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

Hi Kayleigh, what is the most important factor behind your success?
That’s easy, it’s absolutely the fans!!! There are people traveling from different states to see our shows. People are sharing with their friends and family. People are reaching out to local venues in their area to put in a plug for us. Folks are spending their hard earned money to buy merch to support our dream which in turn allows us to travel and create the music. Without any of them there is no us. They by far are the most important factor in this musical journey and it seriously means the world seeing so many people show up for us regularly. I’m so grateful for each and every person who is part of this incredible ride!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art has always been a look into my life in someway. I think what sets my music apart is that it’s all raw, real, & true. I knew when I wanted to start really getting out there with music that I had one shot and I’m determined to write, sing, & share music that I love too. If it’s not something I’m passionate about then it won’t make the cut for release. I want to put out the absolute best because that’s what the incredible listeners deserve! For me I’m most excited about all to come in 2024. We are really preparing to have another big year of touring, music, & seeing all of you out there on the road! I’m also super excited for my newest single “Where the Moon Shines” that came out 09/15/23. It’s a little more outlaw, little more southern rock, but still very much rooted in traditional country that I’ve always loved.

Man y’all ask some great questions! My first answer is a lot of trial and error has helped get where we are today professionally. Of course there are/have been times where you doubt yourself and what you’re doing but I believe it’s what you do with that fear/doubt that sets you apart and gets you closer to your dreams. Having no Plan B has Without the help & direction of my manager Kevin Sanchez, I’m not sure where this whole thing would be. He time and time again has made some great decisions in helping get us to the next level and grow the music. Having a support system like we have is part of the success too. Having people in your corner and being genuine has been part of this success too. Keep your head down, your mind open, & stay humble and you can’t go wrong!

I want people to know what they hear on a recording is just the start of what they hear live. Since I was a kid I loved hearing a song my favorite artists had on their record and then hearing it live was still so much better with the energy from the band and the crowd. That’s what I want people to see when they come see a show. Even the cover songs in my set are chosen on purpose because I love putting my own flair on these incredible songs. All in all I want my music to be a place people escape to. Put in their earbuds, turn up the volume in the car, what have you. I want you to forget about all the stresses in life for as long as I have you in my company!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Ok well if we have a private jet that would make it really easy!!!

For sure we’d start out in AZ my home state! You gotta see the Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon, the White Mountains, Sedona, Tombstone, Bisbee, Saguaro National Park, and the San Xavier Mission. You’ve got to see a sunrise & sunset with the mountains surrounding you. A desert night is also beautiful, it’s like laying under a blanket of stars that go for miles. We’d of course eat green corn tamales at El Charro Cafe for lunch and can’t forget about steak at El Corral Steakhouse! Some of my local favorites to my hometown of Tucson. AZ.

Then we’d fly to Nashville, TN my current city! We’d check out the Country Music Hall of Fame along with the Hatch Print tour & Studio B tour where Elvis recorded! We’d check out 3rd & Lindsley on a Monday night to watch the famous Time Jumpers show! Cant beat seeing that much talent for a $20 ticket!!! We’d eat Party Fowl hot chicken for lunch & Puckett’s for dinner with their famous southern dishes. We’d watch a concert at the Ryman Auditorium (it’s a Nashville MUST) and then we’d catch an Opry show over at the Opry House! We’d wander over to Scoreboard & the Troubadour theater for a night cap & some two stepping!

Lastly we’d make our way to New Orleans! They have amazing culture, art, music, architecture & of course food! We’d start in Old Metairie driving around the old mansions & in awe of the oaks lining the streets as a canopy. We’d grab a Po’ Boy at Parran’s or Rivershack for lunch. We’d then make our way to the French Quarter to take in the beauty of Jackson’s Square. We’d peek into St. Louis Cathedral & take a moment to observe the ornamental details inside and reflect on all the generations that have sat in those beautiful pews. Then we’d grab a snack at Cafe Du Monde. Fresh beignets & Cafe Au Lait to give us that good sugar rush for all the walking! We’d marvel at the cobble stone streets and think about our ancestors arriving here by boat making the city their home! The architecture here is a marvel. So many buildings around for centuries. Then we’d stay the night in the quarter but be sure we have a balcony so you can listen to the jazz music sweep through the wind!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Like I said before, it’s really & truly the fans that have gotten us where we are. I also have an incredible & supportive manager that has goals as big (if not bigger) as mine. We are a well oiled team and that makes this whole adventure that much more fun! Without him to push me or reign me in at times there’s no way we’d be where we are now.

I’ve also had a lot of incredible women entrepreneurs that have come along side me in this journey and those relationships are priceless to me. These women are all in different industries across the western industry but they have supported me in many ways! You can’t find better than these gals and I’m grateful our paths have crossed. We all come from different backgrounds. states. ages, & even business sense but somehow we all come together for one another. Finding your core group of support is such a blessing in a journey like music!

Website: https://www.kayleighmathews.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kayleighmathewsmusic/?hl=en

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

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyyEJ4lQUsNK91oN9866cmA

Other: linktr.ee/Kmathews2013

Image Credits
@EricDawsonPhotography

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