We recently connected with Kayla Mitchell and have shared our conversation below.

Kayla, appreciate you joining us today. Do you think your parents have had a meaningful impact on you and your journey?

One of the greatest gifts my parents gave me was a strong foundation built on work ethic, kindness, and dedication. From an early age, they taught me that while you can’t always control your circumstances, you can control your attitude and the effort you bring to the table. That mindset has had a profound impact on both my personal and professional life.

They always reminded me that there will always be people who are smarter, more talented, or more naturally gifted than you—but none of that matters if you consistently show up with a positive attitude and give your best effort. That’s something I’ve carried with me through every stage of life. Whether I was earning my bachelor’s degree in marketing from Southern Illinois University, completing my MBA at Webster University, or navigating a fast-paced career in Risk & Compliance management in banking and fintech, I’ve found that steady effort and a strong mindset are what truly set you apart over time.

Even now, as I explore a path as a music producer and DJ as ELEKTRIK BLVNKET in addition to my banking career, that principle still holds true. Learning new creative skills can be humbling, especially when you’re surrounded by incredibly talented people—but I know that if I stay focused, work hard, and approach every opportunity with gratitude and determination, growth will follow.

To me, it’s not about being the most talented in the room—it’s about being the most consistent, the most willing to learn, and the most resilient. That’s the lesson my parents taught me, and it’s shaped how I lead, how I create, and how I engage with others. Whether in corporate environments or creative spaces, I’ve found that attitude and effort are the two things you can always control—and they make all the difference. Looking back, I’m so grateful for the example my parents set.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

By day, I’ve built a solid career in banking, specifically in Risk & Compliance management—an area that requires focus, integrity, and a deep understanding of how to protect businesses and consumers in a fast-changing regulatory environment. I’ve worked in this space for several years and truly value the impact I get to make by helping organizations operate responsibly and transparently.

But beyond my career in finance, there’s another side of me that’s equally important: I’m also a music producer and DJ.

Music has always been a huge part of my life—it’s where I find inspiration, connection, and creative freedom. Over the years, I began exploring music production more seriously and eventually started releasing original tracks. What started as a passion project has now become a growing part of my identity. To date, I’ve achieved over 100,000 Spotify streams across several song releases, which I’m incredibly proud of. My most recent track, “Not Today,” released on March 14, 2025, through North Origin Records, has already gained over 30,000 streams, and it’s been amazing to see it resonate with listeners around the world.

As a producer and DJ, my goal is to create music that moves people—physically, emotionally, or both. I focus on melodic house and progressive sounds that blend emotion with energy. Whether it’s through a late-night DJ set or a carefully crafted track, I want people to feel something real when they experience my work.

What sets me apart is the unique blend of structure and creativity I bring to everything I do. Coming from a Risk & Compliance background, I know the value of discipline, planning, and consistency—skills that have served me well as I navigate the music world. At the same time, music allows me to explore and express emotion in ways that my day job doesn’t. That balance keeps me grounded and inspired.

What I’m most proud of is having the courage to pursue this creative journey alongside a full-time career. It hasn’t always been easy, but it’s incredibly rewarding to see people connect with the music I create. I want potential fans, followers, and collaborators to know that this isn’t just a hobby—this is part of who I am. My work is authentic, heartfelt, and always evolving.

If you’re new to my journey, I’d love for you to check out my latest tracks, follow along as I continue to grow, and maybe catch a live set sometime soon. Whether you’re here for the music, the message, or the mix of it all—thank you. It means the world to share this with you.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist and creative is the connection—not just with listeners, but with fellow musicians and mentors who’ve helped shape my journey.

There’s truly nothing like the energy of playing a local show and seeing people on the dance floor react to my original tracks. I put my heart and soul into every song I write, so when I see someone dancing, smiling, or closing their eyes and getting lost in the music, it’s one of the most meaningful feelings I’ve ever experienced. It’s those moments—raw and unfiltered—that remind me why I create.

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist and creative is the connection—with the crowd, with listeners around the world, and with fellow artists who inspire me. There’s something truly special about pouring your heart into a track, then watching people on the dance floor react in real time when you DJ it. Seeing them light up, move to the beat, or close their eyes and just feel the music—that moment of shared energy is incredibly powerful, and it’s what I live for.

As a queer female music producer, that connection means even more. Only about 2% of music producers are women, and even fewer are openly queer. It can be tough to stand out in such a male-dominated industry, but I’ve learned to embrace what makes me different—and to turn that into my strength. My perspective, my identity, and my voice all come through in my music, and I’m proud of that.

The journey hasn’t always been easy, but it’s been deeply meaningful. I’ve been so fortunate to connect with supportive artists and mentors in places like St. Louis and Chattanooga who have helped me grow. Every time someone reaches out to say my music resonated with them—or when I see the crowd respond to one of my original tracks—it’s a reminder that authenticity matters, and that there’s a place for all of us in this space.

What I’m most grateful for is the ability to express myself fully and create something that others can connect with, dance to, or find comfort in. Whether it’s a track that celebrates the high points or one that helps ease the lows, being able to share that with others is the most rewarding part of being an artist.

I’ve also been fortunate to have some amazing mentors along the way, and one who stands out is Leo Lauretti with Abstrakt Music Lab. His guidance, technical expertise, and honest feedback have pushed me to refine my sound and become more confident in my production skills. Leo has played a huge role in helping me elevate my music to a professional level, and I’m incredibly grateful for his support.

For the rest of 2025 and beyond, I plan to pursue some collaborations with other music producers. I will be busy writing new music and getting some completed tracks signed to bigger record labels. I have a breakbeat track that will feature live drums as one collaboration. I recently finished a Tech House track I’ve been able to play out a few times recently. I aim to diversify my sound beyond House music and to write songs in different genres. I am relaunching my monthly radio show on Organic Deep House Radio. This is an online radio station specializing in House Music broadcast from Dubai. Our station features artists all over the globe which I am honored to be a part of. I’m looking to branch out from playing local gigs to traveling and playing regionally.

Seeing my tracks streamed by people all over the globe, including my recent release “Not Today,” has been surreal—but it’s these local and personal connections that truly ground me. This journey isn’t just about the music—it’s about the community behind it. And I’m so thankful to be a part of it.

Have you ever had to pivot?

2024 was, without a doubt, the most challenging year of my adult life. I went through a divorce and was laid off from my job—two major life changes that happened within several months together. It felt like the rug had been pulled out from under me, and I suddenly had to reevaluate everything: my future, my sense of stability, and even my identity.

During that time, music became so much more than just a passion—it became my therapy. Creating and playing music gave me a sense of peace and purpose when everything else felt uncertain. It gave me something to look forward to, something I could pour all my emotions into. Whether I was writing a new track in the studio or DJing for a crowd, music gave me space to both process pain and rediscover joy. It helped me stay grounded and reminded me that even in hard times, I still had something beautiful to give to the world.

I’ll never forget the first show I played after that difficult stretch. Seeing people dance and react to my original music—feeling their energy and knowing that I had made something that brought them joy—it was healing in the deepest way. Music helped me navigate a really dark season of life, and it also helped me grow stronger and more focused creatively.

A pair of local promoters whom I am grateful for their support and who run Experisense, Maddix Pena (who performs as Subplay) and Magen Mccarthy. They have a weekly Sunday evening show at Tim’s Chrome Bar where I have performed several times for their show.

Now, every track I release and every set I play feels even more meaningful. I’ve learned that music can be both a celebration and a lifeline. It’s an honor and a privilege to create something that connects with others, because I know firsthand how powerful that connection can be when you need it most.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elektrik_blvnket/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ELEKTRIKBLVNKET/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/compliancenerd/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@elektrikblvnket
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/elektrik_blvnket
• Other: https://linktr.ee/elektrik.blvnket

  https://www.organicdeephouseradio.com/

Image Credits

Jacob Clay