We were lucky to catch up with Kayley Nell Walker recently and have shared our conversation below.
Kayley Nell, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.
I have been working on a children’s book and accompanying song about various museums of Nashville with my good friend and co-author, Rachel Rodriguez. We are delighted to have received the Thrive Grant from TN Metro Arts Commission to bring this project to fruition. I feel so lucky to have the opportunity as an independent artist to celebrate the arts and culture of this community while encouraging literacy among youth. Our goal is to distribute this book to Nashville Public Library branches as well as Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library (fingers crossed!) Keep an eye out for the finished product as well as a Song & Storytime Release Party in 2024!
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Hey there! My name is Kayley Nell Walker. I’m a singer-songwriter originally from Arlington, Texas. After graduating from University of North Texas with a B.A. in Radio-TV-Film, I moved to Nashville, TN in 2018 to work on the talk show, “Pickler & Ben.” After that gig, I worked for four years in the Education Department at Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum as Community Outreach Coordinator where I planned local family-friendly music programs such as our annual Songwriting Camp. I’m excited to announce I just started my own venture, Songbird Studio, teaching guitar, piano, and ukulele lessons, in addition to being Music Director at Backlight Productions, a theatre arts organization for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We will be putting on a production of “School of Rock” next year! I feel very blessed to be able to do what I love for a living and bring joy to others in the process.
Music has always been a constant in my life, whether it was making up goofy songs to entertain my elementary school friends or performing in show-choir. (Fun fact: I went to Martin High School with Pentatonix and Aldae. There’s something in the water in TX!) My Junior year, I taught myself how to play guitar after my 86 yr. old Nana began taking lessons. Since then, I’ve been fortunate enough to have the opportunity to sing live on NBC Today Show, Tootsie’s Birthday Bash, and having my EP Wanderlust nominated for an Independent Music Award in NYC. My most recent accomplishment was being a finalist in the Shiner Song Contest judged by Martina McBride. Pinch me!
I’ve recently been working on recording a new album with Music Row vet and founding member of “The New Dylans”, Jim Reilley. He’s one of those people who you feel like you can be completely yourself around. His kindness and authenticity shines. It’s rare to find someone that believes in you wholeheartedly and wants to invest in your future like Jim. I feel so grateful to have him as a friend and mentor.
Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?
I wish I had known about Spotify Noteable Studios when I first moved to town! It’s a FREE (yes, you heard that right) recording studio for emerging artists. You submit your music via Spotify website then book a session which includes an on-site engineer. There are locations in LA, Nashville, London, and Toronto. I love how Spotify is providing a space to creators like me who can’t afford a $10K studio rate. It’s an unbelievable resource. I’ve recorded a ton of demos here and always leave feeling inspired. The 70’s retro decor really gets you in the groove.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
Honestly, just to help people feel a little less lonely. Life is hard and we’re all just trying to do our best. I want my songs to be used as a vessel to connect and comfort those who need it. When I’m having a bad day and I hear a song on the radio that resonates with me, it can change my entire outlook. I know it sounds cliche, but music really is the universal language and the one magic we have on earth.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://kayleynell.com/
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/kayleynell?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==