Kaylee Johnston Interview – Pop singer from Vancouver, BC. talks about her latest single Getting Over You and more.
Kaylee Johnston Interview
Q: What’s new in the world of Kaylee Johnston?
A: I’m getting ready to release my new self-titled EP! We’re having the release party in Vancouver (my home town) at the Biltmore Cabaret on June 3rd, so I’ve been working with my band to get ready for that. Also, having many dance rehearsals in my bedroom alone in front of the mirror.
Q: How was it recording your single “Getting Over You” from a studio point of view?
A: A long, long process! It was the first single I wrote with my producers, and the last one to be finished. We re-produced it three times over the course of two years, and then got it remixed by LA-based duo Stu G & Robot Disco Puma. Quite the adventure, but I couldn’t be happier with the result!
Q: When writing a song, is there such a thing as investing too much time? What's the shortest time you ever took to write one? What was your strangest inspiration?
A: I don’t think there’s such a thing as investing too much time as long as the song is great. I’ve caught myself getting stuck on songs that were just good. Sometimes it’s better to move on, start fresh and write one that feels good right off the bat. A lot of my songs I write really quickly, like, 80% done within 30 to 45 minutes. Then I spend lots of time up until the record date making little tweaks. Strangest inspiration… I don’t know if I’ve gotten super weird with my writing yet! I have a song called Lonely on the EP… I don’t know if I’d call that strange, but it was definitely a strange feeling song to write.
Amelia Interview – Jennifer Elizabeth
Q: Do you consider album artwork as important now that music is mostly downloaded?
A: Yes, I love the process of creating art and having an image reflect the sound of my music.
Q: Do you have any tours coming up in the near future?
A: Yes, but nothing I can announce right now! But it will be end of summer/early fall :)
Influences and Music Industry
Q: Could you describe some of your earliest influences in life and in music?
A: Definitely. I’ve always been drawn to the classics… Heart, Fleetwood Mac, Led Zeppelin, Eric Clapton. I think that’s where so much of the music today has come from, and I always reflect back on that music when I need inspiration.
Q: What’s your take on the sex appeal in the music industry? Is it as important for men and women?
A: I think it’s important to be comfortable in our own skin but right now more than ever it’s about the music. I love fashion and expressing myself creativity that way, but I have no urge and feel no pressure to wear something purely to help ‘sell’ my music. I think there are still people who think it’s important for women to look a certain way, but when I look at who’s topping the charts lately (Adele, Meghan Trainor, Sia), they are real women with something to say and that’s what matters most to their audience.
Q: What would we be surprised to find in your music collection at home?
A: I listen to a lot of instrumental music! When I’m working at home I find it keeps me calm and focused.
Q: Making videos must be a lot of work and still fun to do. How do you look at it?
A: They are always something I look forward too! I have so much fun working on music videos and like to be involved every step of the way. I feel so creative on shoots and always leave feeling satisfied and fulfilled.
Q: Your voice is a delicate instrument. How long did it take you to perfect it? What do you do to keep it strong and healthy?
A: I think the voice is a living, breathing thing. There are good days and bad, and I don’t know if anyone ever ‘perfects’ their voice because as we grow it changes! I do lots of vocal warm ups, drink tons of water and try to not over-talk when I’m touring.