Meet Kaylin Kole | Musician and Independent Artist

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

Hi Kaylin, what are you inspired by?
I am inspired by almost everything around me most days. Conversations, melodies on my guitar, new music I hear on the radio, etc. I try to be as accepting as possible when it comes to new song melodies and business ideas. As long as you are accepting of it, I believe that creativity will find you. A great book that helped me shape those opinions is called “Big Magic” by Elizabeth Gilbert, I highly recommend that book to any creative out there looking for a new perspective on how to harbor creativity.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My music is very versatile, ranging from soul pop to soul country! I just released a new song this February called “Me This Time” and the world can now enjoy it as much as I do! My wide range of styles I cover and my big voice sets me apart from others as well as my ability to connect to an audience. I performed in theater as a young kid, so I have been able to overcome fear or nerves to be able to resonate with my crowds better. I am most proud of my determination for this type of career. I quit my day job back in 2024 and I have been able to successfully be a full-time musician. I can now put all of my energy and time toward my passion and that God continues to bless me with opportunities and amazing people that walk into my life. I have been focused on music for almost ten years now, but I feel like I have moved into a different season with music. I am now able to be more creative, write more to my true sound, and take more control of the recording process.

Getting to where I am now was not easy. If I were to tell my younger self everything that I’ve had to do in order to get to where I am now professionally in music, I might not have chosen this route. However, I’d have no control over it because I believe that music chose me. I moved to Nashville right after high school. My parents were nothing but supportive, knowing that I wasn’t going to attend college but instead move to the area of opportunity. I spent the first three years building a foundation in the city, networking almost every night, writing with new people, and finding my sound. I have been in Nashville for five years now and it feels like twenty years but also twenty minutes all at the same time. This profession will eat you alive if you let it. Some lessons I’ve learned along the way is that you will attract what you give off. If you’re fake, selfish, greedy, then you will attract those people. However, if you are patient, hardworking, humble and consistent, you will attract those people around you. Your circle of friends have a lot to do with your success as well. People that truly care about each other and want to see everyone around them do better will make them better.

So don’t be afraid to be somewhat vulnerable and authentic with others, because you will attract the right people to you, whether that be friends or fans of your music. Don’t be afraid to experiment as well. New genre? Go for it. Different cowriter? Might be a great opportunity. Stay optimistic and open to opportunities, but if you feel like it won’t suit your brand or character, don’t be afraid to turn it down. Not all opportunities are good opportunities. Sometimes a certain change of course in your career can waste a lot of time. It doesn’t matter where you come from, how much money you make, or how famous you are, we all have the same twenty-four hours in a day so learn to use them intentionally.

I would love the world to know that my brand is Midwestern Hippie. I am proud to be from Wisconsin (that is the midwestern part) and as much as I am type “A” when it comes to to do lists, I am also go with the flow and a free spirit. I have faith that God is doing all the right things in my life and teaching me lessons I need to learn but also steering me to where I need to go. I have really enjoyed being in Nashville for five years and cannot wait to see what the next five years have in store for my story.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would say to focus on the outskirts of the city! There are some really great food and drinks spots in East Nashville. My favorite spots are Dino’s for a nice burger after a long day and the Coral Club, which is a new cocktail lounge with amazing drinks and staff! East Side Bowl, 3rd and Lindsley and The Listening Room are great atmospheres for great music and heartfelt stories to listen to. Other than music, I am a huge fan of comedy, so I would steer people towards Zanie’s comedy club. I go there at least once a month and enjoy all of the comics that come and perform.

If anyone were to go to Broadway, I would encourage to go during the afternoon/late evening. It is much more laid back in the afternoon than it is during the evening, but it is still really fun to look around and find good music.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would love to give a shoutout to my home state, Wisconsin, for giving me support and many opportunities early on in my career, especially in the South-Central area of the state. The two regional bands, Shotgun Jane and Spitfire Rodeo, gave me a platform to showcase my vocal ability and stage presence while being a part of their acts as one of the singers. Late nights in bars playing three to four hours with some of my favorite people are some core memories from my high school years. I would like to also thank a local radio station, Max Ink Radio with Rokker, Jimmy K and Teri Barr, who are HUGE supporters of my music and play me in their rotation. I have been in the studio many times to keep them updated with my career and it is always a blast! I would like to also thank my local mentor in Wisconsin: Derek Ramnarace. Him and I met around eight years ago and he has been a huge help to me and my career. I truly wouldn’t be where I am today without Derek and the opportunities, shows and advice he has sent my way.

Website: https://www.kaylinkole.com

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KaylinKoleMusic/videos/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@KaylinKole

Image Credits
All photos were taken by CJ Horton (Instagram @cjhorton_photo)