Life & Work with Lyla Jett

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lyla Jett.

Lyla, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Never in a million years would I have imagined myself becoming a musician living in LA. It really wasn’t something I wanted to pursue since I only ever saw it as a hobby. My two older sisters would always fight over the spotlight from the karaoke machine at our childhood home in Ewa Beach, Hawaii while I just sat back and enjoyed the show.

Since we were raised in the church, my parents immediately threw my sisters and I onstage to volunteer to sing in the praise team every Sunday. I was in the 6th grade when I started to learn how to play electric bass so I could fill that position. The following year there was a need for a drummer so I found myself behind a drum set as the rhythm keeper for the next few years. By the 10th grade, both of my older siblings had gotten married and moved away, and I was asked to lead the worship team with voice and guitar. Music just came so naturally to me and I still had no idea that me being a self-taught multi-instrumentalist by middle school was talented. After getting my BA in Political Science and a minor in Women’s Studies from the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa, I was introduced to Hawaii’s local music scene by a friend who ran an Open Mic at one of the popular venues in Waikiki. Playing at open mic’s and befriending talented musicians far better than I was really pushed me to practice harder and excel in music. I began doing my own research on live-looping and the tools and equipment needed to elevate my performances.

I got my first few gigs in Hawaii because friends needed a last-minute sub, and although I didn’t believe I was ready, they believed I was, so I agreed. It wasn’t much long after that I was able to fill up my entire calendar with consistent gigs playing music and singing as a solo artist in Honolulu. I’ve performed many weddings, been flown to different islands to play music, and opened for concerts in front of hundreds of people, and averaged a consistent schedule of 4-5 gigs per week. I moved to California by myself in the beginning of 2017 to broaden my musical opportunities. I’ve been blessed to have quickly met talented and supportive musicians through social media and attending live music shows. I thankfully came across Acoustic Spot Talent LLC who books artists in Southern California and they were able to fill up my schedule full time with gigs at high-end restaurants, hotels, and with corporate gigs/private gigs.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Growing up in a typical Asian-American household, I wasn’t raised in such a way that would condition me for the music industry. And since music as a career wasn’t encouraged, I really felt the need to prove to my parents that I could support myself financially doing what I love rather than what their wishes were for me. The psychological struggle of being a musician has been far greater than any financial struggles I’ve been faced with. I can’t count how many times I’ve doubted myself and wanted to quit because of the pressure and vision of success that society imposes on you. Taking care of your mental health is so extremely important as a creative because your mind can easily wander into a toxic habit of comparing yourself to others and caring too much about what others think of you. The irrational fear of being judged has prevented me from sharing so much of my art with the world and for people who could connect with it. It’s an ongoing struggle for me that I am aware of, and practicing an attitude of gratefulness and journaling my feelings has been extremely helpful in combating these negative thoughts.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
As a live-looper performer, I use a loop pedal and various guitar effects pedals to create melodies, bass, harmonies, guitar leads, and beatbox in percussion all in a live setting. I’m always surprised when people tell me that they love my version of the song better than the original because I like to flip songs and make them my own style. One thing that really sets me apart from others is the fact that I am from Honolulu, Hawai’i. I’m so blessed to have been born and raised on such a beautiful island and I’d say that it’s one of my favorite things about myself! Since moving to California from Hawai’i in 2017, I’ve successfully managed to fill up my calendar with an average of 23 gigs per month. I’m extremely proud of my gigging schedule because it proves to myself and others that you can truly make a great living in doing what you love. Recently, I have been taking steps to release more of my own original music. You can check out my first single on all streaming platforms: P.O.V. – Lyla Jett.

Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
I just really want to emphasize the value of kindness and community, especially during these trying times. If anyone is in need of grocery boxes from the food bank, or if someone is going through a hard time right now and needs someone to listen, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me! Let’s make our world better together.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lylajett/?hl=en
• Other: https://open.spotify.com/album/6oEi4y0V8OuOJHj3u3iSlA?si=_p_8rmhMTXShVoELC9ogZQ

Image Credits
Olive Blackwood, Noelle Bonus, Andre Nuestro