I love stories about people making their dreams come true. Acoustic Indie/Rock musician Khellsey-Anna of Invercargill was determined to make and release an album before the age of 30.
At 28, she’d done it.
A women’s health nurse by day, Khellsey was previously part of successful covers band Euphoria for six years, playing at pubs and events by night and weekends.
Despite their success, original music never really stopped calling her back.
“As the years got closer, I found that I hadn’t really written since high school. I got yet another nudge from a local soundie… he suggested I just do it already,” Khellsey explained.
So with the help and support of Euphoria guitarist Josh Mackay, the process began in February 2024.
“[Most] of the album was recorded at a home studio over a number of nights after work, fuelled by Speight’s and energy drinks!”
Writing was done by June 2024, and recording began in March 2025. With the support of a close-knit circle of friends who also inspired the album title, No One Else Gets It was released by August 2025.
“Without [Josh’s] encouragement I don’t think I would have stuck with it,” Khellsey said.
I think it’s beautiful how much support she got from her friends. They all pulled together to help make her dream come true.
“The album has been a massive passion project and I’m so pleased I could do it from a very small town with my friends.”
But this was just the beginning. The last year has been a whirlwind of being a Top 10 finalist in Battle of the Bands, nominated for four awards at the Southland Entertainment Awards, and winning Band of the Year and Vocalist of the Year.
“Without the support of the Southland Musicians Club, and Threes and Sevens Record Store, this past year would have been almost impossible.”
I think it just goes to show that once you commit to doing something, the momentum can quickly build. The band even went on a 12-show tour around the South Island to perform the album.
“Six mates crammed into a van, and making the most of the ultimate road trip doing what we love,” she said.
Khellsey explained that she writes about what’s around her and as a way to reflect. This 10-track album showcases intricate stories inspired by her life, all with slightly different tones depending on how she feels when she’s writing.
“…Moments is fun and vibey. Hell’s Gates is a sultry, deep and meaningful song to me. Praise is heavier and hornier than anything else on the album… Walking Red Flag was written about my sister, and This Is Ours is a first dance song for my bass player. He hasn’t even set a wedding date yet, and it’s six minutes long!”
Some tracks go a lot deeper. Never Really Hated You reflects on her father, who she only briefly met.
“…I had so much resentment. He sadly took his own life in 2017 and I felt I was robbed of the opportunity to get to know him… Writing this song was years and years of therapy for me.”
With inspiration from the likes of Norah Jones, Stevie Nicks and Hayley Williams, Khellsey’s voice is somehow as smooth as it is strong – it reminds me of Brooke Fraser’s.
The clean and melodic acoustic guitar gives it a pop feeling, while the complexity in her music reminds me of Hollie Smith.
“I would call it Blues-soaked indie rock with pop hooks and a raw, acoustic edge. That essentially sums it up!”
Since the release, Khellsey has made the move from small town Invercargill to big city Wellington to continue working as a nurse, but also to pursue her music further.
I am so tuned in to what Khellsey does next. But in the meantime, go ahead and check out No One Else Gets It on Spotify, and give her a follow on Facebook, Insta and YouTube.
(My personal favourite tracks are Moments and Don’t Let Go.)
Jodie
Khellsey-Anna and her incredible band:
Matt Ward – Drums
Devin Ledington – Bass and Vocals
Josh Mackay – Guitar/Co-Writer/Producer Rachel Tressler – Lyricist for “Praise” Lachlan Hickford – Recording/Engineering
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