Meet Kailey Shaffer | Violinist, Songwriter & Music Producer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kailey Shaffer and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kailey, what role has risk played in your life or career?
This is such a great question! I think any creative would probably tell you our entire careers are based off of risk taking! Whether it’s walking into a room you don’t know anyone and networking, releasing new music, walking into a session and creating with people you’ve never met or worked with before, or moving to a new city where you don’t know anyone and have to try and make a name for yourself in an industry that is cut throat… everything can be considered a risk. We ultimately don’t know how those moments will pan out and they can feel scary sometimes, but those are the moments that have led me to the success I’ve had up to this point.

To me, risk taking is directly connected to vulnerability and courage–having the courage to be vulnerable and share yourself in whatever capacity that may be. I’ll never forget the time I was at NAMM a few years back, and I watched a seminar given by a well known songwriter, music producer & mix/mastering engineer- Rob Kleiner (Sia, Labrinth, Euphoria, Cee Lo, Haley Reinhart, Madison Beer and more). I remember hearing him talk about his process working with artists, and I loved everything he said so much, and I was just like, I HAVE to work with him. Afterwards I went up an introduced myself, just a no name songwriter at the time, and we exchanged info, which ended up eventually leading to him producing my single “Attached” and producing and co-writing another single. Working with him was so amazing, and he has become such an inspiration and support in my career… and I always think to myself, I’m so glad I gained the courage to go up to him. You never know what moments like that can lead to, and I would’ve kicked myself if I never introduced myself to him looking back!

For anyone reading this I just want to say– GO TAKE THAT RISK, you’ll be glad you did! Even if something doesn’t pan out how you hoped it would, everything is a learning experience, and ultimately leading you to something bigger, better and what’s meant for you! I have never regretted anything I’ve done that might’ve felt like a risk in that moment!

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
I think what sets me apart from others is that I do many things– I play violin, write songs, record, compose and produce music. This has allowed me to expand my career in many different ways!

I got where I am today by continuing to believe in myself and my goals and dreams, never giving up or taking no for an answer, and continuing to persevere through the unknowns and tough moments. This can definitely be easier said than done, but music is my passion and my whole entire life. I never had a plan b for my career, and honestly I never wanted one. I always knew that I was meant to do this, so even in the tough moments that felt like things weren’t working out or moving fast enough, I just continued to trust in my path and journey and know that everything would work out how it’s meant to as long as I continued to stay committed. I also think learning not to compare yourself or your success to anyone else is HUGE, otherwise you can feel far behind, when you’re really not!

Sometimes people want to put creatives in a box. For a long time most people only knew me as a violinist, but I wanted to be known for more than just that. It was tough at times to reinvent myself and the perceived image people had of me… and I definitely had moments where I questioned what I was doing and if I should keep going, but I’m so glad I did because I’ve gained so many amazing opportunities since!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I want to gate keep this so it stays how it is haha, but I would take them to Ventura, CA! It’s such a fun and beautiful beach town with amazing restaurants, fun night life, and beautiful beaches! That’s where I spend most my free time!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I dedicate this shoutout to Rob Kleiner! Thank you Rob for all your continued support in my career!

Website: https://linktr.ee/kaileyshaffer

Instagram: @iamkaileyshaffer

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@KaileyShafferMusic

Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2sAsDOh1RkIcRBAI8gjX7j?si=kumbWTzpSVSfmTKpqNw5Fw

Image Credits
Uchy Arechederra Brennen Spark