In this interview spotlight, I chat with Kay Soul about the latest music, challenges, technology and more.
Full Q&A along with links and music below.
Where are you from and what style of music do you create? (In your own words, not necessarily in marketing terms or by popular genre classifications.)
I am based in Chicago. I like to think that I make a form of fusion music blending all genres together. My music has influences of soul, r&b, blues, jazz, pop, ad gospel.
What led you down this path of music and what motivates you to keep going?
Since I was a kid, music has been my emotional outlet. It’s the one think that never lets you down. I’m motivated to keep going because I believe that my purpose is music is to heal others through the stories I tell in my songs.
How is this new release different than previous ones? Were you trying to accomplish anything specific?
The song “Strong Connection” is the first single off the forthcoming Connections EP. This release is a companion project to my 2020 released album “In My Mind”. I’m encouraging listeners to examine the connections they have with themselves and others to determine how those connections ultimately impact the emotions and matters of the heart that were explored on the “In My Mind” album. I wanted to show listeners a softer more delicate side of me with the single “Strong Connection”
Name one or two challenges you face as an indie musician in this oversaturated, digital music age? How has technology helped you (since we know it does help)?
One of my biggest challenges is staying connected online. I’m an introvert and I prefer more deeper connections than what social media has to offer. It often seems as if everyone is doing the same thing with no real purpose behind it. It’s hard for me to tap into that part of it because my music is so intentional. I have no desire to release things in hopes of becoming viral nor do I over consume myself with likes and followers. None of that adds value to the actual music. But we live in this society that measures success in very superficial ways and that can certainly be challenging. Technology does have its place and it helps to be able to get your music out to a lot of people to hear quickly and easily. It can be a great marketing and networking tool for Indie artists.
What was the last song you listened to?
I’ve been listing to Whitney Houston lately. Last song was “Your love is my love”.
Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?
Vinyl. There’s no sound that matches the beauty of great music on vinyl.
How about this one…. Do you prefer Spotify? Apple Music? Bandcamp? Or something else? Why?
As a listener, I prefer apple music. I think because I have an iPhone and that has been my go to. However, as an artist, I prefer Spotify. It seems as if the majority of the world listens to music on Spotify. It’s cool that you can see what other playlists people have made and listen to those as well.
Where is the best place to connect with you online and discover more music?
My music is on all major platforms. I’m most active on Instagram and my website will link you to all of my other social media pages.
Current release: https://open.spotify.com/track/3PgG2YmbNpXBKnefdaJyP5?si=f4e3cbb7afc94cf0
Music Video: https://youtu.be/TA6rhztZBW4
Website: www.kaysoulmusic.com
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4vN4jpDk3jH4FIvB2LR6yG
Anything else before we sign off?
I just want to encourage anyone with a dream to keep going. Start today with what you have right now. There will be naysayers but use that to fuel you to do what’s necessary to hone your craft to get to the next level.
