Meet Kaylee Rice | Singer & Songwriter

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kaylee Rice and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kaylee, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I think in today’s society when we mention risks taking, our brains automatically conjure up images of extreme risks. These risks usually include a high possibility of danger, extreme actions that result in severe injuries, or engaging in illicit behaviors. The word risk taking is, more often than not, paired with life changing, whether the effect is beneficial or harmful., or perhaps both. But what about the risks that occur during our everyday, during the more mundane moments of our life- why does not see these as risks as well? These risks are more akin to asking someone new out on a date, starting a new creative hobby, or adopting a Labradane, naming him Albus Dumbledog, and having absolutely n0 idea what you’ve gotten into (ok, that may be a very niche, personal risk, but you get the picture). I believe it is these “quieter” risks that make up who we are as individuals, that guide our lives and careers.

Growing up, I doubt anyone who knew me would have labeled me as a “risk taker”; honestly, I’m not sure anyone would now. I followed the rules to the letter, punished myself if I did anything even barely considered “wrong,” and had my worth tied to be the perfect golden girl. The most heinous crime of a young Kaylee? Moving my name from the green circle (the best behaved) to the red circle (the somehow worst behaved) with a friend because we wanted to see if our teacher would notice (spoiler alert: our names were back in the green before recess was finished). Being the perfect poster child, the one the other parents wished their kids could be instead, turned out to be atrocious for my psyche a number of years down the road, but, even then, I was taking risks. I auditioned for plays that didn’t originally include children roles, shared poems with practically strangers that starred a history of childhood trauma, and even took longer bathroom breaks than I was allotted time for (oo, that was the only trouble I ever caused in school).

Later down the line, I took what would be considered my first huge risk: filling a Title IX my sophomore year of college. I was 18 when an incident of drug-facilitated date rape occurred during a fraternity house party and completely shattered my life and identity. After battling the frigid aftermath of the trauma, I decided to report and file the Title IX through the school. I knew how extreme of a risk reporting the crime was and I had many moments of worrying about what fellow students would say, how they would treat me, once it went to trial. Never did I imagine I would not be believed by campus staff, that there would be no trial, or that my Title IX would never be filed. I took a huge risk that didn’t pay off the way I expected it, and should’ve, turned out.

This event influenced a chain reaction of risks that eventually lead me to where I am today. I was accepted into the Disney College Program so I left college, and moved to Orlando, FL. While working for Disney, I found solace in songwriting, my new lifeline, A client of my Mom’s was a music producer, who offered to record my first demo, which became the first recording of “MOSAIC”. In 2021, I moved t0 Nashville completely by myself, knowing no one except my kitten I brought with me and armed with the knowledge my Dad provided me with of the city. My dreams lead me to creating a crowdfunding campaign with Plaid Dog Recording Studios and, with the support from family and friends, successfully recorded “MOSAIC,” which I then released on all streaming platforms in June, 2023.

I think risk taking is an absolutely terrifying thing to do, but risks are crucial to move forward in both life and career. Sometimes all you need is one ounce of bravery at a time.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Absolutely! I’m Kaylee, a pop singer-songwriter influenced by Taylor Swift, Stevie Nicks, Duran Duran, Ed Sheeran, and Lana Del Rey. My songwriting mainly focuses on my struggles with mental health, healing from sexual trauma, and recovering from anorexia. I also enjoy creating fun, simple, upbeat happy pop songs- I’m learning that simplicity can sometimes be the answer. I believe I said this in a previous interview, but I truly believe writing is once of purest forms of magic that can be found in this world.

I want to be the person I needed during the darkest periods of my life, when my trauma wasn’t believed and when I thought the darkness would never lift. If I can help someone heal or feel heard or believed, that would be the highest honor of my life.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
There is definitely something for everyone to enjoy in Nashville. For any book lovers, like myself, I’d highly recommend checking out the bookstores in the city. Make sure Parnassus Books and McKay’s are on your itinerary and take a book, or five, to enjoy at the famous Centennial Park, or any of the other beautiful outdoor spaces found in the vicinity. If you’re interested in music, definitely make room on your schedule to visit the iconic Bluebird Cafe or the Country Music Hall of Fame. I’d also recommend taking a trip to any of Nashville’s writers rounds to support local songwriters!! As for food, my absolute favorite resturant is Nadeen’s Hermitage Haven in Hermitage. Their chicken & waffles plus delicious mimosas?? Perfection.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Anyone who’s ever had any impact on my life should be credited honestly, no matter the type of impact they’ve had. I want to shoutout my entire family who support everything I do and constantly want the best for me. Thank you to any who listens and supports my music, who click the little like button on my posts, who’ve invited me to events, and to those who I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with, both in the past and in the future. Thank you to the crew at Plaid Dog Recording Studios for believing in me and helping “MOSAIC” come to life- the biggest of shoutouts to anyone who’s listened to the song on any streaming platform.

There’s so many people that have had my back over the years, but I specifically want to shoutout my Nana and Papa, my Dad, Wanda, and Luke, who has never given up on me even when I’ve given up on myself. To my Mom, my best friend: I can never express how grateful I am for everything you’ve done for me, for the risks you’ve taken, and the stronghold you’ve built- you inspire me to be resilient on a daily basis.

The last shoutout I want to give is to my muses, those who have inspired my songs for better or for worse. You know who you are.

Website: https://sites.google.com/view/kayleerice/home

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kayleericemusic/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kayleericemusic

Youtube: https://www.facebook.com/kayleericemusic

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@kayleericemusic Email: [email protected]

Image Credits
Switch Studios Hannah Heser Backwoods Beauty Photography