Interview With Kayla Williams

Q: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how your childhood impacted your musical direction?

A: I grew up listening to oldies and classics like Fleetwood Mac, the Beach Boys, Huey Lewis but also any pop music I could get my hands on. I also grew up in a small town in Alberta, and music was an escape to dream of big things and performing on big stages. I was on the prairies dreaming of palm trees – still do!

Q: How are you planning on growing your fan base and sharing your music with the world? What message do you have for anyone who is about to discover your music?

A: I’m working hard making all kinds of content, and I try to be as authentic and weird as makes sense. The music is yacht-pop, so I think a little comedy and lightheartedness makes sense for the music. I would tell people to listen to my music if they want to escape to a feel- good, glittery world and be taken back to a nostalgic time.

Q: Who is the most inspiring artist for you right now? And where do you find inspiration for making music?

A: Young Gun Silver Fox, a modern yacht-rock band out of the UK, are high on my list, and I’m also very into Sabrina Carpenter and Olivia Dean! I find inspo by listening to music that makes me feel something and, in general, life itself. If I’m sad or vibing with someone or excited about life, this will come through in my songwriting.

Q: Can you tell us about the story or message behind the EP, “POPSTALGIA.”?

A: The story is about a girl who is vibing and crushing, craving connection, who’s had heartbreak and who’s still very hopeful and in love with her life. Musically, it goes from upbeat pop, to groovy soft ‘70s vibes, to a real classic rock feel and an almost Fleetwood Mac inspired tune. The journey is feel-good but still feeling a lot!

Q: How would you describe your sound in one word for potential listeners?

A: Nostalgic.

Q: Did you face any challenges while writing or recording “POPSTALGIA”?

A: The biggest challenge was having lots of songs to choose from and only picking 4. I also panic wrote 2 songs on the record a week before we started recording because I felt I needed new songs that were even better than the ones I had. I’m so proud of these songs. There was one I was hesitant to include on this EP, but my producers and bandmates assured me it was so catchy we had to include it – and now I’m so happy I did and I’m stoked to play it live!

Q: What is the message of your music? And what are your goals as an artist?

A: The message is: be who you are, feel what you feel, and share unabashedly! My goals are to create good music consistently, share on bigger and bigger stages and find the nostalgic babes who love a modern/throwback sound!

Q: Who is your dream artist to collaborate with? (dead or alive)

A: Brian Wilson, whom I actually met because of my covers on YouTube. He was my musical hero and is an absolute legend. It would have been magical to make music with that genius. ♡

Q: What is your advice for people interested in pursuing music as a career or for those trying to enter the industry?

A: If there’s something in you that is endlessly called to music, go for it and never quit. When you have that obsession with music, you really have no choice but to follow the calling. If you don’t feel that and question how hard it’s going to be — because it is — so if you don’t passionately feel music in your bones, find something more financially and emotionally stable. But if you love it, you’ll know that feeling and trust it. Always be yourself – don’t imitate others or trends. Sharing your own voice will always take you further!

Q: If you could go back in time and give a younger you some words of wisdom, what would they be?

A: Don’t worry as much – try to enjoy the process more! The journey is ongoing, so make sure you take it in and find joy in getting where you’re going.

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