“….[Manix's] debut digital release EP, Emerald City, sounds like anything but a freshman effort…I was drawn into this EP by Manix’s warm vocals and production, and I think you will be too.” – Fifty Cent Lighter & A Whiskey Buzz

"The debut [Emerald City] leaves a beautiful first impression and reveals a mature talent somewhere between Tift Merritt and Brandi Carlisle." - There's Always Someone Cooler Than You

Singing professionally since she was 11 in regional theatre and music reviews, singer-songwriter Kelly Manix has spent her life performing. After shopping for a deal in Nashville while still in high school, Manix studied the music business at university.  She then studied the musicians themselves during her tenure at a well-established independent record label in Nashville.

“I learned a lot about the new business models that were emerging and that you don’t have to have a major deal to make a great record and get it heard. I also was in awe of the musicianship of the some of the artists I got to work closely with. I definitely was inspired by their skill and creative integrity."

With departures in Americana, country, and rhythm and blues, Emerald City is a collection of simple, honest tunes penned during a difficult time of self-discovery. As Kelly describes, Emerald City was, “birthed from a quarter life crisis.” After a health scare, Kelly began to write on themes that reflected her current experiences: hopelessness and the futility of worry, true love and its tangible expressions, avoiding sedentary living, the sanctity of life, and the hearts’ potential to sometimes divert you away from home.


Read more about the stories behind Emerald City here.

INFLUENCES
Etta James for her raw live performances and vocal prowess, Patsy Cline’s ability to rip your heart out with that voice, Tift Merritt’s writing – her Tambourine record blew me away, Bonnie Raitt’s writing and playing, Mindy Smith’s voice – so angelic and unique, Dolly Parton’s prolific writing, Sia’s soul and quirkiness, Feist’s catchy melodies, Carey Ott – ooh he’s the only male, but check out his record Lucid Dream ….there are too many others