Madeleine Kelson has been writing and performing music since childhood, developing a unique, country-leaning style of Americana laced with elements of rock and blues. She spent her early career performing with her twin sister in Chicago band, The Kelson Twins, at iconic venues across Chicago, including the House of Blues, and the Athenaeum Theater. In 2015, The Kelson Twins crowdfunded over ten thousand dollars to record and produce their debut EP, Best of (So Far), which led to their 2016 Top Daytrotter Session performance for Paste Magazine. They released a string of soulful, well-received follow-up singles before branching out to pursue solo careers in separate states.

In 2016 Kelson moved to Nashville to study music business at Belmont College and launch her solo career as an Americana artist. She won the 2017 International Bluegrass Music Association’s (IBMA) Songwriter Showcase, and in 2018 released her acclaimed solo debut Siren, an introspective five-song EP with clean, melodic vocals backed by elegant countermelodies on violin. Praised by press for its genre-defying, sparse style and emotional richness, Siren earned Kelson comparisons to both Amos Lee and Gillian Welch.  

With her debut full-length solo album, While I Was Away, released in April 2022, Kelson expands her lyrical focus to the world around her: “Lately I’ve been reflecting more on the people in my life, how their lives intertwine and change. This album looks back at my past few years in Nashville-- all the people and experiences that have shaped me since leaving Chicago.” There’s an alluring depth to Kelson’s vocals—a balance of sophistication and compelling vulnerability: Her voice is perfectly pure, yet deeply human. Written and produced by Kelson as her college thesis, While I Was Away showcases her ability to transform natural melodic lines and simple, narrative lyrics into moving and well-rounded anthems. The songs, led by acoustic guitar, piano, and drums, are laced with tight vocal harmonies reminiscent of early Grand Ole' Opry performances, creating an inviting mix of lively Americana spirit and candid, classic country heart. Since the release of her album, Kelson was named by NPR as one of 10 rising artists in Nashville, and was chosen as a finalist in Kerrville Folk Festival’s NewFolk competition.