Todd Kessler is a Chicago-based indie folk-pop performer. His pure, slightly country, voice has a soulful quality that delights his fans as a solo act or with his band Todd Kessler and the New Folk. Todd recently appeared on NBC's The Voice, chosen for Cee Lo's team, and although he was eliminated in last week's battle round, Todd's appearance on The Voice can only help his burgeoning music career. His band, Todd Kessler and the New Folk released a new album, Sea Fever on CD Baby in July.
I've known Todd for several years, so when I asked him if he would share his thoughts about his experiences on The Voice, he agreed to sit down for an interview.
Great talking to you Todd. So, how are things going?
Doing really well. Yeah, can’t complain. It’s been kind of a whirlwind recently. But all good things, so I’m doing well.
So tell me how you got involved in The Voice.
So after the first season wrapped I got two calls from two separate friends saying they watched this new show called The Voice, and that they really think I should try out. I didn’t watch the show. Was not even really aware of the show, but caught a couple of reruns and thought, hey, you know, this is actually kind of cool. So I went ahead and tried out for season two. You know, I never wanted to try out for American Idol because I don’t, I just didn’t like the format and it didn’t feel like organic and it didn’t feel like something I wanted to be a part of. But then I saw this show and my initial reaction was this is definitely different. So I went ahead and just signed up for the open call audition for season two. I ended up making it through a couple of call-backs, but then didn’t make the show. But then I started watching weekly, and fell in love with the show even more. So I went ahead and tried out again for season three. Again, I went through the open call auditions at McCormick Place [in Chicago]. I waited in line for like four or five hours. Made it through the first audition. Made it through the second audition. Got the call to go to LA for the final call-back. And then the rest is history.
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Article comments
1 - Kirsten
Great interview, Barbara!
2 - Dr. Joseph S. Maresca
As a musician,the most important thing you do is to connect with the audience and establish
that connection early on in the performance. The other thing is deep concentration so that
you don't make mistakes or drift off course.