Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kaylee Rice. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Kaylee, sincerely appreciate your selflessness in agreeing to discuss your mental health journey and how you overcame and persisted despite the challenges. Please share with our readers how you overcame. For readers, please note this is not medical advice, we are not doctors, you should always consult professionals for advice and that this is merely one person sharing their story and experience.
Ever since I can remember, mental health issues were never discussed within my family- problems were swept under the rug around children’s ears, then became delusions around the ears of adults. My mom snapped that cycle however, validating feelings and openly discussing depression and anxiety around her daughter. I was diagnosed with PTSD at the age of 5 followed by chronic depression and severe anxiety at the age of 13, and, to round the issues out, atypical anorexia at 21, a disease I’d been haunted by for 6 years before a doctor took notice. My biggest fear was that these diagnoses, these words, would forever define me- would anyone, including myself, be able to look past the pain to see who I truly am? As I would come to discover, mental health does not define you, your past is not who you are- it is solely a piece of you, a part that you can choose how it defines you. Your pain is a shatter of glass within your beautiful mosaic.
Two years ago, I tried to end my life at, of all the places in the world, Universal Studios Florida. The combination of complex trauma with anorexia with random minuscule issues that built up- it all collapsed on me and I could see no way forward. There was nothing left, except my kitten I would leave behind and the lyrics I had yet to write and the battles I had yet to overcome and my support system and…the list somehow went on. Within a month, and with plenty of coaxing from my Mom I removed myself from Nashville, the one place I believed my dreams could come true, and brought myself home to my support system (and my life saving therapist). This September, I’m elated to be celebrating one year of recovery from anorexia and a multitude of months from those dark thoughts that have plagued me for years.
I still struggle with self care, with prioritizing my mental wellbeing over my reputation and how others view me if/when I do take time for myself. There are days, weeks, when I can’t bring myself to eat, where I break down in front of the mirror due to thoughts about my body, when I can’t even drag myself out of bed, but I’ve discovered it does get easier. Maybe easier isn’t the right word- I think it all just becomes less painful over time. You learn how to cope, you learn how to accept, and you learn how to forgive, not only those who maimed you, who ruined you time and time again, but yourself as well. You’ve got this.
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’m Kaylee, a singer-songwriter whose genre is best described as alternative-pop. My music and songwriting have been inspired by a multitude of artists, like Taylor Swift, Tori Amos, Lana Del Rey, Fleetwood Mac, and Duran Duran. I’ve been singing since I was a tiny child, eventually picked up writing poetry in middle school, and wrote my first song, called “Out of My Mind,” at 14. This song was the cumulative, or so I thought, project regarding this guy I had been pining after who did in fact break my heart (he came back to me a few years later and therefore, there are many more songs centered around him). The song will never see the light of day as long as I can help it!!
Back in 2019, I was given the opportunity to record a demo with Chattanooga producer, Ron Williams and this was the moment that set me off towards pursuing music as my lifeline and career. I wrote practically nonstop after this, dealing with trauma and heart break through lyrics and melodies that came so easily to me. Songwriting, and art in general, is one of the most purest forms of magic in our world. I eventually moved to Nashville, where I’ve been playing in rounds and building a foundation ever since. I want to be who I needed in the past while I struggled with dark times and I hope my music can be that for someone else as well.
This year, I got the opportunity to record my first ever single, “MOSAIC,” at Plaid Dog Recording Studios in Boston, MA. Produced by Mike Davidson, this song I wrote by myself in my bedroom at 20 years old became the track of my dreams only made possible by a crowdfunding campaign, which the studio specializes in. I’m ecstatic to say that you can listen to “MOSAIC” on all of your favorite music platform: Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon, you name it! It also debuted on the aBreak58 playlist on August 3rd, the leading playlist for indie artists worldwide. “MOSAIC” was written as a heartbroken girl daydreaming about true love and I hope I can bring some of that love to you!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Three qualities that have been the most impactful in my journey would have to be forgiveness, especially towards myself, my faith, and my support system. Discover your coping mechanisms and those passions that excite you every day and keep your eye on them, Take time out of your day, whether its five minutes during your daily commute or right before you fall asleep, to check in with yourself, to take inventory of your emotions and how you’re truly doing. I think being open to therapy is crucial- its a terrifying idea that has saved many, many lives over the years and will forever continue to do so. Whether we’re talking mental health or music. I believe you’ve got to have a strong support system around you. This doesn’t have to be an entire army, it can just be your mom, a couple friends, and your labradane (whose name is Albus Dumbledog, in case you were curious). Have people you can trust will have your back and who will give you advice that’s in your best interest. Try new things and don’t be afraid to fall!
Years ago, I had an acting teacher tell me that “if you try and fail, you’ve failed brilliantly” and its my favorite piece of advice I’ve ever received.
Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?
I’ve always been a huge reader since I was little, devouring every piece of literature I put my hands on, from memoirs to mystery, horror to fantasy. The one book that has deeply impacted me has to be “Know My Name” by Chanel Miller, once known to the world as Emily Doe, who was sexually assaulted by Brock Turner, and takes this moment to reclaim her identity and self. Miller’s poeticism, rawness, and gripping prose give readers a brutal look into her battle with the justice system, with the press, and with herself. As a survivor myself, Miller inspired me to break my silence through my music, through my words, and taught me that someone broken can be whole once more. It’s absolutely possible to create a beautiful life where you are no longer haunted every single day by your trauma. “Looking back, all the ones who doubted or hurt or nearly conquered me faded away, and I am the only one standing. So now, the time has come. I dust myself off, and go on.” Chanel Miller, “Know My Name”
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sites.google.com/view/kayleerice/home
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kayleericemusic/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kayleericemusic
- Youtube: https://www.facebook.com/kayleericemusic
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@kayleericemusic
https://open.spotify.com/artist/2glAIZPl2oityYO6GjnjSq?si=eRLPwpATQBOYn7nVu2Kj3Q
Image Credits
Golden Moon Media, Backwoods Beauty Photography, Shotto Okane, Rachel Renee
