Meet KAYPAIGE: Singer, Rapper, and Social Media Personality

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

Hi KAYPAIGE, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Risk has been at the heart of every decision I’ve made as both an artist and individual. From the first time I decided to step out from behind-the-scenes to my move across the world, people have criticized my choices. I can’t even recall how many times I’ve heard “you’ll regret this”. Still, I choose risk every time. I don’t want to live my life in a traditional way. In order to ensure that, I have to trust myself – despite the odds. When I decided to move to Korea, I was told that my music wouldn’t have a chance there and that I would be losing out. It wasn’t a “safe” move. In the end, it ended up being a great choice. There, in a completely foreign culture, I was able to learn a lot, collaborate with new and exciting artists, improve my skills, and connect with a new group of listeners. In fact, I still work with Korean artists and the base I acquired from my time there is so supportive. I wouldn’t have ever had this chance if I’d listened to others and taken a “safer route”. Though it’s important to plan and use logic, I think there’s a beauty in the unknown. It keeps life exciting. This has let me to social media successes, working on major film sets, and producing art I’m proud of. I am by no means an expert in any field. I am just learning. Still, I feel that I can testify to the great importance risk can play in an artist’s life.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
It’s strange to think of myself as an artist, but I suppose I am. I just derive so much pleasure from making things I’m proud of and sharing them with others. From the first time I released an EP in college, I knew I was hooked. People I didn’t know were choosing to spend their time listening to something I had made. It still blows my mind, even now. In the past, I had only worked on the production of other people’s work – helping manage boybands, editing texts, and holding artist events. This is exciting in its own right, but there’s something special about creating your own work, I think I have gotten to where I am today by trying everything. Experimentation is my middle name. From the way I use my voice to the style of music I make, and even my stage name, I tend to change things up. It may look strange to others, but I enjoy. it. Speaking of which, I’m really excited about my next steps. This year, I moved back to the US from Korea. I grew so much as an artist over there and now I’m finally putting a cohesive project together. It features my work with artists over there and here at home. It’s some of the best work I’ve done so far and really defines “KAYPAIGE”. Now, I’m finishing up the last few tracks and putting together a release plan. It’s a nice marriage of my two interest – business and art. I have high hopes for where we can take it.

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.
If we’re talking about Seoul, I would bring them to Itaewon. It’s one of my favorite places on the planet. The food options alone are legendary. They have dope choices from all around the world. Later, we can check out some of the coolest concept cafes or club until 5 AM (I have neverrr done anything like that LOL). We would definitely have to eat some Jjimdak (the best way to eat chicken) and listen to some live music. That area is so lively and it’s my favorite place to bring friends visiting Korea for the first time. If we are talking about my hometown, Springfield, there are other options. The best place to eat, in my opinion, is Chef Wayne’s Big Mamou. The store itself recently closed, but we can still hit up the food truck. If you like something fast paced, we would have to go to the new MGM Casino. I’m not a gambler, but you can spend your money while I check out the shops. Honestly though, I think the museums in Springfield are underrated. We could spend a couple of days just going through them. Both cities are very cool in their own right! Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Lots of people deserve a shoutout, but I think family has earned a special one in my story. Normal people get to see the cool aspects of things, but those closest have to deal with the realities. The final product is always deceiving. Throughout my journey, my family has supported me in my ventures however they can – even if they don’t understand my decisions. I always say that they’re the reason why I turned out so eccentric in the first place. This is especially true of my mother. She is a real trooper. We are nothing without a strong support system and I’m blessed to have some of the best. Shout out to them!

Website: https://www.itskaypaige.com/

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

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

Other: https://tiktok.com/@itskaypaige https://solo.to/itskaypaige

Image Credits
Paige Young Megan Pounds Photography