Kelli from TV’s ‘NYC Prep’ debuts her first music single
Photo: Kelli on the music video set of “Gave Up on Love”. Courtesy, Project Publicity
By MAX JIMINEZ
Millions know Kelli as the girl from Bravo’s hit reality show, NYC Prep. Billed as the real life Gossip Girl, NYC Prep chronicled the lives of a group of privileged teenagers navigating through Manhattan’s elite prep school scene. But Kelli’s high school career wasn’t about masquerade parties and debutante balls. She turned ‘Prep’ into ‘Prepare’, spending her time out of the classroom gearing up for the launch of her singing career. At long last, we’ll finally hear the results of her hard work when Kelli performs her first music single, “Gave Up on Love”, at Score on March 10th.
NYC Prep’s Kelli is all grown up!
It has been a very exciting time. Since the show ended, I have immersed myself into my singing career.
How are fans responding to the new Kelli?
I think fans are most surprised to see me out of my Upper East Side school girl uniform.
Was the Kelli portrayed on the show the real you? Or was it the ‘reality’ you?
I had about ten minutes max of TV time on each episode. There must be a lot more to me than that, right?! (Laughs)
Were you happy with how you were portrayed?
I wanted the show to showcase my budding singing career, which it did, so I was happy. I do cringe at the scenes when I was selecting my voice teachers, though.
Do you keep in touch with anyone from the show?
Everyone has gone off to college. I guess like most high school friendships, we’ve gone our separate ways in order to chase our dreams.
Your dream is to go from prep to pop!
I like that.
Why did you choose to make such a powerful anti-love statement with your first single? Are you really against love?
I am in no way against love. What I am against are people drowning and losing themselves into relationships without really knowing who they are or what they want out of life.
How do you feel about Taylor Swift writing and singing about finding her Romeo?
People are wasting too much time chasing white horses.
You have never pined over an ill-fated love?
Yes, of course I have. I have poems written about loves I had in the 4th grade. 4th grade love is a whole other story! (Laughs)
What is ‘Gave Up on Love’ about?
The song depicts the journey of a heart broken girl or guy at the point she or he begins hanging with friends and realizing life isn’t over because a relationship didn’t work out. The next best thing will come along eventually. When you’re in between relationships, it’s time to appreciate the real loves in your life – your friends.
Would you turn away Mr. Right if he appeared in your life right now
?
Yes, I have no time for nonsense.
How did NYC prep you for the real world?
If NYC Prep taught me anything, it was to develop a thick skin. When you put yourself out there, either with a show or a new record, you’re going to be critiqued. It’s important to take the good with the bad.
How do you keep your focus?
I stay true to myself. I was a singer before the show, I sang during the show and I plan on singing long after the show.
Kelli performs “Gave Up on Love”, at
Score, 727 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach
on Thursday, March 10.