Meet Kayla Thompson | Singer/Songwriter

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

Hi Kayla, how do you think about risk?
Taking a risk was at the core of me pursuing music. I was two years into college and I realized that songwriting was my passion and that to fully walk through that I have to take a risk and leave school. The risk was that I could spend my time, energy and resources chasing this dream and it not lead to success. It wasn’t just a risk for me, but a risk for my parents who financially invested in my dream. But in this journey I learned that betting on yourself even when you don’t get the result you wanted, is worth it. Because every outcome in every experience I had taught me something about myself. Or gave me a tool that I needed later down the road. The risk became worth the experiences I got.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Every one’s journey in the music industry is different from the other, which was a lesson I learned the hard way. I dealt with a lot of self-doubt, comparison and even depression at one point. But then I started writing from that space and it kind of changed my “why” for being an artist. I think what makes me stand out is my level of vulnerability, relatability, the light of hope I leave behind. I’ve learned that sometimes you have to do it scared and for me doing it scared was even better because it showed other people that they can push past their own fears, doubts and hesitations too. I hope that when people hear anything I write, see anything I do, that they feel less alone and feel encouraged by that.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I am not sure if this is for Atlanta, in that case I won’t know any places to go. So in this scenario, I will be the tourist. This works out well because my best friend really does live in Atlanta.

When my best friend picks me up from the airport, the first place I want to go is to a coffee shop. I want a cute little hole in the wall spot that makes a rich creamy matcha latte I’ll want every single morning after. I would ask her what her favorite Vietnamese place is, since that’s our favorite cuisine to eat together. We probably would go to the movies and then shopping, but instead of the mall I want the dopest thrift stores in the area. At some point we would meet for dinner with some of her other friends or just spend time together with her husband and daughter at their house. The trip would be more about the time spent together, late night talks, movie nights and meeting new friends than anywhere we go.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My parents deserve a lot of credit. For not just financially supporting my music, but also for their encouragement along the way. Whenever I questioned my self or the process they told me that I had what it takes and to stay the course. My uncle was a pivotal person in my journey as well. When I first started doing music I was unsure if it was good at all, and my uncle, being an established artist and songwriter, kind of validated my gift and told me I had incredible potential. I wouldn’t be where I am without all of my fellow artist friends who have walked beside me from the start. To write together, produce together and spur each other on; it’s unmatched. And I’m so grateful for every single person who has prayed for me and spoke success over my future. I’m super blessed.

Website: https://kaylathompsonmusic.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaylathompson

Twitter: https://twitter.com/kaylathompson

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC07j0eqvE7wVZfe8TtbAnPA?themeRefresh=1

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@thekaylathompson?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

Image Credits
Destiny Keller Anthony Jordan