After enduring a near-fatal car accident, natural disasters, heartbreak, and years of life’s ups and downs, New Orleans-based guitarist and vocalist Steve Kelly has channeled these experiences into his 8-track debut solo album, Here’s the Thing. Coined as “Americana Soul,” Kelly’s songwriting navigates the complexities of life’s cycles, candid struggles with mental health and the perils and pitfalls of substance abuse and addiction, and the peaks and valleys of personal relationships, ultimately delivering a message of hope and perseverance. The record is available via Regime Music Group in February 2025.