Vocalist Kelsey Wild entered the world of indie rock and pop music as a teenager, working on a career in the music business while in school. Born in Hawaii, Wild moved briefly to California before growing up in the Byron/Rockford area of northern Illinois. She emerged professionally as a 16-year-old, acknowledging influences like Cat Power and Regina Spektor, singing and playing the piano in Chicagoland clubs like the Uncommon Ground, Wise Fools Pub, the Elbo Room, the Mix, and Davenport's. During a single year Wild developed a following, and national attention. She won several awards, including an honorable mention at the John Lennon National Songwriting Competition, was a finalist at the 2007 and 2008 International Songwriting Competition, won two RAMI awards for songwriting, and participated in the Aimee Mann Freeway Contest. In addition, she was a featured artist for Coca-Cola's Mycoke.com, Mytracks.com, and NumberOneMusic.com websites. She appeared at Chicago's MOBFest, the Midpoint Music Festival in Cincinnati, and the Alantis Music Conference in Atlanta. Wild enrolled at Northwestern University in Evanston, not as a music major, but in the radio, television, and film communications program in 2008, while playing concerts nearby at Space as a solo artist. When she performs with a band, it has included guitarist and sitar player Derek Luttrell, bassist Pat Delehanty, and drummer/whistler Joel DeLuna. Wild has been compared favorably to Neko Case, Sarah McLachlan, and Tori Amos. She has released an EP on iTunes. ~ Michael G. Nastos, All Music Guide
