Songwriter Interview – Kayla Marque – Midheaven

On The Table Read Magazine, “the best entertainment eBook magazine UK“, singer-songwriter Kayla Marque talks about her music career and her latest album, Midheaven.

Written by JJ Barnes

www.jjbarnes.co.uk

I interviewed Kayla Marque about her life and career, what inspired her to write her new album, Midheaven, and her creative process.

Tell me a bit about who you are.

My name is Kayla Marque – Keeper of the Keys. Opener of Portals. and Converger of worlds. I am from the ancient future, and I’ve come all this way to help dream the world awake.

When did you first WANT to write music?

I began writing poems as a young child, but I distinctly remember wanting to write music at the age of 18 after I dropped out of college because I wanted to follow my passion. I watched a movie called “Once” and wrote my first song right after the movie ended.

What was your first piece of music released, and what inspired it?

I put out songs on Myspace when that was the thing to do around 2009 but my first produced record that was distributed on streaming platforms and radio is a song called “Wait to Rust” I wrote it about a guy (that eventually became my boyfriend for several years) who I had uncomfortably strong feelings for, that I did not want to have.

What was your latest music released, and what inspired it?

My third solo studio album ‘Midheaven’ released last year on August 29th. This body of work was inspired by a massive awakening and deep transformation. Capturing the pain and discomfort of shedding and old skin and allowing myself to evolve and expand into a version of myself that is more aligned and embodied.

Focusing on your latest piece of music. What were your biggest challenges with Midheaven?

I did not encounter many challenges with this album, it was cathartic, and the best time I’ve had within my creative process so far. It is my favorite thing I’ve ever made in my life so far.

What are you working on right now?

I am working on visuals for Midheaven, writing for other artists and in the early stages of writing/creating my next project – which I am already really excited about and cannot wait to start recording!

Do you keep to a theme with your music, or just go where the mood strikes?

I think the overall theme is evolution and alchemy – every project is a sonic documentation of a specific era of my life where you get to watch me change and grow and process life’s mysteries. Music is medicine for me. It is language. It is how I process, understand and alchemize things so ultimately I can heal myself and transcend that healing to others.

What is your favourite piece of music you’ve recorded, and what do you love about it?

My favorite song on this record is called ‘Insecurious’ I love the energetic signature that the vibration of this song holds and how it unlocks people’s imaginations and hearts to wonder. Lyrically it is one of my best songs that invites listeners to look at life from a more curious and mystical lens, while also finding connection to one another. “Life is still beautiful, it’s irresistible and it hurts like hell.”

Do you find other people’s music inspires you? Who do you listen to most?

I am really inspired by film and cinema and the music placement within it. I have a pretty eclectic taste ranging from classical to funk, jazz, musical theater, etc. Currently, I cannot get enough of Hermanos Gutierrez, I have had them on replay for months now!

Do you record and produce your own music, or pay musicians and producers?

I write my songs on guitar or piano and take that to my producer, Glenn Sawyer at the Spot Studios in Colorado where we co create and build the soundscape. Then I give that material to my incredible band to play live arrangements of it.

What instruments do you play?

I play guitar and piano, but mostly just as tools for writing.

Do you like performing live, or does it scare you? Where can people watch you?

Playing music live is what I live for, it is my favorite part of the entire process and yes, it absolutely does terrify my also. I had a busy year beginning in LA at adults only, to SXSW, outdoor ampitheathers like Levitt Pavilion & Mishawaka and a tour that began in the UK and went down the east coast. I had one last show in Denver for 2024 but I plan to be in the UK, Canada, East Coast and West coast in 2025 so stay tuned!

Is your music available to the public, and where can people listen to it?

Absolutely, I am on all major streaming platforms.

Are you able to make music full time, or do you have day job?

I am a full time creator.

Are your friends and family supportive of your music career?

My friends and family are my biggest supporters and I am deeply grateful for them.

What’s something you never expected about writing music ? What have you learned that surprised you?

Truthfully, I never expected this to be my career…my life. I am shocked all the time that I get to make music for a living. It is my greatest blessing.

Do you have any important events coming up we should know about?

Nothing that I can speak about currently, but stream the album and follow me on socials to stay tapped in.

What is the first piece of advice you would give to anyone inspired to write music?

Just start! Don’t think about it because your brain will end up letting fear and doubt block you. If you have the urge, listen to it, follow it.

And, finally, are your proud of your accomplishment? Was it worth the effort?

I have been really hard on myself in the past and up till now I didn’t really acknowledge all that I have accomplished. But now, I see it, I feel it. I am most proud that I have had the courage to follow the call of my wild soul and do the thing that I was put on this planet to do. I am proud of my courage, my devotion, and my ability to overcome challenges. The journey so far has been exhausting, terrifying and painful but I have found myself and help guide others back to themselves, so yes, everything is worth it.

Pop all your music, website and social media links here so the readers can find you:

WEB – https://kaylamarque.com/
IG – https://www.instagram.com/iamkaylamarque
FB – https://www.facebook.com/iamkaylamarque
YouTube – https://youtu.be/apxK0zCl1vQ
Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/artist/75dzEtfpqH8hznod6iNSvd