Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kay Soul. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Kay, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?
I remember when I did my first solo show, it was a valentine’s weekend show and the small venue was filled. One of the critiques that I received from a mentor at the time was that I was singing as if I wasn’t sure if the audience would like me and was seeking approval. I studied that performance and began to understand what was being said. I realized that I had to get to the point where I trusted my skill set and had unshakable belief in what I brought to the table. I have learned that being the only one in the room who looks like me is actually a super power. No one can do me as well as I can. You have to trust in your abilities. Work ethic is key because the harder you work at perfecting your craft, that also builds confidence. Now when I have shows part of my excitement is because I know I’m prepared and I know I’m bringing a treat for the audience. I know that whoever is meant to receive my message will receive it with an open heart. I don’t concern myself with anything else.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I am a healing artist sharing stories through music designed to speak to the heart, mind, and soul. I have been singing and writing my whole life. I’ve had some rough starts and set backs along the way but I have been consistently releasing music for the past ten years. I make music that has a pop appeal 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 and arrange my music as well as record all the background vocals. When you hear a Kay Soul song, you are getting every part of who I am. 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. 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.
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. 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.
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.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
1. Being a recording artist requires more than just knowing how to sing and write. I had to learn that the art of creativity was much deeper than just natural talent. It is truly a skill that needs to be properly developed and nurtured.
2. There must be a willingness to make personal sacrifices. You miss out on other events to spend time on your craft or to save money to prioritize a budget so that you can invest in your craft.
3. Confidence plays a key role in being a successful artist. It doesn’t matter how much natural talent you have; you have to be confident. It must be a confidence that will surpass all the critics. It means developing a tough skin to keep pushing forward. So many times, I’ve felt like giving up. I’ve had to develop a confidence that allows me to pull myself up even when I’m at my lowest. No one can teach you that. It comes over time with continuous development, effort, and focus.
Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
When I am feeling overwhelmed I like to take some time to myself to assess what’s really bothering me and what I have to do. I like to make a to-do list and prioritize. I always tell myself to take it one day at a time. I pray and ask for strength and comfort for my anxieties. I’m honest with the people who I may be working with and I take the necessary mental breaks so that when I am working, I can be productive with a fresh and clear mind. You really have to tap in to yourself and be honest about your needs.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kaysoulmusic.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaysoulmusic/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Kaysoulmusiq
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/kaysoulmusiq
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@kaysoulmusic
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/kaysoul-sc/profit-a-man
Image Credits
One Nation Photography
