photo by Rob Hernandez
San Antonio, TX, 2023
about
California grown,
New York aged,
rooted in south-central Texas.
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With a small town heart and big city grit, Kayla penned a creative home for herself somewhere in the middle -
merging the melodic sensibilities of early-aughts adult contemporary and indie-folk pop with subtle nods to her background in musical theatre.
An emerging singer-songwriter, her focus on vulnerable, relatable lyrics coupled with earworm melodies creates an authentic, open invitation for the listener to hear the soul behind the song.
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Musical influences include Ingrid Michaelson, Sara Bareilles, The Weepies, Maria Mena, Maisie Peters, Hanson, Joni Mitchell, Linda Ronstadt, Brandi Carlile,
and Regina Spektor.
"Discovering my voice as a songwriter after so many years telling stories in other ways has been such a gift - I've experienced freedom through music in a way I never thought possible, a way that both empowers and humbles me every day."
Kayla Friend
she plays:
ukulele, piano, kazoo
she likes:
sentimental gifts, honesty, avocados
she is:
a late bloomer,
an Aquarius rising,
afraid of thunder
she wants:
tacos (mostly)
photo by S.M. Hawkins Photography
New York City, 2023
follow kayla
@khernandezfriend