Song Premiere : “Stealing from My Youth” by Kayla Williams

From The Artist : “I wrote this song in the midst of the chaos with COVID when we were mostly housebound. In many ways, not being able to live life ‘normally’ being around friends, playing shows etc. felt like there were days being taken from me, like the pandemic was stealing from my youth. This song represents the frustration and isolation of the current circumstances but remains hopeful that slowing down and going inward might be what the world needed”. “Juno award winning Spencer Cheyne from OCL studios (Calgary) produced the song. We traded tacks back and forth distantly then had a full studio day for vocals/horns/bass. The process was interesting working mostly from a distance but Spencer made it so easy. He understood the vision of the song from day one, knowing I was aiming for a retro ‘70s inspired sound. He added string and flute patches as well as live horns and groovy bass bringing the song to life. Working with him in person was seamless as well, we both had so much fun creating this vintage inspired track, he was just as excited as me to hear the different elements come together”.I imagine if people know the song was written in the isolating start of the pandemic they will relate to all the feelings of having time taken away from living life normally and being with the people you love. I also want people to feel good listening to the song, it’s got a real groove and an air of hope to it. Yes, there is a lot of stress in the current situation and we’re all feeling scared/sad/anxious but there is still goodness in the world. People turned to art more than ever before because of this and that’s something special. Creating music is what keeps me the most inspired, if anyone hears this song and feels the full gamut of emotions I’m right there with you.

Kayla Williams is a Central Alberta based singer/songwriter who unabashedly loves pop music! Her sound is characterized by catchy melodies and full harmonies, layered over a backdrop reminiscent of decades past, pulling from the ‘60s to the ‘80s. Her love of oldies music is represented by her soulful vocals and thoughtful lyrics, while modern influences are clear in her songwriting. She pulls inspiration from bands like The Temptations, The Beach Boys and Fleetwood Mac, sounding similar to contemporary artists like Ralph, Leon and Lianne La Havas.

Her single, “Stealing From My Youth” (October 23, 2020), was recorded with JUNO Award winning producer, Spencer Cheyne (Jocelyn Alice, Brett Kissel), from OCL Studios (Calgary).“I wrote this song in the midst of the chaos when we were mostly housebound,” says Williams. “In many ways, not being able to live life ‘normally’ felt like there were days being taken from me, like the pandemic was stealing from my youth”. Despite the impact of COVID-19 on the live music industry, Williams performed more shows in the summer of 2020 than any year previously.

Over the past three years Williams has released three singles (“Something Right” 2019, “Parking Lot” 2018 and “One More Dose” 2017), which have all received local radio airplay. She’s been interviewed by CBC Calgary’s The Homestretch and CBC Edmonton’s Radio Active.

“Something Right” (March 2019) was specifically written for the 2019 Canada Winter Games and was performed in front of an audience of over 8,000 at the closing ceremonies in Red Deer and broadcast nationally on TSN. Kayla was also one of 11 Western Canadian musicians invited into Canada’s Music Incubator’s AE West professional development program at the National Music Centre (Nov-Dec 2019).

Kayla’s upcoming single will be released on all digital platforms and at a live show at Bo’s Bar and Stage in Red Deer on October 23rd. The show will include opening act Wyatt C. Louis, a music video debut and a full performance by Kayla and her band.

Connect with Kayla Williams : Website || Facebook || Twitter || Instagram || Spotify || Apple