Can you share your musical journey with us, from when you first discovered your passion for music to where you are today as an independent musician?
I was raised by my grandparents and music instantly became a safe space for me to deal with my emotions from feeling rejected and abandoned by my parents. My grandfather loved music and so did my grandmother. He was more blues and jazz, and she was more gospel. I remember hearing the choir sing and it became my favorite part of going to church. Music had a way of drawing me in and making me feel free. I started writing poetry and songs by the time I was 11 years old. My grandmother didn’t like for me to listen to secular music so I would stay up at night after everyone was asleep and listen to r&b songs on the radio, often recording the countdown, writing out the lyrics in a notebook, and practicing in my bedroom. Today I am a healing artist sharing stories through music designed to speak to the heart, mind, and soul. I’ve had some rough starts and setbacks along the way but I have been consistently releasing music for the past ten years. I make music that fuses genres with relatable messages that transcend race and gender. I sing and rap, so I like to mesh the two together in my music. I write, arrange, and record all the background vocals. When you hear a Kay Soul song, you are getting every part of who I am.
What motivates you to create music, and how do you stay inspired to continue making new and unique music?
I believe that creating music is a part of my purpose in life. I am most vulnerable when I’m behind the mic often sharing in song what I don’t always feel comfortable sharing in verbal discussion. I stay inspired knowing that my music is bigger than me. It’s about healing others through my stories. Sharing the intimate and broken pieces of myself so that listeners can see that there is beauty in their broken spaces.
As an independent musician, you wear many hats – from composing to marketing. How do you balance these different aspects of your career, and what challenges do you face in the process?
It is challenging and can be overwhelming. Organization is very important. Understanding the business and being able to prioritize what’s necessary. If you can get a team or at least one person to help with management of gigs, marketing, and press, it really makes a difference. I’ve been blessed to have a core group of collaborators including my producers and engineer, as well as being signed with a couple of booking agents, a PR professional and management. It helps me to stay on top of the business while still putting in adequate time with my artistry.
Could you tell us about your creative process? How do you come up with new ideas for songs, and how do you go about turning those ideas into finished tracks?
My songs come to me in all different ways. Sometimes it’s lyrics or a melody that come first and I record it on a voice note. Other times I’m in my home studio listening to tracks that my producer has sent over and I’ll record demos of song ideas to develop. I meditate and pray and really try to let the melodies of my heart flow freely. If something in particular is bothering me, I usually start from there and visualize a story that turns into lyrics.
Independent musicians often face financial challenges. How do you manage your finances to sustain your music career while also covering your personal expenses?
I try to maintain multiple streams of income and I set aside a certain amount every week to go towards my musical needs. I sacrifice a lot of what I want so that I can get what I need when it’s necessary. I’m no stranger to living on a budget but the reward is always greater than the sacrifice.
Can you share a particularly memorable or challenging experience from your journey as a musician that has had a significant impact on your career and personal growth?
I remember when I was preparing to start recording for my debut project “Deeper”. I was all set to work with some industry producers with a plan to fly from Chicago to Atlanta to record. Being a new indie artist, I did not fully understand the financial strain of pursuing a music career. I would ultimately be unable to fulfill the financial demands of working with such producers. I felt defeated. I went back to Chicago wondering how I would finance my project. I continued to network and was able to find a studio that offered affordable packages for full projects. I learned a lot in the process and made some new friends that I still work with to this day.
With the rise of digital platforms, the music industry has changed significantly. How do you navigate the digital landscape, including streaming services and social media, to promote your music and connect with your audience?
I’m not a big fan of social media but I do understand the need for it in today’s climate. I use my platform to share my music, events, and some of my creative process. I steer clear of getting overly personal and really just focus on the messages in my artistry. Social media has been helpful in growing my fan base and networking with other platforms and creatives.
Collaboration is a key part of the music industry. Have you worked with other musicians or producers, and how have these collaborations influenced your sound and career?
I have been collaborating with my 2 main producers for the past 8 years. I collaborated with another Chicago producer and songwriter back in 2016 when I was still trying to establish my sound. He had a lot of experience and became a mentor to me. The result was a breakout song called “As I Am” which became my most successful song at that time. We went on to create several more songs together. The collaboration really taught me a lot about recording, song structure, vocal performance and preparedness for the studio.
Your music likely reflects your unique style and perspective. Could you describe your musical identity and what makes your sound stand out in a crowded industry?
My music is poetry in motion. I have a distinct tone and vocal delivery. I make music from a spiritual place that aims to leave an indelible mark on the hearts of listeners. My music blends genres, steering clear of trends and coming straight from the depths of my soul.
What role does live performance play in your music career, and how do you approach planning and executing your live shows, especially in light of recent challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic?
Live performances are my favorite. They play a major role in artist development and promotion. Live performances allow you to connect with the audience on a more intimate level. I love rehearsing with the band and creating alternate arrangements of songs from the recorded version to add more dynamics for stage presentation. I perform a lot during the spring and summer. I always like to have a new song to add to my set. During the pandemic I was blessed to have multiple virtual performances which allowed me to create an intimate space in my home studio and perform for audiences across the world.
Many fans are interested in the stories behind the songs. Could you share the backstory or inspiration behind one of your recent tracks that holds special meaning to you?
I recently released a new single, “Profit A Man”, which is based in biblical scripture and begs the questions, ‘what does it profit a man to gain the world and lose his soul? I feel that it is my responsibility to use my voice to save souls. I’m commenting on the current state of the world being consumed with superficial things that can cause people to compromise their morals and values. I’m calling it out and offering a resolution for our fears, worries, and pains which is the word of God.
Looking ahead, what are your future goals and aspirations as an independent musician? Are there any upcoming projects or exciting developments in your career that you’d like to share with your fans and the audience?
I am currently working on a new album entitled “Heavy Set” which will have a double meaning discussing the heavy-set pressures of the world specifically as it relates to social media and body image and being a “heavy set” person in a society that is consumed with altered images of beauty. This new era of my music is exciting for me because I’m standing bolder in my spirituality and really challenging myself to display a new level of vulnerability in hopes that my listeners will be inspired to take the same journey to self-healing, awareness, and evolution. I want to continue to grow deeper in my craft and be bold with my artistry. I want to be an international touring artist traveling the world sharing my music through intimate sets that create a safe space for all who desire to listen. I hope to impact music in a way that shows that you can be a trendsetter, you don’t have to be cookie cutter. I want to show that you can stay true to your morals and values and have a voice that is not defined by societal norms, stereotypes, and unrealistic expectations.
