetic with Attitude
But Kelly isn’t just about the music; her love for the rock lifestyle extends into her fashion choices. She’s a self-proclaimed fan of punk fashion, an aesthetic she’s thrilled to see gaining traction again as the ‘90s nostalgia wave sweeps through the style world. “Grunge and punk rock are definitely making a comeback,” she notes with enthusiasm. For Kelly, fashion is an extension of her identity, a visual representation of her rebellious spirit and commitment to authenticity.
Overcoming Challenges: The Making of Venom
Establishing *Venom Magazine* wasn’t without its hurdles. From navigating the complex paperwork to hiring employees and managing federal and state taxes, Kelly had her hands full. “It felt like once I would get through one hoop, which would take months, there was just another that followed,” she admits. Her dedication to getting it right, from developing an LLC to securing an ISSN through the Library of Congress, speaks to her meticulous nature and determination to succeed.
Despite the challenges, Kelly is incredibly proud of what she’s built. “I am so grateful to be able to say that I absolutely LOVE MY JOB!” she beams. Her story is an inspiring example of how passion, perseverance, and a clear vision can turn obstacles into opportunities.
Advice for the Next Generation of Rock Stars
Kelly is passionate about supporting new talent, and she has a wealth of advice for emerging bands. Her top tip? “Generate an iron-clad contract for ANY shows that you will be performing at to protect yourself and your bandmates.” She emphasizes the importance of pushing tickets, even if a venue doesn’t require it, as a way to build relationships and grow a fan base.
She also highlights the significance of resilience, encouraging aspiring musicians to ignore negativity and stay true to their dreams. “You will hear a lot of negativity in the local scene… NEVER let that deter you,” she advises. “Keep hustling and stay humble.” Kelly’s words are a rallying cry for those who may feel disheartened, a reminder that success in the industry requires tenacity and unwavering self-belief.
The Future of Venom: Kelly’s Dream Collaborations
Looking ahead, Kelly has her sights set on expanding *Venom’s* reach and continuing to work with artists who inspire her. She’s already checked off some bucket-list names, including *Creed*, *3 Doors Down*, and *Daughtry*, but there are still many she hopes to connect with. “I would LOVE to interview Jon Bon Jovi, I Prevail, Sleep Token, Marilyn Manson, and definitely Maria Brink of *In This Moment*,” she says.
As she continues to build her legacy in the rock and metal scene, Kelly remains a fierce advocate for authenticity, equality, and the power of music to transform lives. Her journey, marked by passion, perseverance, and punk fashion, is proof that when you follow your dreams with conviction, anything is possible.
