STEVEN DAYVID MCKELLAR
solo music performance January 6th | El Nido | Los Angeles
On January 6th, 2024, Steven Dayvid McKellar gave a powerful performance of original music. Beautifully crafted songs from his collection of records, a melodic, looping bass solo, and soaring falsetto vocals offered up an inspiring start to a new year. Gathered within the walls of El Nido, an intimate crowd of attentive listeners shared in the spiritual experience.
Below you can stream his track, Edge of the Garden, from his latest record, NAMA, read more about the artist, and purchase a copy of NAMA on vinyl. You will also find a link to a conversation between Steven and El Nido curator, Victoria Chapman, about his recent solo exhibition, Nooit ge Dacht.
About the Artist
Steven Dayvid McKellar, a versatile artist hailing from Cape Town, South Africa, weaves together a rich tapestry of music, painting, and poetry. With a remarkable 20-year career in music, touring globally with the band Civil Twilight, Steven transitioned into solo releases, simultaneously returning to his artistic roots in painting.
Trained in realism during his childhood by his aunt, the renowned South African artist Donna McKellar, Steven found solace and creative expression in music and poetry. In September 2022, he unveiled 'Nama,' a textured and rhythmic exploration of his South African heritage, following earlier releases 'Ethio' and 'Belleville Demos,' set for reissue.
Following a debut solo exhibition in Nashville, TN, showcasing his early paintings, Steven delves into his identity through the ongoing series 'Just Passing Through.' This collection features paintings, sketches, and pastels of everyday objects, each imbued with profound meaning on his personal growth journey.
In 2023, El Nido showcased Steven's solo exhibition, "Nooit ge Dacht," unveiling a comprehensive exploration that spans paintings, drawings, and sonic compositions. Steven McKellar's artistic evolution encompasses a harmonious blend of cultural introspection, musical expression, and visual storytelling.
BELOW the latest release from SDM, Nama | available to stream or purchase
NAMA
BY STEVEN DAYVID MCKELLAR
A conversation between curator, Victoria Chapman, and Steven Dayvid McKellar about his deeply personal solo exhibition of sketches and paintings, “Nooit ge Dacht”
Steven holds his fretless bass amid his solo exhibition at El Nido