Tell us about yourself and your music
I am a native of Washington State, where I grew up in a small city of about 60,000 people. I come from a musical family, and my biggest influence is my father who was a singer-songwriter as well. My father was a lover of all music and exposed me to all types of music at a very young age. Later, I drifted towards jazz and soul. In my music, you will find a delicate blend of jazz, gospel, and soul. There are also some elements from my background in classical music that can be heard in the harmonic framework. I am also a singer-songwriter! I Because of this, I was able to take creative license and I think that comes through in the music.
Talk to us more about your latest release
My latest release is titled “I Believe”. This E.P. is combines elements of jazz, gospel and soul to create what I lovingly call Neo-Gospel. In this body of work, the words are as important as the music. The subjects that are introduced are deeply emotional yet inspirational.
What inspired you to write this release?
When writing this E.P., something incredible happened; I started a healing process. Each time I performed these songs, it was if a chain would fall off. After one particular performance, a nice older woman pulled me aside and told me “people need to hear what you have to say”. That registered with me! So now, I am taking the necessary steps to make that happen. I want people to experience the healing that I did during the process of creating this E.P.
Describe the writing and recording process
The writing in this E.P. is very specific to experiences that I went through in my life. Some good and some very painful. I look through a lens of a survivor and that directs where the lyrical content flows. The recording process was amazing. I found some great producers and was able to just be myself. Some of the best moments in one of my songs was mess up, but it turned into a part that every crowd loves to sing with me. I had fun!
Any plans to release a video?
https://youtu.be/VH_AY6gODvQ
Any plans to hit the road?
I will be in Seattle, Fort Worth, and Dallas this summer! Stay tuned for details.
As an indie artist, how do you brand yourself and your music to stand out from the rest of the artists out there?
My visual brand is what I called Urban-Glam. A typical show will showcase me sitting on a stool, draped in diamonds, scatting over a hip-hop beat. I don’t believe in boxes and therefore don’t place my style or music in one. If I had to describe my overall style it would be “Authentically Classy”, and that seems to separate me from other artists.
Who have you been listening to lately?
Lucky Daye, Chante Cann, Robert Glasper, Mindy Smith and Tiana Major9
Who are your biggest influences?
My father, definitely!!! I wouldn’t know half of what I know without him guiding my formative years. Later on, I was drawn to Ella Fitzgerald, Anita Baker, and Yolanda Adams.
Tell us about your passions
I am a teacher and it is one of my greatest passions! I teach at risk teenagers and not a day goes by that I am not reminded how much they need people who care. I love what I do and it shows!
I am passionate about my faith. I strive daily to be the light in a dark world.
I am passionate about my family. I have lost many close relatives to tragedy. My mother passed away from Cancer, my middle sister from cancer, my brother was murdered, and my father died from a broken heart. My remaining family and I are very close and I make sure that put the time in to keep it that way.
Finally, I am passionate about being the best musician I can possibly be. I consistently refresh my knowledge, and work to develop new skills that can further my ability.
What else is happening next in your world?
Currently working on new material to be presented in concert this summer. Studio work this March and hope to finish full album in August.
Thanks for an awesome interview, Kayla Williams
Connect with Kayla Williams
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=762360470601279&set=a.147229835447682&type=3Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kayelisewill/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGQ57mygKwdQfWyHXWaqMFgSoundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/kayla-williams-675788090
