March 29, 2024

Kayla Joy is a multi-talented singer/ songwriting musician, born in Columbus, Ohio. As a young girl, Kayla Joy spent time living in Eastern Africa with her parents, however she now resides in Richmond, Va. with her family. Kayla started singing in church at the impressionable age of 8 years old.  As a high school student, Kayla realized that she wanted to sing professionally and began to take her potential career into a new direction. With an array of cultural experiences, she has developed a passion for reaching people all over the world through her music. In 2016, Kayla Joy was selected to sing and perform with the stage play “Sister Act”, touring Austria and Germany. As a rising star, Kayla Joy knows that her gifts and talents are a blessing that she wants to share with the world. Kayla Joy has a heart and passion for the entertainment industry.  She has a fire for music that is burning so bright that nothing can put it out. With Kayla Joy’s soft pure voice, humble nature & genuinely kind spirit, she will undoubtedly win the hearts of her fans and potential fans all over the world.

“Those who choose to sing always find a song, so no matter, just keep singing and create the soundtrack to your life”

~Kayla Joy

Lisa: Hello Kayla! Growing up, how important was music in your life? Can you recall the moment when you decided that you wanted to be a musician? Was it an easy or difficult choice to make? 

Kayla: Growing up, music has always been a big part of my life. I grew up singing in choir in church, singing solos and different choral groups in school. The moment I realized I wanted to pursue a music career was when I saw a music video for the first time ever. It was Alicia Keys, and I remember thinking to myself “Wow, I can do that, I want to do that, I need to do that”. It was the easiest choice I’ve ever made.

Lisa: How would you describe the music that you typically create? 

Kayla: I’ve really grown up listening to all sorts of genres of music. I think that really shows in my sound and the type of music I make. I would describe my music as hybrid Pop and R&B music. It provides a gateway to a place of understanding in love, relationships, pain, and life. My music empowers, and creates a place where you can find strength.

Lisa: Do you get creative blocks? If so, what do you do to move past them? 

Kayla: Yes! And it drives me crazy every time! When it gets to that point, I usually step away for a day or two and just clear my head. I don’t listen to the beat, or look at the lyrics, I completely remove myself. This allows me to take the time I need to process whatever it is that is causing the creative block; and I usually come back stronger than ever.

Lisa: Your latest single “Honey” is awesome. What inspired you to write it?

Kayla: I wanted to write a track that really talked about a love between two people that runs deep, is passionate and sweet like honey. It is a song that you can sit back and smile thinking about the one you love. A track that describes the bliss of a genuine love but also it can have its bumps in the road (gets little sticky like honey). A lot of listeners have taken a sexual interpretation to the song which wasn’t my intention but hey! Whatever floats your boat!

Lisa: You have amazing vocals. What is your practice routine, if you have one? And what advice would you give to upcoming singers? 

Kayla: I appreciate that! I was taught some great vocal warmups when I went on a music production tour in Europe a few years ago. I usually use these techniques in the car ride prior to a studio session or back stage of a show. I will admit I need to be more consistent with this! Another practice I use is singing along to tracks of mainstream artists that I know will challenge my vocals. It is always fun to hear myself improve on different tracks.

The advice I would give to upcoming artists is to stay consistent with your vocal warmups and techniques! Having a vocal coach is ok! There are plenty of mainstream artists that STILL use vocal coaches, there is ALWAYS room for improvement.

Lisa: What is the most useless talent you have? 

Kayla: I have never been asked that question before. I wouldn’t consider any talent useless. If it is a talent, there is some use for it somewhere in life. Don’t underestimate all the talents you have, even the smallest can end up taking you a long way.

Lisa: What has been the biggest surprise so far about making music your career? What has been an unexpected or welcome challenge to it all? 

Kayla: One of the biggest surprises that I learned early on in my music career is that there are so many small, tiny details to the business side of pursuing a music career. It takes a lot of sacrifice and determination to pursue this career and if you aren’t built for it, you will find excuses not to spend the money (invest in yourself properly), not show up for shows, events (you never know who is in the crowd) or not look over paperwork and so muchmore.

One challenge I can say I had was understanding who I am as an artist. I had to go through some personal life things in order to grow as an artist, and you will hear my story through my music.

Lisa: If you had an unlimited budget and your schedule was free, what would your dream music video look like? 

Kayla: Do you remember when music videos would have skits as an introduction and would maybe cut out to another skit in the middle of the video. It adds a more relatable and personable sense to the video that allows the audience to connect more. Those scenes would look like a movie, catching your attention from beginning to end. Not sure if any of that makes sense but what I have as a vision is fire!

Lisa: If you could change anything about the industry, what would it be? 

Kayla: Right now major labels are focused on how many streams and followers you have over talent. It can be a hard thing because so many talented artists who may not have the means to invest in their music (to gain their followers and streams) are not really considered right away. It would be awesome if, like back in the day, they see the potential in an artist, their consistent work ethic, and guide that artist to a successful career.

Lisa: What are some newer projects that you are currently working on?

Kayla: Right now I am focused on writing a new single, after that I will probably release an EP or album. I just recently signed a shopping deal with Pilgrim Records, and am so excited to share the music that is coming so stay tuned!

Thank you!

Follow: @kaylajoy_music

Listen: Spotify

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