Diving into the Heartfelt Stories and Raw Vulnerability Behind Kayla Jo's Hauntingly Beautiful Songs - An Intimate Encounter with the Rising Singer-Songwriter
Kayla Jo © 2023
GH: Hi Kayla! What inspired you to start writing music at a young age?
Kayla Jo: I would say my desire to write started with my love for reading as a kid. I became fascinated with the way you could make a story come to life or even foster emotions in someone just with words. It's a powerful tool, and as I've grown, I've learned to use my writing as a way to process my own emotions.
GH: Can you tell us more about your experience performing live at gigs, and what was the most memorable experience you had?
Kayla Jo: I actually haven't had any formal gigs yet, my main outlet is social media. My last "performance" was actually an American Idol audition just before the pandemic. That audition was by far the most meaningful experience of this journey. I was terrified, then I spent 6 hours waiting in line with at least 1000 other people who shared the same dream. I've never felt more at home than I did that day, everyone was singing together while we waited and cheering for each other through each round. I didn't leave with a ticket to the next round, but I left feeling beyond reassured and with a new life friend.
GH: How does your process of songwriting is set around?
Kayla Jo: My writing "process" is that it doesn't really exist. I don't like to put too much pressure on myself when it comes to creating something; it needs to come naturally. Once I've compiled some ideas I'm excited about, then I'll box myself in to get the work done.
GH: What motivates you to create music and bring awareness to different situations through your songs?
Kayla Jo: My music is how I express myself. There are times when it's easier to write about an experience than to talk about it, and it's through that process that I find myself able to move forward. There have been so many moments in my life that I finally felt heard because of a song I was listening to, that's what I keep in mind when writing. I want to pay it forward and provide that song that will make someone else feel heard. To let someone know they aren't alone.
GH: Could you share some insights into your next projects?
Kayla Jo: The next step for me is to have my first original single out in the upcoming months. The song is called "Rain," and in a nutshell, it's about allowing yourself to be full of emotion; Not overwhelmed, but full. Embracing all of it as it comes. In December, I'll be releasing a Holiday/Christmas EP, which will be a mix of covers and my own music. The first track was actually released this month, personally I think Christmas in July is fun! It's called "Greatest Time of Year," originally by Aly & AJ Michalka, and it's an upbeat holiday track that I think is also fun for the summertime.
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