Today we’d like to introduce you to Kayla Wass.
Hi Kayla, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I have been singing basically since I could talk. As a kid I would sing nonsense songs on diving boards and makeup songs about ‘goin to grandmas house’. At 9 my grandparents bought me my first guitar and I learned the basics for a little while. That love fizzled out after a little while, but my love of singing never stopped. I would sing along with the radio, learning harmony many parts to all the great 90s country songs. As I got older, I grew extremely shy and was too afraid to sing in front of people. What if they didn’t like me? What if I messed up the words? But at 16 a group of girls tricked me into doing karaoke with them. We got up and started singing Deana Carter’s ‘Strawberry Wine’ and they stopped after the first line. It forced me to face my fears enough that the next year, I signed up to sing a song at cabaret night for our show choir. I received such a wonderful response from the audience and it was so exciting to me, that I ran off stage and asked ‘when can I do this again!?’ That year I started doing jams around town and joined a band. A year later I formed my own band with four amazing guys that became more like family, and we played around New England for six amazing years before I made the move to Nashville. I have now been in Nashville for 15 years and even though there have been many struggles, as we all face, I have had some incredible experiences. I’ve played countless nights downtown on Broadway/in downtown Nashville, opened for Gene Watson and Ricky Van Shelton, sang backstage at the Grand Ole Opry with Ashley McBryde been a backup singer for Daryl Singletary, Emily Ann Roberts, and Kevin Denny. I have traveled all over the US for music and filled in with the Grammy Nominated gospel group, Highroad. I have released two studio records and three singles while in Nashville. I currently have a residency at The Joseph Hotel, and am working on opening more doors in the writing and touring worlds.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I have certainly had it easier than some, but I have had my share of struggles as well. I’ve heard a lot of ‘No’s, been told my looks are not enough, and have had a lot of family and friends pass over the years. Which is always hard when you’re living away from your core support system. I of course have a support system here, but your parents and siblings support is just different. I was in a car accident just over two years ago and it gave me a traumatic brain injury, so I lost out on work and opportunities for quite a while, and I still struggle with a few brain slip ups now and then. But I am mostly recovered at this point.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a country music singer/songwriter. I play country music from the 70’s all the way to today’s music, along with some non-country music as well. But my favorite is 90s country. I am a 90s country girl, born and raised! I have an original catalog as well that I am adding to all the time. I am know for playing new requests on the spot. If I’m playing a cover show, I’ll ask the audience who/what song they want to hear and if I think I know it well enough, I try it. That’s how I’ve added so many songs to my repertoire. I think one thing that sets me apart from others is that I was a radio DJ in college. That gave me great experience with interviews, being able to read quickly from a script, and being confident in whatever situation you get thrown in. My few years on the radio was a major blessing in my growth for my music career.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
This career is hard, but it is so worth it! DO NOT give up on yourself. You’ve got to constantly work and be ‘out there’ and visible to the public masses. Sitting back and being silent doesn’t get you anywhere. Be assertive in what you want, just be kind about it. There will 100% be days you think you’re failing…but if you’re doing what you love, you’re succeeding. Also, always be yourself. We already have a Reba, Miranda, Lainey or a Vince, Luke Combs and Zach Top, we need a ‘you’. Authenticity is so endearing and the fans can see when you’re being inauthentic.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4MGa4tXeC2YKJrp7JCxqz2?si=N17rJHF5Qwq5vgMrFJy2LA
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thekaylawass?igsh=anNvaTNrbmgwc2k0&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BTKb9qp1P/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCvkuRV_2SbjcyVUyeBREVcg?si=KxPRYc1joni2Vua9
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@kaylawassmusic?_r=1&_t=ZT-97GO6JMBbt0
