Mason Kelly Delivers Soulful Heartbreak Anthem with New Single “Troll”
Emerging indie-soul artist Mason Kelly delivers an emotionally charged masterpiece with his latest single “Troll” – a raw, heartfelt exploration of unrequited love and emotional manipulation. The Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter, whose musical roots span from Alabama church choirs to the prestigious Roc Nation School of Music, pours his considerable vocal talent and life experience into this stunning track that blends R&B authenticity with pop sensibility.
From the moment the first notes play, Kelly’s rich, nuanced baritone commands attention, wrapping around lyrics that tell the all-too-relatable story of loving someone who treats your affection as a game. His voice, equally powerful in its restraint as in its occasional soaring flourishes, carries the emotional weight of the song with remarkable maturity. The chorus, with its piercing line “you keep playing with my heart like it’s your favorite game,” lingers in the memory long after listening, showcasing Kelly’s gift for crafting hooks that resonate on both musical and emotional levels.
What makes “Troll” particularly compelling is how Kelly’s extensive performance background informs every aspect of the recording. Growing up in Homewood, Alabama, he cut his teeth performing in show choirs and local talent shows, even writing and producing his first single at just 13 years old. His show choir days saw him performing at the legendary Grand Ole Opry and winning multiple best male vocalist competitions. This early training ground laid the foundation for his later studies at Belmont University in Nashville, where he honed his craft in both classical and commercial voice, and eventually at Jay-Z’s Roc Nation School of Music.
Kelly’s professional experience shines through in “Troll.” His time performing in off-Broadway productions, his recent six-month residency as lead singer in the Rolling Stone Lounge aboard the HAL Eurodam cruise ship, and his December 2023 appearance in Step Show the Musical at Massachusetts’ renowned MassMoCA have all contributed to the depth and authenticity of his performance. You can hear the theatrical nuance in his phrasing, the cruise ship performer’s understanding of audience connection, and the church choir veteran’s emotional sincerity all blending seamlessly in this track.
The song’s production wisely keeps the focus on Kelly’s vocal performance and the poignant lyrics. The arrangement provides just enough musical support to highlight his impressive range, from the warm, conversational tones of the verses to the more impassioned moments where his voice cracks with carefully controlled emotion. Particularly impressive are the moments when Kelly effortlessly transitions into his upper register, hitting high notes with an ease that belies their technical difficulty, all while maintaining complete emotional authenticity.
Beyond its musical merits, Kelly captures not just the pain of unrequited love, but the particular frustration of being toyed with by someone who enjoys the power they hold over your emotions. It’s this depth of understanding that elevates the song from simply being another breakup track to becoming a nuanced portrait of emotional manipulation.
“Troll” represents a significant step forward for this promising artist, showcasing not only his considerable vocal talent but also his ability to translate complex emotions into universally relatable music. With its perfect blend of R&B soulfulness, pop appeal, and lyrical depth, the single is poised to resonate with anyone who’s ever loved someone who didn’t love them back – in other words, with just about everyone.
Now available on all major streaming platforms, “Troll” marks Mason Kelly as an emerging artist to watch in the indie-soul space. For fans of artists like Daniel Caesar, Allen Stone, or Leon Bridges who appreciate soulful vocals paired with emotionally intelligent songwriting, this track offers everything you could want – and then some.
Listen to “Troll” Here:open.spotify.com/album/3ZrFA
