Kerli's life story is nothing short of a Cinderella story. Growing up in Elva, Estonia, a then Russian-occupied town of 5,000 residents, Kerli had dreams and aspirations that pushed way beyond the boundaries of her communist surroundings. A product of "tough love," she spent most of her childhood trying to mentally escape and did so by immersing herself in the arts, studying singing, ballet, acting and classical piano. However, she soon realized what would be her main focus. "By the time I turned 14, I was so sure that my life was going to be all about singing, I quit everything else," Kerli recalls.
Her first breakthrough came with participating in Fizz Superstar 2002, a young Baltic talent competition equivalent to American Idol. She first heard of the contest through a television advertisement that stated 15 as the minimum age to enter. Being 14 wasn't going to stop her, so she lied about her age and entered. Her unquestionable natural talent shined through and she was crowned the winner, gifted with a record deal as the prize. Unbeknownst to her, her career was about to skyrocket.
Eventually she caught the ear of executives at Island Records, a label based over 4,000 miles from where she got her start. In June of 2005, Kerli was invited to perform for IDJ Chairman L.A. Reid; he was blown away by her performance and she was signed to Island on the spot.
Kerli takes inspiration from everything and everyone around her. She cites the universe as her muse. "I appreciate all the music in the world. Music is sacred. It's the language of God." Her songs encapsulate emotions of heartbreak and rebellion but are sung with a twinge of playfulness. The songs are somber and intense, but also mischievous and impishly dynamic.
"I'm trying to create a world around my music. And this world needs to be pure, real, honest and beautiful but still a little interesting, dark and definitely mysterious." Kerli notes "Love Is Dead" as her favorite track off her debut album. "It's hard and dark enough, yet beautiful and light. When I shot the video for that song, I looked into that camera and sang to every person who has ever hurt me. It was almost like a therapeutic experience."
Kerli has undoubtedly created anthems for the youth of today. Her beautiful voice is strong, determined and at some times unpredictable, not unlike her personality. She has admitted to not wanting to follow the example of any of her musical peers or predecessors. "Silence and my own thoughts are much more inspiring to me than someone else's song. I don't think any other artist has ever even influenced me that much, really. Music just comes from such a sacred place and it either comes to you or not."
Listen to "Love Is Dead," the first single from Kerli's Island Records debut EP 'Kerli'.
The EP is now available for purchase on iTunes.
For more Kerli information, visit:
Kerli on Myspace
Kerli on Island Records
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hey OMG i luv your song walking on air that is my favorite song and you are so pretty. i can't wait to see the other songs you make,,,, bye
You are amazing!!!!! I love all your songs so far. Your voice is addicting
And you are gorgeous! Much love and support in your future music
omg kerli i love your songs u have truely inspired me to go out there and not hide who u are and oh yea u are so very pretty (nh) and your songs are just so relaxing and i can feel comfterble when im listening to them im waiting for your album "love is dead" to come out and i will be sure to buy it ok much love for you and ur future music and best of luck ahead bye....-akila-
hey kerli i love your songs rock on!
oh my gosh i love the song walking on air. its the best song ever. i love love love the music video! kerli you are soooo gorgeous i would love to look like you. i love your voice, too!! You're welcome. :]
Kerli - I'm a 51 year old housewife and discovered you today on the web while looking up info on the care of the hibiscus flower. I'm not sure why, but your video appeared while I was doing the search. You have a remarkable story, and I'm sure you will be successful in your music career. You're a beautiful girl, and I love your video. I have a 21 year old son who is on a band, and I'm going to tell him all about you. I'm sure he'll love your music, and admire your beauty. Good luck!
omg..i live you! i always think about you
im from Latvia, near from tartu....i promise i will find you!:*
I'm just a weird guy. Not to socially inept. No one truly likes me and i don't know why. but when i first heard your music the skies started to clear. Your songs are amazing i wouldn't describe them any differently then what they said up above. i just think you are a great performer and i want you to know that you have amazing music. Oh, and I write music so if you are interested i can E-mail you on of my songs lyrics, if you promise to tell me what you think. Oh and one more thing, you should know that your music reaches to the heart even as far as Kansas City, Kansas. So if you are ever in town I would love to see you in concert.
your music is absolutely, positively amazing! You are AWESOME!
sounds to me like phil is "a little creepy fan! The music and video are really good. My 4 year old loves it!
hey i just wanna say yur voice is AMAZING i would love to see you live.I play guitar atm and tbh i would probably rather play live with you than slash (coming from me tht means a lot cuz he is like my idol).I just think yur different 2 the other singers well i mean u don't look like u think your better than every1 else and you do look like you care about every1 else
the best..