How would you describe your music to any person who may have never heard it before? Kay: Kay Soul music is soul music that has a pop appeal with relatable messages that transcend race and gender. I sing and have a poetic flow, so I like to mesh the two together in my music. I write and arrange my music as well as record all the background vocals. When you hear a Kay Soul song, you are getting every part of who I am. I am most vulnerable when I’m behind the mic. I bring the soul, the funk, the classy, the power and the pain.
What’s the significance of your musical moniker? K: When people hear Kay Soul, I want them to see my music as a genre all by itself. My musical moniker represents Music from Kay’s Soul.
What are your influences? K: I listen to all types of music from gospel to pop, hip-hop and R&B. I believe those influences are reflected in the style and feel of my music.
What are your inspirations? K: I’m inspired by the longevity and tenacity of artists like Mary J. Blige. She continues to reinvent and redefine herself as she grows deeper into her womanhood and artistry. She’s worked hard and managed to maintain her relevancy in the fickle music industry.
If given the chance, what musician(s) would you like to collaborate with? Rather this is to either write a song or be featured on a track. K: It would be Lauryn Hill. I have been a fan of Lauryn Hill for most of life. From listening to her with the Fugees, watching her in Sister Act II and following her solo career, I have always been inspired by her unique talent, her deep lyrical content, and her ability to stay true to who she is. Being both a singer and lyricist, is something that it took me a while to embrace, and Lauryn Hill seemed to merge the two art forms together effortlessly. She’s made some tough career choices to protect her mental health and I admire her tremendously. I believe I could learn so much by having a chance to collaborate with her. What's your latest single about? K: My new single is titled “Profit a Man.” It is a song that tells the story of being in transition. Exploring the mental anguish of believing in yourself when you look and sound nothing like the norm and not giving into societal pressures to be like everyone else. The song is based in biblical scripture as I also wanted to provide a resource for listeners to find comfort. What’s something you hope people take away from "Profit a Man"? K: I hope that listeners will be inspired to examine their choices. As a healing artist, I feel that it is my responsibility to use my voice to save souls. I’m commenting on the current state of the world being consumed with superficial things that can cause people to compromise their morals and values. I’m calling it out and offering a resolution for our fears, worries, and pains which is the word of God.
Do you have any favourite songs to perform live? Could be your own music or even a
cover. Any reason why? K: I always love performing all my songs live because each one tells a different story. I recently performed my new single “Profit A Man” live for the first time at the Sweet Auburn Spring Festival and it’s a favourite because it’s new and fresh. I love seeing the audience connection to the music in real time.
If you could perform a show this very second anywhere in the world, where would it be? Is there any particular venue(s) or city/cities that comes to mind?
K: I’ve always wanted to perform overseas. I would love to perform in Paris or Ghana on a rooftop at night overlooking the city. What do you currently have planned for the remainder of the year? K: I am currently promoting my new single. I have several performances and appearances lined up along the festival and award show circuits including Juneteenth Festival of the Carolinas and the International Singer Songwriter Association Awards.