About
Keep Shelly in Athens is an electronic music project formed in Athens, Greece, in June 2010 by producer RΠЯ. The project began as a duo when vocalist Sarah P. joined following an introduction through a mutual friend. The name Keep Shelly in Athens is a wordplay on Kypseli, a neighbourhood in central Athens. Over time, the project has operated as both a duo and an expanded live band.
Musical Styles & Influences
Keep Shelly in Athens creates music that blends elements of ambient pop, downtempo electronica, and dream pop. Their sound is characterised by melodic synthesisers, mid-tempo electronic rhythms, and soft vocal delivery. The Guardian described their music as something that “will make you happy to feel sad,” while Pitchfork noted similarities to chillwave alongside references to artists such as Saint Etienne and Cocteau Twins.
Breakthrough Moments
The project gained early international attention through releases on Cascine, followed by further releases on labels including Forest Family Records, Transparent Records, Planet Mu, and Friends of Friends. Keep Shelly in Athens has completed four North American headline tours and three European headline tours, performing in 63 cities across 18 countries. Festival appearances have included Parklife, The Great Escape, and Fun Fun Fun Fest, and a featured performance at Coachella in 2012.
Artist Identity & Growth
Sarah P. departed the project in January 2014. In March 2014, Myrtha was announced as the new vocalist. In 2017, the album Philokalia was released featuring vocalist Jessica Bell. In 2021, Keep Shelly in Athens launched a collaborative singles series featuring guest vocalists from various countries, further establishing the project as a flexible and collaborative recording format led by RΠЯ.
What’s Next
Keep Shelly in Athens released the album V on 16 January 2026.
