Today we’d like to introduce you to Kayley Nell Walker.
Hi Kayley Nell, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Music has always been a constant in my life. As a kid with an overactive imagination, I would always make up songs to entertain my elementary school friends. I loved the feeling of singing and creating stories to make other people happy. That passion carried on throughout high school as I sang in church, Show-Choir and local talent shows. Junior year is when I started teaching myself how to play guitar. My Nana, who was in her 80’s at the time, started taking lessons so I thought I’d give it a try. After that I was hooked. I went on to attend the University of North Texas, majoring in “Radio-TV-Film.” Those years were pivotal for me, gaining experience in the open mic circuit of Denton. In 2013, my best friend Andrew Walker and I were selected to perform live on NBC Today Show for a Jingle contest judged by David Foster. That inspired me to continue entering song competitions, which led to performing at Tootsie’s Birthday Bash in downtown Nashville. After college, I worked as a Promo Assistant with 95.9 The Ranch and 92.1 Hank FM. I met some really good people there. One of the DJ’s, Andy Meadows, was kind enough to ask me to join his tour. He’s such a talented vocalist and songwriter. I learned a lot performing with him and his ten-piece band.
In 2018, I took the leap and moved to TN, sleeping on a friend’s futon. I got a job as a PA at The Pickler & Ben Show & serving (mostly spilling) sweet tea at Reese Witherspoon’s store, Draper James. In 2019, I was hired as a full-time Community Outreach Coordinator in the Education Department at Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. I planned family-friendly music programs and taught songwriting in the Taylor Swift Education Center. After four years there, I started my own private music lesson business, Songbird Studio. I’m now up to over 40 students! I still love doing contract work with CMHOFM & even wrote a children’s book, “Music City Museums” inspired by my time there.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I realize the highlight reel effect of social media. Behind the scenes, I’m not always “Little Miss Sunshine” (laughs). I’ve had my share of disappointments and failures.
I don’t share my personal struggles a lot, but I am constantly managing my anxiety. I’ve gone through bad breakups, people important to me passing away, family members in addiction recovery, etc. I’m fortunate to have a good support system in Texas when I’m feeling homesick. There are so many who go through worse circumstances than I do. That’s why I want to connect with as many people as possible through my songs. I want to be a source of comfort for someone.
When you decide to go into the music industry, you’re basically joining the circus. Ironically, the most sensitive people are subjected to the most ridicule, financial instability, and rejection. I’ve been laid-off numerous times, took odd jobs as a Singing Princess at kids birthday parties, & during Covid I worked as an Activities Coordinator at Brookdale Senior Living. It sounds cliche, but each of those experiences really did prepare me for the future.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a singer-songwriter. My genre is folk-pop-country. I grew up listening to my parents’ 70’s music. I was that weird kid in the carpool who sang all the words to “Bad Bad Leroy Brown” by Jim Croce with my friend’s mom, while knowing every word to my first Britney Spears CD.
I’m also a full-time music educator. I teach piano, guitar, ukulele, voice, and songwriting to local youth. It’s so fulfilling to watch them pick up an instrument or perform on stage for the first time. Seeing them progress in confidence makes my heart happy.
Paying your dues and staying persistent is my mantra. I’ve lived in Nashville 8 years now and I’ve built a community of so many wonderful friends/co-writers. I’ve received some accolades I’m really proud of, like being nominated for an Independent Music Award, selected for Top 11 NSAI, Top 40 Bob Kingsley Playlist, Finalist in Shiner Song contest judged by Martina McBride, Semi-Finalist in International Songwriting Competition, performing at The Bluebird, The Listening Room, Third & Lindsey, House of Blues, The Hotel Cafe, and a summer residency at The Bowery Vault.
My current project is with ArtistMax, founded by Ken Caillat. I’ve been taking trips to LA to record a new EP at Marshmallow Skies Studio. It means the world to me to be able to work with the talented ArtistMax team, Nitanee Paris, Director of A&R, and Mark Dorflinger, Engineer & Producer. It blows my mind that Ken, who produced Fleetwood Mac, Joni Mitchell, & Colbie Caillat, is working on my songs!
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Sometimes I have to remind myself of this but don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. It can be awkward or downright terrifying. All the times I’ve pushed past my comfort zone and asked for guidance, I’m so glad I did. It can be as simple as sending an email or DM on Instagram, asking to treat someone to coffee. Most people are generous and want to share their story. Find the helpers, be a student, and learn from them so you can pay it forward one day. It’s such a privilege becoming friends with someone you’ve always looked up to.
I’ve had a lot of angels take me under their wings. In Texas, I recorded my first albums with Patrick McGuire & Matt Aslan. My first mentor, Jimmy Pitstick of Young Stars and Guitars, co-writing with Billy Herzig, and Jack Watkins giving me my first paid restaurant gig in Arlington.
I’m so grateful to collaborate with Nitanee Paris, an amazing songwriter, as well as Artist Champion. She is a boss lady at her company Great Minds Sync Alike. It’s such a good feeling knowing someone out there believes in your work and wants to advocate for you.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://kayleynell.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kayleynell/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/musicbykayleynell/
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/album/10LQew9NgNfgSXO9QVIjQI
