Getting To Know Kayla King

The first thing most people notice about Kayla King is her eyes. Striking and turquoise, they are the kind a guy can get lost in, but also the eyes of sister or a best friend, the eyes of one you know you can tell your deepest secrets too, eyes that can cry with you over a bad breakup or can see you at your worst and not judge you. They are the eyes of America’s sweetheart, even though they glint with just a little bit of trouble once in a while.

A southern belle by birth, Kayla admits she got her looks from her mother. The daughter of Michael and Sarah Beth King, she was born in Franklin, Tennessee on May 25th, 1988. Beauty isn’t the only thing that was passed down to Kayla. At an early age her mother got her involved in music by teaching her to sing and play piano and her family quickly saw what the country music industry would find out in the years to come— she was a natural.

“I just remembered I would walk around and sing and sing all the time,” Kayla says, “we used to have these cheesy tapes that my mom custom ordered with my name in the songs and I would sing until I about drove everyone crazy”.

Encouraged by her mother, Kayla began voice lessons at age 8 and by 13 had already built up an impressive resume, singing at local and professional games as well as other small venues. In fact she still holds the record for the youngest singer to perform the national anthem for both the Tennessee Titans and the Atlanta Braves. At the age of 14 she worked with her uncle, entertainment lawyer David Hill, to record an 11 track demo album titled “From Nashville to You” which included her fan favorites “A Good Place to Turn Around” and “Whatcha Think About That”.

Soon her uncle was setting up events showcasing her talent in and around the Los Angeles, New York, and Nashville areas. It wasn’t long before industry insiders began to buzz about her talent and at 16, Kayla was offered a recording contract with Casablanca Records. Though a full length album was recorded, Casablanca went bankrupt, temporarily setting back Kayla’s budding career.

A person’s senior year in high school is typically a year of choices, a crossroads where they shape the direction of their next course of life. Kayla’s senior year was no different, but she is an exceptional young woman so it goes without saying that her life choices that year would be exceptional as well. All set to graduate Centennial High and start her fall semester at Middle Tennessee State University, Kayla was offered a recording contract by EMI. In the spring of 2007, Kayla signed with EMI’ s Firm Music, only to later switch to their other label— Capital Nashville— to pursue country music.

“I did what any 18 year old would do! I signed and now here I am. I don’t regret it at all. I mean, why not take chances? It’s not everyday that someone gets a chance to fulfill their dream of releasing and recording an album.”

Fulfilling dreams is something Kayla has a knack for. “Country music has always been where my heart is. I love reading, writing, and recording country music because of the lessons, messages, and stories that come from the songs. Besides that, I’m your typical definition of a country girl.” When asked what that means, her answer is firm. “I’m very traditional in a lot of ways. I dream of one day raising a happy family and living a regular life away from the glamour of the stage and studio. Also I am a great cook (at least according to my friends and family) and one more thing— I believe in standing by your man.

Kayla’s musical influences are many, but one stands out in particular— Patsy Cline. She grew up in a musical family, and listened to everything from classic rock to old school country, but Patsy remains her favorite. “I know that in Virginia there is a big memorial to her. I’ve never been, but one day I’d like to be surprised with a trip to see it” she says.

It’s not just Patsy’s sound that she identifies with, but also her story of personal triumph and tragedy as well. Kayla is a young woman of deep character. Her grandmother used to call her an “old soul” when she was growing up and those who know her best can see why she finds such a hero in Patsy Cline. Outsiders may not however, and not for nothing. Smart. Funny. So talented that she didn’t have to chase the music industry, the industry chased her— people who don’t know better might think she had an easy life and be stuck on herself. But the girl behind the voice— the one you meet in person— is a humble and sensitive person who knows what tough times are all about.

“I don’t believe anyone has an easy life. My family and I worked hard all our lives for what we have. Once I entered the music industry, I thought that it might be easier but life got harder. I work 24/7 to make things happen it seems.”

Besides professional trials, Kayla has had to overcome personal trials as well. “The music industry can be dangerous. There are temptations everywhere. It’s easy to get shipwrecked, blinded by the spotlight. And then there are the everyday tragedies everyone has to deal with. Those things you think would never happen to you drop out of the sky. So what do you? You just have to deal with it.”

How did she manage to not loose herself in the process? How does America’s Sweetheart stay sweet? “Three words- faith, family, and fun” She smiles at that, as if remembering some beautiful moment. “I am a born again Christian of course. I was going through a particularly hard part in my life, and just like my favorite song says— I once was lost but now I’m found! It’s kind of like my song “A Good Place to Turn Around”— that’s a true story. Sometimes when you are going down the wrong road, God shows you a sign and lets you start your life over. That’s what happened to me. I’m not a radical though; I don’t believe it is healthy to be radical about anything, especially faith. Passionate, yes, but radical no. No one wants something shoved down their throat, but when someone I know needs support spiritually or whatever, they know where to go.”

Joy wells up in her eyes when she talks of her faith, and you know that there is really something supernatural about Kayla, like she walks with an armed guard of angels at all times. She continues to show her faith in various ways— going to church, praying every night, doing things for charities, reading her bible and just being the best person she can each day. And yes, she does dream of releasing a Christian album one day.

While God is on her side, her family has her back. Her parents, Sarah Beth and Michael, have always been supportive, as have her sister and brothers. In spite of her often hectic schedule, Kayla makes sure she is at important family events, usually cooking up the main course. “I love my family. I couldn’t have made it to where I am without them. I may have talent, but without a strong support network, I think it’s very hard for a person to reach their full potential.”

As for fun, Kayla says she is your typical tewenty-something girl and loves to hang out with friends, go out to eat or to different events in downtown Nashville, lay out at a lake or the beach, play with her Chihuahua, or do anything else that helps her unwind. She loves the outdoors and animals and one day would like to live on a farm. As intelligent as she is beautiful, Kayla enjoys all kinds of writing and reading and one day would like to write a book as well. “I am really up for anything when it comes to fun, I am very spontaneous and flexible, and love to try new things”.

Kayla King is about to be fully unleashed upon the country music scene. After months of touring and promoting, her debut country Album “Circle of Love” will be released through Capital Nashville in the fall of 2009 showcasing 12 brand new tracks. Her voice is soulful yet innocent, sultry with an attitude one minute, the girl next door the next, Kayla King’s music is as dynamic as her stage presence, her melody as beautiful as she is inside and out. Her songwriting is powerful and deep at times, at others fun and playful. Deeply embedded in each note, each word she sings is the emotion she is feeling, hot and alive like an electric current— an ability that cannot be taught but comes from within. You’re hard pressed to compare her sound to others—she truly is unique among her contemporaries—but if forced, the names Reba, Leann Rimes, and, of course, Patsy Cline come to mind. Soon enough, people will be talking about who sounds like Kayla King, not the other way around.

“2009 is going to be a rollercoaster ride, but I think I’m ready, its not like I have a choice right?”. I don’t know about a roller coaster ride, to me an elevator ride straight to the top seems to be in the future for Kayla King. Call it fate, call it destiny, call it whatever you want, the world has only just begun to meet Kayla.