Kayla Stockert is your typical 16 year old girl from Long Island with a really unique twist. She is poised to be a big star in the music industry by doing a modern take on retro-pop music. Working with the likes of other Long Island natives like the Como Brothers band, she drives her inspirations from artists as wide ranged as Freddie Mercury to Taylor Swift, Connie Francis to Lady Gaga. You can’t get more open than that? Yet she does it in a simple yet extraordinary way that keeps people at the forefront of their minds. I recently sat down with this talented girl to discuss her life so far and what she hopes for in her musical career. Oh, and a duet with Elvis. Yup. Check it out.
How old were you when you decided you wanted to take music seriously?
I was about 9 years old. I used to do covers and stuff and then I started writing my music, and I developed a passion for it. It was about a year later that I decided to take it seriously and here I am today.
Who are some of your musical influences?
Amy Winehouse definitely, I love her retro-style. Then I have a bunch of ones from older generations like Frankie Lymon and Connie Francis and Leslie Gore and all those kinds of people.
How would you describe your sound for me?
I think I have a retro-pop sound, and definitely unique sounding. I can’t really be sounding like anyone else at this point and time based on the material I put out.
You play Piano and Guitar. How long did it take you to master those?
Well I haven’t mastered them quite yet. I only play chords right now. I started playing them when I was 12 and everyday coming home from school and sitting down at the piano or with my guitar. For me, everyday it is something new that I learn, can’t ever learn too much you know?
Who do you get comparisons to the most?
I know that I get told I look like Taylor Swift, I don’t really see that. I’ve been told I sound like her a little bit. Others say Amy Winehouse, some say Miley Cyrus, I don’t know. People see different kinds of sounds that I don’t really see. It’s cool that people think you sound like other people.
You have worked with The Como Brothers Band in the past. What was that experience like?
It was good. I went to them and asked if they wanted to be my musicians and help me out with certain shows and stuff. They agreed, and wanted me to show them some songs and we can help you. I showed them my song “Don’t Go Messing”, and we collaborated on it and it turned out great. Overall it was a really great experience.
Favorite song you have recorded and why?
I definitely think it is some of my newer songs off of the EP. I really like the song “What They Say” off of the new EP because I remember in the recording studio we had a lot of harmonies and it was really fun so if I had to choose one it would be that.
Tell me about the new EP and other things you have planned.
I definitely want to come out with a full length album as the EP is only three songs. I also want to keep writing and practicing my guitar and piano and really honing in on my craft.
Who would you love to do a duet with, dead or alive?
Hmmm. I would go with Elvis Presley because he is a huge music legend. I think it would be a really cool thing do it a duet with him.
What is the one thing you want your fans and readers to know about you?
That I am a real person and I don’t strive to be perfect. I am unique and have my own little unique kind of style and always want to stay true to who I am.
Be sure to check out her new EP and everything Kayla by going onto her site and seeing more.