Meet Kayne Dynell | Your Friendly Neighborhood Rockstar

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kayne Dynell and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kayne, what role has risk played in your life or career?
When it comes to risk, I’ve learned that defining what it means to me as an artist and creative is just as important as taking the leap itself. People always say, “Risk equals reward,” and while that’s true, I think one of the most overlooked risks is the internal one the hesitation, the self-doubt, the fear of just shooting your shot. Sometimes, the biggest risk isn’t some massive career move; it’s as simple as putting yourself out there, asking for what you want, and not letting opportunities pass because of silence. Closed mouths don’t get fed a statement that’s both underrated and underpracticed.

By nature, I lean into risk with the belief that things will work out. One of the biggest risks I’ve taken was moving to LA alone after a previous attempt with a group of friends didn’t work out. That experience could’ve scared me off, but instead, it pushed me to bet on myself.

Right now, I’m in the middle of another big risk: breaking out of the cycle of temporary artist housing. For the past few years, I’ve spent six months in LA and six months back home, bouncing between both worlds. But in 2024, I made a decision if I was really serious about my music and creative career, I had to go all in. So, I signed a lease. No more back and forth, no more temporary setups. I’m here, full-time, fully committed.

Risk, to me, isn’t just about grand gestures. It’s about the everyday choices that push you closer to where you want to be. And if you truly believe in yourself, sometimes the biggest risk is not taking one at all.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My journey as a music artist and creative started early. I was part of a drill/cheer team in elementary school, played clarinet, and later fell in love with drums, influenced by my grandma’s taste in classic rock. By middle school, I was playing snare, dabbling in sports, and getting into dance specifically Jerkin’, which led me to join and form dance teams, post YouTube videos, and eventually land on Tacoma’s team, TheOnez.

In high school, I was on the drumline but shifted focus to photography after struggling with reading music, earning a state award for my work. When I didn’t make the school dance team, I started my own VarSityCrew, an alternative team that later became an entertainment label. I also began teaching dance to kids, which became my first job in the arts.

After high school, VarSityCrew performed as an opening act for artists like Snow Tha Product, Raven Felix, Keyshia Cole, and DJ Unk. As members evolved, the group transitioned into music, and after years of teaching and performing dance professionally, I went solo. In 2019, I dropped my first commercial song, Come Up, which launched my music career.

Now, my brand is all about manifesting your reality and shooting your shot because you never know unless you ask. VarSityCrew Entertainment is partnered with 58 PROJECTS for music publishing, and while I still dance, it’s just for fun now. I’ve had viral moments, from dancing on Jerry Springer to blind dates on SnapChat discussing manifestation, but at the core, I just want to see people win. My grandma always told me, “Treat others how you want to be treated,” and that’s exactly how I move.

I’m your friendly neighborhood rockstar, and my music is where darkness meets light falling in love with duality.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Ooh, I love this question! Funny enough, my bestie was just in town for her birthday. For eats Dobriks Pizza and Two Hands Corn Dogs are solid go-to’s, but my latest obsession is Calic Bagels seriously so good. And if we’re talking sweet treats, Bristol Farms’ cookies are top-tier. For dinner, Saddle Ranch never disappoints their mac and cheese goes crazy! Honestly, when it comes to food, I just go with the vibe.

For spots to check out, Sunset Blvd is a must whether it’s The Rainbow , The Viper Room, or The Whisky, you’re in for a killer night of live music. If you’re looking for something with a burlesque or theater twist, The Cat’s Crawl or Skiptown Playhouse always has unique, well-curated events that make for an unforgettable experience.

And of course, nothing beats the LA skyline at night catching those Mulholland Drive views is a whole mood. But as for the best lookout spots… some things gotta stay a secret!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are a lot of moving pieces in my journey, but one that stands out is my partnership with Riot Energy. Back in 2021, while grinding through long days in Tacoma, I needed a boost and randomly picked up a can of Riot Energy at a Kroger store. Something about the brand caught my attention, and even though I didn’t have a massive following, I saw an opportunity. I loved the drink, found out they were based in Venice, CA, and decided to shoot my shot—I emailed them, pitched myself, and manifested a response.

They got back to me, sent me product, and I started creating content. By the time I moved to LA, I had a meeting set up, and on March 1, 2022, I officially became their Viral Brand Ambassador—helping introduce creatives and musicians to an organic energy drink with zero additives. That partnership is still going strong today, and Riot Energy continues to fuel my daily life.

Shoutout to VarSityCrew Entertainment, 58 PROJECTS, Prize & Trophy Clothing, 3RD EYE MEDIA CO. and my label mates Lord Infinit3 , 7figures1m & someone who is very important in my LA music journey Damian Malik for being a part of this journey. Shoutout to Stephanie Lewis an actress who models with Prize & Trophy for recommending me for this opportunity to share my story.

Website: Https://Www.kaynedynell.com

Instagram: Https://www.instagram.com/kaynedynell

Facebook: Https://www.facebook.com

Youtube: Https://www.youtube.com/kaynedynell

Image Credits
Marice Ashford
Christian Sayers
Noah Howdy
Lei Marr Echon