Today we’d like to introduce you to Kaylie McKinniss.
Kaylie, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Born and raised in Los Angeles, CA specifically Culver City, many people consider me to be a vibrant and rare talent. I’d of course agree (LOL) I’m a R&B/Hip-Hop/Pop singer, songwriter & a storyteller whose known for being a very diverse artist. Having worked with several recording artists from the worlds largest record labels, I’m on my way to making history in the music business. The official release of my first single and visual entitled “ANTISOCIAL” has been making waves and spreading light on important issues like depression and abusive relationships. It’s now out on all Platforms! But to take you back to how I got started, let’s rewind a bit. Music has been in my blood since I was born. I’ll never forget sitting in the backseat of my dads navy blue 300 SD Mercedes and him playing me artists like Bob Marley, N.E.R.D, and No Doubt.
Then we have my mother who grew up singing in church. She was always playing Tupac, 80’s rap, Smokey Robinson, and Whitney Houston. So I like to think I’m a melting pot of great vibes. Fresh out of high school I joined a girl group, which lasted a few years. We went on a school tour all over the Los Angeles area and ended up signing with RBC Records. Then I transitioned into a solo artist a few years later and began finding myself and my sound. Here we are in 2019, I’ve dropped my first single and visual, and have been collaborating with some amazing artists, producers, and songwriters ever since. Having performed at venues like The Mint, Fais Do Do, Catch One, and the Citizens Bank Arena, I love connecting with the crowd during shows. One day I plan to grace the Staples and Nokia center! I refuse to give up on my goals as an artist. My main objective is to spread love, light, and also talk about the not so happy things that go on in the world. I’m just getting started!
Has it been a smooth road?
It has been quite a journey! Anything that’s worth it they say doesn’t come easy. Some things that I’ve struggled with are industry people that I’ve worked with, who tried to cut me out and deny my contributions. When this first happened, I almost let it chew me up. However, I knew it was a test. That’s what I’m learning about life in general, and definitely in this business. Making sure you know the business is important. Going into it, I was very focused on just the art, creating. However, I quickly realized I had some research to do. Also, being a woman in any industry can be tough. In this one, it’s tough x10. I’m a survivor of a one-year domestic violence, and I met my abuser in the studio. I’m in the healing process and am working towards educating more women/men about this tragedy that goes on all over the world. Sadly a lot of the time there are male creatives who use music or business as a reason to connect with you and sometimes waste your time. They’ll also sometimes try to use you as a muse, and not give you the credit you deserve. I’ve had to be very straightforward and direct with how I approach certain situations. It’s so worth it, and I’m very grateful for every experience in my life. It’s taught me a lot.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I’m a singer/songwriter who pours all my heart, and personal experiences into the music. I’m primarily an artist, then a songwriter. However, the two do go hand in hand. I’m known mostly for my distinct and vivacious melodies, I’m also very gifted when it comes to freestyling. My mom used to play a lot of rap growing up, being from South Central. Also, I spent a lot of time on YouTube looking up and studying music videos. Some of my favorite artists & particularly rappers are from the south, and of course the west coast. While I’m in the beginning of my artistry, one of the things I’m most proud of is my perseverance. No matter what’s been thrown at me thus far, I manage to be strong and pick my self up. I put it all into the music. I’d say what sets me apart is my ability, to put it all into the art, while staying true to my fluid style. Never allowing anyone to box me in. I make music for you to cry to, twerk to, or simply relax to. I like to call it mood music, or feel music.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
Man where do I start. LA for me has always been home. I grew up in Culver City from age 1-18. Then moved around a lot from my grandmas in Leimert Park to a small Koreatown apartment. No matter where I go in Los Angeles, the energy is always high. Fast pace and I love that. It keeps me motivated and on my toes. One thing that has me married to my city are the amazing views. Fresh out of high school, my friends and I would drive up to the top of Bill Botts Park on Jefferson, or go to Baldwin Hills and park at the top. You can see almost all of our beautifully city. The lights, the breeze, the warm sun. Los Angeles is very unique. What I like the least is the hype and fantasy surrounding it. Primarily Hollywood. It’s very beautiful and quite a blessing that there are so many opportunities here, however, I feel many people move here with false and odd expectations. We aren’t a TV show. This is real life. You have to be humble if you come from another state, and know that respect and homage is mandatory. You always hear out-of-towners specifically say “LA is so fake” or “LA isn’t all that” but how is that so when you left your family’s and everything you know to be here…. so I take offense seeing as I’m from this lovely city. I feel being from the city, has made me addicted to the Sun and the beach. I wouldn’t want to be from anywhere else.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Instagram.com/yeathatskaylie
- Other: https://youtu.be/gLXCbOqEJ_M
Image Credit:
String Light/Cover art Photos taken by @lasteverent, Hookah/Chain photos taken by @prolificphew
Suggest a story: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
