Meet Kayla Starr | Artist | Vocalist

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

Hi Kayla, can you share a quote or affirmation with us?
My favorite affirmation is “The Universe is on our side.” I say it out loud almost every day. I say it before every show with the rest of the band. I think in the world we live in today, it’s good to remind ourselves that we are meant to be here. We are here to flourish and enjoy our lives. It’s easy for us to get stuck with where we think we are supposed to be in life. Sometimes, we put so much focus on what we don’t have, we forget to appreciate everything that has happened for us, big or small. “The Universe is on our side,” is a perfect reminder that something/or someone is there for you.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’m a musical artist and a background vocalist. Over the years, I’ve had the pleasure of working with different artists such as: MARINA, Kanye West, Macy Gray, Iggy Azalea, Odesza and more. As an artist, I’ve released two EPs “Salutation” and “Exception to the Rule.” I am currently working on my first full length album set to release in 2022. I come from a musical family, so I’ve been singing my entire life. Growing up, I joined every classical choir and every musical play you can think of. In 2009, I attended Musicians Institute (M.I.) , where I learned more about performance and musicianship. I took the education I received from M.I., and implemented it into my audition process. I started booking different late-night shows and later moved on to touring! Even though I work for various major artists, I made a promise to myself. . ., to never forget who I am as a solo artist. Therefore, I continue making my own albums. On top of everything else, I had different 9-5 jobs as well. Back then, it was stressful having to juggle everything but I wanted to be successful, so I didn’t make any excuses. I just did what needed to be done until I was finally able to quit my 9-5 and focus solely on music. I’ve learned, to be in this industry, you have to be able to wear many different hats. Of course, that’s until you can get to a place where you can hire others. In the beginning you are your manager, publicist, content creator, and sometimes your biggest fan. It’s not just about getting on stage and living a rockstar life. It’s necessary to learn more about the business side to protect yourself and work accordingly. I originally started my own business to keep ownership over my music, and gradually my business has led me to expanding mentorship to young women who want an actual career. I want to be that sea of change, passing down information so we can continue to see changes.  As a black female artist, I know I am representing my people. I try to represent a positive systemic transformation by exuding knowledge, strength, peace, and love into every single room I’m in.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love this question. I’m a native of Los Angeles, and I love my city so much. From going to the beach or hiking up to the Griffith Observatory, there are so many things you can do in one day. My favorite places to eat right now are Katana, a sushi restaurant on Sunset Blvd and Angel’s Tijuana Tacos in North Hollywood, where they have the best al pastor tacos! Mouth drooling. I’d start off on the Eastside, going for a walk at Echo Park, then riding the swans in the lake. Bourgeois Pig has the best iced chai latte in town, and their tree room is perfect for daydreaming. I’d then go to Huntington or Descanso Garden to see all the beautiful flowers in bloom and maybe even have high tea. After that I’d head over to Tu Madre in West Hollywood for their Lychee Rose Margarita. So good. One thing that’s great about being in LA, there’s always live music! We’d have to catch a show at Hollywood Bowl or the Greek Theatre. Last but not least, watch a movie at Hollywood Cemetery, and end the night driving up to one of the lookout points on Mulholland Drive, it’s extremely beautiful and calming at night.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
So many people deserve credit in my story. It took an army. My mother-my heart, I’ve seen her go through so many obstacles with her health but she always stays so strong. She taught me the true meaning of resilience. She inspires me to keep striving every single day. My family and friends have helped me so much along the way. It’s not easy trying to break through in the music industry on your own, you need help. I’m grateful to have so many amazing people in my life who believes in me and continuously, they share their outpouring support.

Website: https://www.ikaylastarr.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ikaylastarr/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ikaylastarr

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ikaylastarr

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq_2gv0wMUhQrVN3MUClDkQ

Image Credits
Steven Lee Busby @stevenleebuzz
Helen Perez @harpdigitalmedia
Michelle Shiers @michelleshiers