Singer/songwriter, book author, restaurateur, entrepreneur and spiritual leader are just some of the ways we could use to describe Darrell Kelley. We thought the best idea may to let him tell you about himself, so that’s exactly what we did. 
Hot Indie News: Since the time we reviewed “Storm Is Coming”, your first EP, you’ve followed up with a considerable amount of new releases. Could you please tell us, in chronological order, what those are and a bit about each one?
Darrell Kelley: After writing, recording and releasing the songs “Storm Is Coming”, “Man of God”, “Sit Your Rump Down” and “Oh Lord I A Favor – Shut Her Up” at the beginning of 2018 on my “Storm Is Coming” EP, I then followed those up with “Be Great” and “Call His Name” in June, “Unity” in July, then Focus” and “Until The End of Time” in August, I plan to then release “Come Over” and “Believe In Something (Kneel)” this September.
Hot Indie News: Out of all of these releases do you have a favorite, and if so, which one and why?
Darrell Kelley: I feel like “Unity” is the brightest jewel in my crown, or at least so far. It embraces everything that I want my music, as well as myself, to be about; such as acceptance, understanding, love and tolerance. Right now our world feels like it’s being torn apart in so many ways and unless we all find a way to put aside our differences and come together in unity I feel moving forward in a positive direction in the future is less than likely. 
Hot Indie News: Is there any song, or songs, you’ve made available to the public that you’re not completely happy with, and if so, what changes would you make?
Darrell Kelley: Every artist always strives to improve upon what they’ve created in the past so of course, in retrospect, if I could go back in time and redo them I would. This is especially true for artists the farther you go back in their discography because they’re always learning from what you’ve done. That’s why it’s so extremely important to, as Nike says, just do it! Now with that being said I guess a few of the songs from the “Storm Is Coming” EP are the ones I’d probably like to make changes in either their production, or my own performance on them.
Hot Indie News: Are you currently planning or working on any new recordings?
Darrell Kelley: Oh, yes indeed. I have three or more songs in mind that I plan to get back into the studio to record when I can. Recently finding time to write and record has become increasingly difficult because of the current promotional tour I’m engaged in. By necessity and temporarily less of my time is dedicated to the creative process because so much of that time is now tied up with the promotion and marketing activities related to what I’ve already done and is required to get my message that I feel is so needed out to the rest of the world. I’ve been doing interviews at various radio stations that have been so great in supporting my music. Today I had to travel from Florida to Alabama for a CBS network spotlight on a WTVY TV morning show, and now here I am in New York City sitting for an interview with you fine people from Hot Indie News. According to the itinerary my team provides next week I’ll be back in Florida on WMBB, an ABC television affiliate, for another spotlight broadcast. Then it’s off to the Midwest for a radio interview with KOPN FM 89.5 FM in Missouri. It just never seems to end, and honestly, I hope it never does!
Hot Indie News: You’re involved in quite a few businesses and activities outside of the entertainment field. Care to share what some of these are?
Darrell Kelley: I’m a published author, own several restaurants as well as involved with real estate lead my own congregation in Georgia, which is where I call home, and oversee the activities of a few charity organizations. The book I published almost two years ago is titled The Book of UWGEAM, which is an acronym for God of the universe, God of the world, God of all gods, God of everything and God of anything including me. My restaurants are called Soul Delicious. My church is known as The Temple of UWGEAM. I’m also launching my own record company using the name Viral Records which I intend to not only be a vehicle for my own music but as a way to find and sign up and coming new talent in the entertainment business. 
Hot Indie News: What was it that motivated you to begin making music and to get into the music business?
Darrell Kelley: My message. Music and art is such a wonderful way to convey the message of acceptance, understanding, love and tolerance. A man can teach, preach and speak till he’s blue in the face yet still not reach your soul. True art always touches the soul. It’s just as simple as that.
Hot Indie News: Every successful career is achieved by building a team. Who is on your team, what does each one do and how long have you worked with them?
Darrell Kelley: There are so, so many. It begins with the support from your family and friends, If you don’t have that to start with then it’s hard to imagine much growth from that point. That would include my nephew Curtis Kelley, my sons Kevin Furtado, Gabriel Geronimo, Fredrick Crawford and Jacquan Showell, and of course my sister Laura Collins, who also manages my entertainment career. I’m fortunate to work with a company in the Midwest called KES/NMAP which books my television and tie-in appearances. On the east coast Mia Mind Music covers my radio and press promotion as well as other marketing activities for my career. My family and friends have of course been with me for many years. KES/NMAP and Mia Mind Music came on board more recently during this past year.
Hot Indie News: Do you have any public appearances scheduled and if so where will we be able to see and hear you?
Darrell Kelley: There’s so much going on with what I’m doing right now that if you want to keep up with me then it’s probably best to just keep tabs on my FaceBook account: https://www.facebook.com/darrellkelleysmusic/ My team is fastidious about keeping it updated and I believe it’s now the most effective method of interfacing with my friends, fans and followers.
Hot Indie News: For fun let’s say you’ve unearthed a magic lantern with a genie inside who’ll grant you one wish. What’s your wish?
Darrell Kelley: That’s an easy one, I’d just wish for unity in our world.
