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

Hi Kayla, what do you attribute your success to?
I think the most important thing to me about all that I create is that I’ve created a world of my own to be myself, be safe in and play around in creatively. I would only hope that maybe it could influence others to find that part in themselves too that is unique to themselves and have fun with that. Don’t do things because you want people to like it – or for the approval of others, but because it makes you happy. My photographs, my music, videos and candles are all things that I’ve created that almost go together and they’ve created a little world of my own that I love sharing with others. Images painted in sepia tone and songs that sound nostalgic and dreamy all guided by the light (that I like to joke is my hand made candles).

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 am a singer- songwriter that is originally from the Mojave Desert of Victorville, CA but two years ago I moved alone to Bisbee, AZ and started to really go after my music. Before fully chasing music, I was a wedding photographer for over ten years and this job is still something I do to keep a float and to help support the musical endeavors. It wasn’t easy to decide that I wanted to put wedding photography more on the back burner and try out this music thing, but so far it has been such a rewarding journey that I wouldn’t change. One of the first things that pushed me towards pursuing music was winning the first Gems on VHS Gems in the Rough- singer/songwriter contest back in 2020. I got to fly to Nashville after winning it and record a video with them and a few other YouTube channels, and even though I feel like I was just a baby in those times and had no idea how rough the music world could be, I was grateful for that experience & that it showed me so much about how much I was willing to keep fighting for my music. It motivated me to keep going after seeing that people voted for me to win and that’s what I focused on.. I started playing more shows after moving to Arizona here in Bisbee and one day on a whim I decided to virtually try out for The Voice- and they called me to come to Hollywood a few months later and that’s when it all really sunk in with me that I really want to at least give this music thing an honest shot. Everything was pulling for me to try it and I did. One of the lessons I’ve learned along the way is that not everyone is going to understand you. Not everyone is going to resonate or respect all of the work and effort you’ve put into things, and the world will constantly test you along the way to see how badly you really want it, but that those moments when you are understood by someone who resonates with a song, or who loves watching the adventures I go on- that those moments make it all worth it. There are a few of those folks out there watching- and I am in so much gratitude for that.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well I am fortunate enough to be able to live in Bisbee, AZ which is one of the most colorful, fun and open little mining towns that you will find out there. If you were asking me about the Mojave desert, where I grew up- I’d take you for a trip down the 395 out to Lone Pine and we would find abandoned things. If I were recommending things to do in Bisbee, I’d say just spend a weekend here and go see the music that plays in all of the amazing venues here. There is great food, culture, and the community here will always put their heart into performances and entertainment for the ones that travel through and it’s such a special thing to experience. It might even suck you in and inspire you to move here- like it did for me.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I think someone that would be very fascinating to learn more about would be my friend Louise that is a graphic artist for other musicians, she also makes candles, and she is an amazing painter who lives here as well in Bisbee, AZ. Here is her information: https://www.louiseandrolia.com and her email is right on this site.

Instagram: instagram.com/kaylavonderheide

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100027701351078

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpQJyM5ZOXV62sY_WmmeNtw

Other: Original music and Bandcamp Links: https://mojaveghost.bandcamp.com/album/the-desert-e-p

Image Credits
n/a images are self taken.

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.