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Writer's pictureJennifer Patino

Allie Kessel's Music Uplifts

Updated: Mar 29




March 22, 2024 – It’s the second day of Spring and I awoke to a Winter wonderland outside. I’m not complaining about this. I’ve always adored Winter above any other season and I’m always reminded of how rare that is. I tend to thrive best in the cold weather and that’s just what my soul loves. 


The drastic temperature changes, however, tend to cause my chronically ill body to feel worn down and in pain. When the weather can’t make up its mind, I feel it all over, especially in my aching bones. As Tremaine Loadholt so elegantly wrote about the healing power of music in a previous essay featured on The Jam Files, I too feel the soothing benefits that the power of a song can bring.


I had a bunch of music to check out in my YouTube queue and one of the artists that really caught my attention today is Traverse City singer/songwriter Allie Kessel. I have been following Allie on Instagram and really enjoy the live videos she shares. Her presence on my feed in general always brings a smile to my face. I have never met Allie in person, but her soul shines through her posts and her lovely voice resonates in my spirit.


"I promise if you look up/There is beauty to be found"


These lyrics from Allie’s song “Don’t Forget” really struck me on this snowy Spring day. Both lyrically and melodically, it sounds like a Springtime folk song. There is mention of flowers and “beauty growing” all around. A closer listen made me realize how much of a reminder this song is to see the beauty that exists within yourself and how important it is to share that beauty with others.


"Don’t forget to say that I love you/It’s not guaranteed we will see each other again"


Self-love isn’t easy. Feeling vulnerable enough to share your feelings with another can be even more difficult. Allie’s song encourages the listener to live love and spread love before we’re “breathing our last breath”. None of us know when it’ll be too late for anything and “Don’t Forget” is a soulful, gentle nudge to my heart. I needed this song today. I needed Kessel’s wisdom and I’m so thankful for it.


"I need to remind you/That it all belongs"


“It All Belongs” is another song that I needed to hear today. Allie has entered this performance into NPR’s 2024 Tiny Desk Concert Contest and the Dogtown Studios recording is stunning. Surrounded by candles and soft lights in the video, she sings about the importance of honoring the entire spectrum of human emotion. Everything we feel is valid and it all has its place. “It all belongs”, both the highs and the lows in life.


The few songs of Kessel’s available to listen to make it very clear that inclusivity is extremely important to her. The song “June Forever” is a Pride Month anthem not only celebrating queerness but the warm and playful days of Summer. As I gazed at the snowflakes falling outside I could imagine brighter days and felt warmed by the idea that even though many of us struggle to just exist in the skin we are in, there are many who support and welcome all walks of life and all forms of being. Allie Kessel’s music makes you feel loved for simply being you, and that is a beautiful breath of fresh air.


Allie’s vocals are so soothing and she sings from a heart filled with empathy. Not only is she skilled in acoustic guitar, but her keyboard playing, especially on “It All Belongs” is glorious. I love the melody of that song so much. “Origami” is the last song Kessel has shared from her Dogtown sessions and is a love song that evokes deep passion. I’m a fan for sure. I can’t wait for more music from Allie and one day hope to catch one of her live performances in town. Good luck in the Tiny Desk Contest, Allie! And thank you so much for uplifting me today.


Check out Allie Kessel on YouTube and Instagram and by visiting her website at alliekessel.com



Jennifer Patino lives in Traverse City and loves music. Check out her blog at thistlethoughts.com



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