Gabriel Kelley & The Reins - A biography
Gabriel Kelley
Raised in the foothills of the Appalachians, Gabriel Kelley grew up in a rustic space out of time, steeped in the music of his forefathers. In his world, contra dances, pickin' parties and neighborly bluegrass were no anachronism. So when he began writing and creating his own sounds, Americana wasn't a chosen genre or format. It was, simply, music.
Kelley's horizons, however, extended beyond his north Georgia upbringing, fueled by his teenage decision to devote his life to writing and performing. At all of 16 he undertook a yearlong sojourn at the music conservatory in Gothenburg, Sweden. Charity work in Guatemala helped Kelly add a third language of fluency, as Spanish joined Swedish and English.
Returning to the states in 2001, Kelley fervently pursued his craft, playing in bands in and around the Athens, Georgia music scene. A semester at the University of Georgia studying classical guitar fueled his passion for music, and in the summer of 2003, Kelley decided to forgo enrollment in favor of a life on the road.
Selling most of his possessions, Kelley spent 18 months traveling the East Coast, living out of his van and devoting all his energy to performing. The education this period provided surpassed anything he could have gained at university. At the same time, the freedom of being on the road gave Kelley ample opportunity to refine his approach to writing. The only variable missing from the equation was a band.
In the spring of 2005, Jason Cheek and Will Harrison, both friends from Athens, began performing alongside Kelley throughout the southeast, eventually garnering the attention of Scott Siman, manager of Tim McGraw. Siman showed tremendous enthusiasm for Kelley as a songwriter, and a publishing deal with Stylesonic, McGraw’s personal publishing company, ensued shortly thereafter.
Siman contacted Tim McFadden, who was formerly vice president of Siman’s company and currently manager to several high profile Alternative and Americana acts. McFadden joined Kelley's team as manager. The 24-year-old Kelley currently resides in Nashville. Kelley is signed to Paradigm Agency for booking. Brian Hill is the responsible agent. Their latest EP’s are titled Light at the Bottom and Stranded in Nashville and are being released digitally through Dualtone on November 3rd.