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Kelly wrote her upcoming album on both sides of The Pond and later drafted in the talents Ben Mason (Arctic Monkeys, The Kooks, Razorlight) and Glen Nicholls (Snow Patrol, I Blame Coco, Everything Everything) to produce her debut single in the UK, "Hurt Like Me." Kelly originally recorded the song state-side with producers Eric Kinney and Todd Lombardo, who both added their integral dose of genius to the track. It's the 'push and pull' and creative clash of these musical worlds that make Kelly Paige's Nashville / British hybrid sound so instant and enthralling.

"Hurt Like Me" is Kelly's first single, release in October of 2011. The track is a twisted pop song about Kelly seeking vengeance on her player of a boyfriend, who is rumored to be the guitarist in her band. Sleazy, fuzzed-up guitars and distorted vintage vocals are brightened up by twinkling keys. Lyrics like, "Boy you're gonna hurt like me, I'm gonna take you down, You're gonna hit rock bottom and see if you can scratch your way back out," set the song's playfully bitter edge. Kelly quips with a wry smile, "If it were about my guitarist, wouldn't making him play the song at our gigs just be the ultimate act of revenge?"

Kelly's determination to write songs that challenge and empower people was first inspired by Loretta Lynn, one of country music's original stars. A true feminist revolutionary, Lynn penned controversial songs tackling taboo subjects like contraception and divorce. "She pushed boundaries and I really admire that," says Kelly. Alongside Loretta Lynn, Kelly cites Tom Petty, Linda Perry and Ryan Adams among her musical heroes which help explain the kaleidoscopic nature of her sound.

Kelly first started playing the guitar at the age of 13, strumming along to an eclectic range of music, including classic rock, punk and folk. Kelly attributes her sound DNA to her nomadic lifestyle as a young child. With her parents being South African immigrants, Kelly spent much of her childhood there, before moving to various parts of the USA where she absorbed a huge variety of genres from reggae to bluegrass, and swing to country. During Kelly's stint in Nashville, she won a songwriting award at a ceremony hosted by the infamous publishing company, Big Yellow Dog Music and she later found a fan in Willie Nelson's bass player, Bee Spears, who went on to play in Kelly's band in Nashville. Kelly is now playing the London circuit with her band who she calls, "The Players".