We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kayla Vega a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Kayla thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Do you think your parents have had a meaningful impact on you and your journey?
One thing my parents did right was not forcing me to pursue a more practical career path. They encouraged me from a very young age to be who and what I wanted to be. I always knew I wanted to be a singer, then that turned into wanting to be a singer-songwriter. Knowing how much I loved music, my parents enrolled me in my school’s chorus and band as soon as I was eligible in the 4th grade. That allowed me to explore music in a more classical format, but helped me develop a lot of proper and healthy technique, music theory, and mathematic skills. When I got braces in the 10th grade, playing trumpet in band became too painful and wax didn’t help. That’s when my parents gifted me my first acoustic guitar and encouraged me that I didn’t have to continue band, and there were other routes. I ultimately quit band after a semester of fighting through the discomfort and learned guitar at home. My mom helped me learn my first four chords, as she played guitar in her young adulthood. As I started writing my own songs, even if I wasn’t crazy about the song, I always received positive comments from my parents. They never told me I was doing something wrong, or that I sounded bad. They would provide me gentle constructive criticism that would help lead me to a potentially better outcome. And finally, when I started performing, my parents are always there. Knowing that they show up adds a level of comfort and confidence, because they believe in me and prove that they always have. It’s the little things throughout the start of my journey to where I am now and to where I am going that my parents have contributed to, and without those things, I wouldn’t be who I am. So thanks mom and dad!
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I’m an award-winning singer-songwriter and performer hailing from Mooresville, North Carolina, with a passion for creating unforgettable musical experiences. My journey in the music industry began back in 2014 when I took my first steps onto the professional stage in my homestate of New York. However, it was my move to North Carolina in 2016 that truly ignited my career, allowing me to make a profound impact on the local music scene with my unique blend of versatility and talent.
What sets me apart is my ability to be a musical chameleon, earning me the affectionate nickname “walking jukebox” from my dedicated fans. From timeless classics of the 50s to today’s chart-topping hits, I effortlessly traverse across genres including pop, country, R&B, showtunes, and even classical music. Whether I’m performing solo or adding layers with my guitar and newly introduced cajon drum, I strive to captivate audiences and leave them wanting more.
Throughout my career, I’ve had the honor of achieving significant milestones, such as sharing the stage with renowned acts like Nickelback at the prestigious PNC Pavilion and opening for Phillip Phillips at the esteemed Taste of Charlotte Festival. Additionally, being invited to perform on a celebrity float at the 2023 Novant Health Thanksgiving Eve Parade in Charlotte stands as a testament to the recognition and respect my craft has garnered within the industry.
Beyond my musical pursuits, I’m dedicated to connecting with my audience on a personal level and creating moments that resonate long after the final note fades. Whether it’s through heartfelt lyrics or the energy I bring to the stage, I aim to leave a lasting impression that transcends the confines of a performance.
For potential clients, followers, and fans, I want them to know that my passion for music knows no bounds. Whether you’re seeking a dynamic live performance, original compositions, or collaborative opportunities, I’m committed to delivering excellence and exceeding expectations every step of the way. So, if you’re ready to embark on a musical journey like no other, I invite you to join me and experience the magic firsthand.
How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?
Supporting artists, creatives, and fostering a thriving creative ecosystem is crucial for the enrichment of society and the preservation of cultural diversity. First, acknowledging the value of artists and their contributions to society is the most important thing we can do. This includes respecting their work, compensating them fairly, and providing opportunities for visibility and recognition, especially in towns with little to no creative scene. One thing that is easily oversighted is investing in the arts through fair pay, buying merchandise, streaming on digital platforms, etc. For students and younger creatives, funding programs, grants, and sponsorships should be available for them to help pursue the arts financially as it can get expensive fast. This financial support can help artists pursue their craft, create new works, and sustain their livelihoods. My public high school almost lost it’s music program my freshman year and we held rallies to help encourage our town to vote against this detrimental change, so I strongly advocate that comprehensive arts education programs that nurture creativity, develop skills, and provide pathways for professional growth should be offered and mandatory. Supporting lifelong learning opportunities for artists can enhance their craft and contribute to a vibrant creative community. Another easy, simple, and free way to support artists is by following them on digital platforms. Increasing visibility and exposure in this way can help artists reach wider audiences and connect with supporters. And finally, advocate for policies and initiatives that prioritize the arts, support artists’ rights, and create an enabling environment for creativity to thrive. By advocating for positive change, society can uphold the value of arts and culture in shaping a vibrant and inclusive society.
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
Building an audience on social media has indeed been a journey filled with ups and downs, but the key has always been patience, consistency, and genuine engagement. When I first embarked on my social media journey, I knew that building a strong presence would take time and dedication. Here’s a glimpse into how I navigated this process and some advice for those just starting out:
I started by creating profiles on various social media platforms, ensuring that my handle was consistent across all channels. Even if I didn’t use a platform regularly, I secured the handle to maintain a unified brand identity. Content is king in the realm of social media. I make it a priority to create and share content consistently, whether it was a cover song, a behind-the-scenes video, or a personal anecdote. Posting daily and engaging with my audience regularly helped keep my presence visible and relevant. Engaging with my audience has always been a cornerstone of my social media strategy. I view my fans and followers as friends, and I strive to foster genuine connections with them. Responding to comments, messages, and feedback has not only strengthened my relationship with my audience but has also provided valuable insights for future content ideas. While consistency is important, so is the quality of content. I focus on creating content that resonates with my audience and showcases my unique voice and talents. Whether it’s a heartfelt cover song or an original composition, I aim to deliver content that leaves a lasting impression. Building a community around my music has been instrumental in growing my social media presence. I actively participate in online conversations, collaborate with other artists, and support fellow musicians. By fostering a sense of belonging and connection, I’ve cultivated a loyal and supportive fan base. The social media landscape is constantly evolving, so it’s essential to stay adaptable and open to experimentation. I’m always exploring new features, trends, and strategies to keep my content fresh and engaging. Whether it’s trying out Instagram Reels or livestreaming performances, I embrace opportunities to connect with my audience in innovative ways. Building a sizable following on social media doesn’t happen overnight. It requires persistence, patience, and a willingness to learn from both successes and setbacks. By staying committed to my craft and my audience, I’ve been able to steadily grow my social media presence over time.
To those just starting to build their social media presence, my advice is to stay true to yourself, stay consistent, and stay engaged. Share your passion, connect with your audience, and embrace the journey. Remember, building a meaningful presence on social media is not just about numbers—it’s about building genuine connections and sharing your art with the world.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://kaylavega.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaylavegamusic/?fbclid=IwAR3Pr8zOwW6SZXL2Q-naLTT1Hcdf_dRSxUwfZfq9QDSak1m28WpAoWuI4j0
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kaylavega
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0BpaVVgsXMqfupIvR7-K-A
- Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kaylavegamusic?lang=en Soundcloud:https://soundcloud.com/kaylavegamusic Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/kayla-vega/1340563168 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0dKhgtbaAPCsQHAMvMbyoM?dl_branch=1&si=pWQ7dEm4Tt2NDjtSMQkVxQ&utm_medium=share&utm_source=linktree&nd=1&dlsi=e4d905f673cc41a5