Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelsey Reardon.
Hi Kelsey, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
It all started on a random Sunday in February of 2025. Bible Belt Metal Promotions was created extremely spur of the moment. I created an Instagram account and was posting videos of shows I’ve been to. I started following all kinds bands and musicians. I was going to shows, meeting new people, and grow connections with people in the music scene. Being around talented people and seeing such great events really inspired to start something of my own. So I started booking shows for Punish, a Chattanooga slam metal band. I started Bible Belt Metal originally to share music from Punish, and music from others bands that I’ve seen. It eventually turned into booking metal shows of own. I’ve had so much fun along the way. I got to where I am today by learning new things and really putting myself out there. You can’t be afraid to mess up.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has been a relatively smooth transition. It’s all about learning the different type of venues and what they expect. How to communicate with a bunch of different people and plan something that people will want to pay money to show up to. I am still very new and always learning how the scene works. I did have one band who reached out, wanting a particular date. It was very last minute but I was able to get them what they wanted. They ended up doing a show in a different state and left me hanging. Stuff like that is bound to happen, it’s just part of it. I know issues will arise in the future. It’s all about how you overcome it and keep going.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Bible Belt Metal Promotions is all about creating killer shows and helping local bands with getting their music shared around. I love watching a band grow and their music evolve. What sets Bible Belt Metal apart from other promoters is that I am not in the business to make money. I do this because I enjoy it and genuinely care about the artists. I want everyone who comes to a show to have a fun time. I always try to share other promoter’s flyers and share the work they have done. Cheering on different bands when they make great achievements. It’s all about having a good community and having a place to have safe shows. I’m currently working with a group of awesome people in opening a non-profit all ages venue in Chattanooga, PULSE. PULSE will be super beneficial for the music scene and any bands playing in Chattanooga. There is more information and ways to help PULSE on my Instagram bio. You definitely wanted to stay updated because its going to big a really big and amazing thing. I am extremely proud of how I have been able to grow my brand. Constantly working hard everyday to continue to grow. I am researching venues, listening to different bands, and staying updated in the local music scene. Always supporting local bands, merchandise creators, venues, and photographers. I stay very humble and look up to other local promoters. Bible Belt Metal Promotions books any type of music genre in Chattanooga. I am open to work with anyone and really customize the lineup to make it the best it can be.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
I have been extremely fortunate to have great people by my side. I would have to say my boyfriend, Luke, deserves all the credit. He really encouraged me to start Bible Belt Metal Promotions. He always believed in me and is always helping me along the way. There are so many amazing people in the music scene. I definitely want to give a shout out to some bands: The Flesh That Binds, Violent Void, Punish, and Once More Again. They were the first bands I ever booked and I couldn’t have picked better people. They are super talented and down to Earth. My mom is great too. Her and my Dad are the reason I have such great taste in music.
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