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In the mid-nineties, Kerstgens began working with musicians Sten Servaes and Tom Deininger in Cologne.[2] With Kerstgens as lead vocalist, they formed the band Ralley, which was later renamed Klee.[2][5] Klee is known for its songs about love, life and sorrow and the band members have been described as the great romantics of German pop by music magazine laut.de.[6] Most of the lyrics for Klee's songs are written by Kerstgens[7] and are based on her personal experiences.[8] As a member of Ralley/Klee, Kerstgens has recorded seven albums,[9] three of which have entered the top 20 of the German albums chart.[10]
Kerstgens has made two appearances at the Bundesvision Song Contest, an annual competition shown on German television. The first was in 2005, when she performed the song "Gold" with Klee.[11] The second was in 2007, when she sang a duet with German pop band Anajo on the band's song "Wenn du nur wüsstest".[12]
Under the name "Kölsche Kylie", Kerstgens is active as a DJ at various venues in Cologne, including Gebäude 9.[3][13]
Collaborations
Kerstgens has collaborated with English rock band The Wedding Present, contributing vocals on the 7" vinyl release of the band's single "I'm from Further North Than You" (2005).[14] Another collaboration was with German rock band BAP on a re-recording of the band's song "Frau, ich freu mich" (2005).[15]
Social engagement
Kerstgens lends her support to various organizations in Germany, including Pro Asyl, Aktion Mensch, Fairtrade (Fair trade), Deutsche AIDS-Hilfe (German AIDS aid) and the National Paralympic Committee Germany. She is also a sponsor of the project "Schule ohne Rassismus – Schule mit Courage" (School without racism – school with courage) at her former gymnasium in Xanten.[8][16]
Personal life
Kerstgens lived in a flat share in the Sülz area of Cologne for 16 years. She then moved with her boyfriend to the Agnesviertel, another area of Cologne.[3]
Kerstgens has been a fan of English rock bands The Cure and The Smiths since her childhood.[7]