ABOUT

// kei slaughter //

kei (they/them) is a New Orleans-born-and-raised, Boston-based flutist, vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, composer, music therapist, charismatic facilitator, and arts-based scholar with a heart for the people. A soul-folk sonic storyteller and reverently rebellious child of the Black Church, kei conjures bokou magik from deep Southern roots, blending lyrical soundscapes, intuitive artistry, and community healing.

As a solo artist, kei is a musical force. Bridging folk, Americana, roots, and neo-soul vibes, kei is perhaps best known for their soulful, funky flute-playing and dynamic voice - ranging from sultry to gospel-powerhouse style.

As a collaborator, kei has worked with a range of interdisciplinary performance art projects, presented at regional and national conferences, facilitated workshops, and performed on reputable stages across North America.

A graduate of NYU's Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness program, kei is a board-certified music therapist with over a decade of experience in mental health with adolescents, young adults, and LGBTQIA2S+ / Trans and Queer BIPOC communities. They are the owner of S O U L F O L K Sounds, LLC, providing music and wellness services, music lessons, and consulting to individuals and groups, with a focus on Black queer folks.

kei's scholarly interests center on race, sexuality, gender, faith/spiritual identity, and health - inspired and instigated by their upbringing in the Black Church.

Presently, kei is an Associate Professor in the Music Therapy Department at Berklee College of Music and a doctoral candidate in Expressive Therapies at Lesley University. They are currently completing dissertation research exploring how Black queer and trans people experience gospel music as listeners - a tradition they’ve helped shape and enrich, yet one tied to complex relationships and histories.

kei lives in Boston surrounded by their favorite plants and whimsy pencil collection.