ION INDIE MAGAZINE February 2017, Volume 33 | Page 48

Brandon : Hmmm , PAPA ROACH or SIXX : A . M . would be some good ones . I think we would be an excellent fit for either one of those tours .
ION : Describe your music and who does the writing , the music and riffs--or is it a collaborative effort by all the band members ?
Efrum : Being somewhat of a riff-oriented band , it usually stems from a guitar riff . Once it ' s presented and all of us put our stamp on it , it begins to live and breathe . Everyone contributes and every copyright has all our names on it equally .
Brandon : Our music carries a positive , uplifting message . We want people to " feel something " when they listen to us . Come to our shows , and forget your problems and misfortunes for a little while . We promise , we will do our best to make you leave with a smile ! Our songs , are a complete group effort . Everyone has something to contribute to the writing process , and in the end , it becomes the “ sound ” of Kelen Heller . I think each of us are so unique , that if you take any one of those pieces away , it wouldn ' t be the same .
ION : I have heard several times you guys being labeled as the "# 1 touring band in the South ". I do know you spend a lot of time out on the road touring the country performing . Where have you found your biggest fan base and your most receptive fans ?
Brandon : I love that title ! We do travel as much as we can and play for as many people as possible . For us , we rely heavily on an underground " word of mouth " following . We believe this is the most important way to successfully reach new people . A LIVE Kelen Heller show is church for us ! We now play so many different parts of the country and everyone has
Kelen Heller , pictured left to right : Brandon Moore , Ricky Shuler , C . Kevin Hall and Efrum Ferguson become like family to us . It doesn ' t matter if it is a big city or a small town in the middle of nowhere--we ' ll make friends . The Kelen Heller family is everywhere now . I remember at one time it was only in a 60-mile radius of our hometown in SC at best . Now , we are very proud to have extended that all over the US just by getting in our van , traveling , and playing our hearts out . It is also important that all those people that have connected through us and social media to also become friends . I think that is one of the most rewarding things we could ever accomplish .
ION : Are there any plans in the works to play any major festivals or tours in 2017 ?
Brandon : We would love to do the festival circuit ! Those are so fun , and you get to hang out with so many great bands . We will definitely be touring in 2017 non-stop . It ' s going to be a very busy year for us promoting the new album .
ION : What ' s the driving force behind Kelen Heller and who and what influences your music ?
Brandon : Our fans and each other . We love our fans , and are able to do this because of them . We try and make sure they know that every chance we get . We love them dearly !

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