I did get to hear some early unfinished tracks from Kayla’s album last year, but never had the chance to hear her sing live. I was missing out. Not only is she one of the most down to earth people I’ve met;  she is one of the most talented, too. While she only had the chance to do a few songs for her sound check before her sold-out party, The Keene, Ontario native’s vocals were impressive even with the empty club.  We filmed an exclusive video of her covering Sugarland’s “Stay” from her sound check, and while the video quality isn’t the best… it’s the vocals that give you chills. This was just the sound check in an empty club! When she performed her cover of “Stay” live in the packed “The Venue,” the place went silent and she had every fan’s full attention in the two-story night club – even the bar staff and a Bachelorette party!

The party had to be changed from a 19+ event to an all-ages wristband event just by pure demand. While tickets were sold in advance of the event, they continued to sell by the hundreds at the door up to an hour before her performance. With her boyfriend Jon DJing the event before and after the performances, and doing double duty as the night’s emcee, it really was a night to remember for all involved. Country music isn’t the easiest genre to bust into if you’re from Canada, but there is honestly no way this girl doesn’t make it big one day.

When Kayla came out to the stage she took control of the room with her energy, great smile, jeweled-up microphone and spot-on vocals. She is a ballad singer, and even if she doesn’t realize that part yet, it’s the ballads where her voice does it’s magic. That’s not to say she wasn’t great on the fast paced songs, including fiery covers of Miranda Lambert’s “Kerosene” and “Gunpowder & Lead,” but it’s the moments like the title track of “Never Really Gone” where she brought Donny Anderson on to the stage where she really shines. In a world of auto-tune and lip synching, Kayla is a very welcomed change to country music today. There’s not many artists out there today that can stand up to her vocals.

Her show had an interesting opener lineup: Tyler Wilson and his girl Dee performed a short acoustic set of 3 covers and 3 original songs, while producer Donny Anderson also took the stage for his turn with a small preview of his upcoming album on the still-unannounced major label. His album will be due out this Fall. Her set included a Carrie Underwood-esque outfit change half-way through with a small break for her and the band, before they exploded back on the stage.

Her concert also included a good cover of “Walking in Memphis” which you can see on our YouTube channel as well.

For more information on Kayla, and to get a copy of her debut album, add her on her official Facebook and Twitter pages:

www.facebook.com/pages/Kayla-Coburn-Music/
twitter.com/kaylacoburn

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Since most people aren’t familiar with you just yet, how would you describe yourself as an artist and your sound?

I would have to say that I’m a Canadian Country Singer-Songwriter. My style is new wave country, with a touch of soul and old country influence.

You’ve been working on your debut album for a little while now. What can fans expect to hear from your first album, and is there any track that you’d think of as your favorite?

Yeah, this has been almost a 2 year process, and its been an amazing learning experience. The Album is made up of some songs that I co-wrote. I was so lucky to get to work with such amazingly talented people like Patricia Conroy (Canadian Singer/songwriter) Josiah Rosen (of Augustana) Donny Anderson (Canadian Singer/Songwriter) and many others! A few of the songs were written by some very talented writers in Nashville, and I have one surprise cover song on there too. I think this album really showcases my fun side but I also think fans will be able to see my real love is a pretty ballad.

As for a favourite, that’s so hard to say! I love the title track “Never Really Gone” because its the first song that Donny Anderson ( Canadian Singer/songwriter and Producer) and I wrote together. He does an amazing vocal feature on that track. I also have a strong love for “Rebel” (Kayla Coburn, Donny Anderson and Neal Carpenter) because it was written about my relationship with my sister and it really came from the heart. Its probably the most personal song I wrote on the album.

What or who would you say is your biggest inspiration and keeps you following your dream? What has discouraged you?

I would  have to credit my Grandma (Jackie Coburn) and family for always inspiring and supporting me with my music. I believe family and friends are the people who have gotten me through the hard learning experiences, and helped me to reach my goals. My producer, Donny Anderson, has been such an inspiration as well. I admire his passion and his work ethic. He has definitely been a great friend and mentor. I have also been so inspired by all the amazing country artists who have paved the way.
As for discouraging experiences, I think we all have ups and downs but the most important thing is what you do after the discouragement. Just keep positive! I truly believe that positivity brings positive things. so I try to keep my chin up the best I can and focus on the good.

If you could write with any one artist, alive or dead, who would it be and why? What would you call the song?

I would have to say its a tie! Kris Kristofferson and Miranda Lambert. I chose Kris because he has written so many country classics that speak to all of us; as a writer he has a way of grabbing your heart and not letting go until the end of the song. He is such a captivating writer. I chose Miranda because she is such a strong female influence in country music today. And she seems like she’d be a fun person to work with. I think her writing style is so poetic and abstract, she seems to write from such an eye opening place. I think both of these artists could teach me so much. I don’t know what I’d call the songs but I would love to write ballads with both of these amazing writers.

What is it about country music that you love so much? When was it that you decided to be an artist?

Country Music has been a part of my life since I was born. My Grandma sang country music, and so does my Dad, so I guess it runs in the family. I decided to be a country artist when I was 7 years old. At that time I wanted to be the next Shania Twain or LeAnn Rimes. I feel like country music reminds me of home and my life experiences; I can always seem to match a country song to my memories. I love to sing country music because it just feels right.

What’s the best piece of advice anyone’s ever given to you?

“Keep God close and He’ll never steer you wrong” -Jackie Coburn

“Sleeping all day is not a lifestyle, not a productive one anyway. You gotta work hard every day to reach your goals, never give up.” -Donny Anderson

These two stand out to me because my Grandma has been telling me that for as long as I can remember. And Donny’s advice struck me as funny, inspirational and so true. I hold this advice close because they both help me everyday to stay focused, keep an open heart and work hard become the best artist I can be.

And of course…when can we expect the album?

I’m so excited!! July 23rd is my Album Release Party!! Its being held at “The Venue” on George Street  in Peterborough, Ontario.

I want everyone to know how grateful I am that you have taken the time to read my interview! Thank you to my family, friends and fans for being a part of my journey. And Thank you to “Keepin it Country” for having me. I hope you all get a chance to check out my Debut Album “Never Really Gone” this summer.

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