Kayla Thompson Is Singing Her Way Into Our Hearts
You better watch out! Kayla Thompson is a one-of-a kind musician that is singing her way into our hearts. Singer/songwriter best known for hits such as "Younger," which gained major recognition through Spotify's Fresh Finds Pop Playlist. Along with Honest, Pray you Away, and The Remains (Stripped), which was recently released and is the original version of her previous single, "The Remains." When she’s not singing, she is advocating for other black artists, appearing in American Eagle's Black History campaign, and serving as a board member for Projects of Hope. Her dreamy sound and genuine lyrics are not something to miss and we can't wait to see what she does next! Please continue reading to learn more about her singles, advocacy for black artists, and position as a board member for Projects of Hope.
Where are you based?
I currently live in North Carolina, but I am making plans to move to Nashville next year!
When did you begin your music career?
I started doing music when I was about 20 years old, back in 2015. It was really the start of my music journey period. I had never fully explored my singing or writing until then, so it has been years of discovery for sure.
Your new single “The Remains (Stripped)” was recently released! Can you tell us the story of the original? What inspired this version?
It came from the culmination of a storyline I felt like I kept living. Where I would be in a little romantic situation and it just is not right. Most of the time I would still stay, but I wish I hadn’t so I wanted to write a song where I flipped the narrative and I did leave. And the stripped down version was just the original way I wrote and produced it and I wanted to release it that way too.
You have a dreamy sound! What are some of your music influences?
Thank you! I love that! Oh my gosh, I have so many influences, especially growing up. Lately artists like Phoebe Bridgers, LIzzy McAlpine, and Ben Kessler have been influencing my songwriting. Musically and vocally, RnB artists have always spoken to my soul. Brandy is my queen!
“The Remains” is a great follow up to your previous single “Younger,” which gained major recognition through Spotify Fresh Finds Pop Playlist. When did you find out that the song would be featured?
Yes! That was so amazing! The funny thing is that I had no idea that I got placed on playlists. It was about 2 days after “Younger” came out and I was at this juice place in LA with my friend to hang out. I got messages from my old managers congratulating me and I was confused. Then I finally checked my Spotify artist page and was freaked out. I had never been placed before so I was having a moment!
Can you tell us a bit about Younger?
Younger is really special to me because it’s about the fears I felt leaving college and jumping head first into this music thing. I thought about how when I was younger I never dealt with so much fear and overthinking and I wanted to hone that faith I had as a kid. And for me, I found that through my faith in God.
How did your songwriting process differ from each of these singles?
Songwriting happened differently most of the time. The Remains hook and melody originally came from an artist friend of mine and then we circled the lyrics around that concept I mentioned earlier. The melody and lyrics of Younger happened all at once, which is rare for me.
Are you involved in instrumental production as well? Do you play any instruments yourself?
I am! Although I am not a producer, I do play the guitar and I usually have a lot of ideas that I bring into the production session.
You also passionately advocate on behalf of other black artists and creatives. How do you think the entertainment industry can improve in representation and inclusivity?
Thank you! I think that representation of people of color in areas of the industry they aren’t usually seen is important. For example, black female artists are usually associated with RnB music and not in the Pop or Singer/Songwriter genres which makes us feel like there may not be a place for us in those spaces. If playlist curators, A&R’s actively seek these artists who look different than the norm, that could help break some of the stereotypes.
You were recently featured in American Eagles Black History campaign. Do you believe fashion brands are truly walking the walk in terms of inclusivity?
That was such a great experience! I think they are trying their best, but I think that if companies are really serious about inclusivity there will be diversity of employees of a company.
What was your role in the campaign?
I talked about being black and pursuing music, and gave advice to other aspiring artists. I played a little guitar and of course wore some American Eagle attire that they sent me.
You are also a board member for Projects of Hope! What is the mission of this organization? What drew you to them?
My mom is actually the founder of Projects of Hope so I got to go on so many of the missions every year. The mission is usually to choose a school and complete a sustainable project that will continue to help the school after we’re gone.
What is your role as a board member?
I get to be over the creative process of every mission. On top of completing sustainable projects we also complete a camp that includes music and arts and I get to oversee that.
How can readers get involved in their mission?
You can go to the website ProjectsofHope.com to find out how to give to the organization and our next mission.
The past few years have been crazy. How have you been staying positive? What does your new normal look like?
My normal has changed so many times to be honest. I just moved back home from LA so I have been regrouping and focusing on writing. I do a lot of pre recorded performances instead of live and try to continue to build my fanbase online.
What is your motto in life?
Just take it one step at a time, you’ll get there. But you have to keep stepping.
To keep up with Kayla please follow her on the platforms below:
kaylathompsonmusic.com
IG: @kaylathompson
TikTok:@thekaylathompson
Photography by Destiny Keller
