Kayla Waters
Washington, D.C., Washington, D.C., United States | Established. Jan 01, 2016 | INDIE
Music
Press
Up and Coming Pianist Kayla Waters to Release New Debut Album “APOGEE” on Feb. 24th, 2017
New Single “I Am” is Available NOW. Pre-Order “APOGEE” on Amazon & iTunes! - The Urban Music Scene
Discography
APOGEE (Debut Album Releasing 2.24.17)
Kayla Waters has a musical style that is unapologetically unique. It’s an effervescent mixture of contemporary jazz, soul, indie, rhythm and blues, and inspirational music. “APOGEE” is an astronomical term that refers to the point in orbit of a heavenly body, which is at its highest and most distant point from the earth. It is in essence, an apex or climactic moment in time and space. Kayla likens this to an awakening in oneself that can only be reached by communing with God, the Creator of the universe, and everything therein. Titles on the record reflect the destinations and points of interest on a journey through life. The record begins with "Earth Arrival" as Kayla confidently announces herself through "I Am." "Sunkissed" brings positive light and happiness, while "Heaven Is Here" consistently reminds us that one can experience the ever-present beauty of life and its blessings in this earthly realm. Other songs like "Freedom March" and "The Dream" let us know that we are not living in a perfect world, to press towards world freedom and live with purpose to fulfill our dreams. By the time we are re-energized by "Elevation Bop," it is time for us to experience "Spirit Awakening" and immerse ourselves in the newness of life, along with its regenerated thoughts, and greater awareness of who we are. It is only then that we are equipped to "Look To Love" as our guide and be inspired to love and be loved. Kayla encourages us to love even when it appears to be nonexistent or frozen on "Pluto Departure." Throughout Kayla Waters’ ground-breaking "Apogee" record, you can hear a consistent thread of triumphant rhythms, heartfelt melodies, chords and harmonies that lovingly weave themselves among the hearts, minds, and souls of the listeners to inspire them to deeper depths and higher heights.
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Bio
Hot new artist, Kayla Waters is an elite pianist, composer, songwriter, and performer. Recently landing a record deal with Trippin N’ Rhythm Records (SONY), Kayla’s new single "I Am" hit #1 on Billboard’s Most Increased Plays in Smooth Jazz just 10 days after its debut. Coupled with the release of her premier record APOGEE in February, success is indubitably on the way for this new artist. Kayla has eloquently found herself welcoming and utilizing a plethora of opportunities to tour the world and play with several musical legends and major recording artists. The distinctive list includes musical giants such as Stevie Wonder, Patrice Rushen, Avery*Sunshine, and Maysa Leak, to name a few. This past April, Kayla’s gifts garnered her national recognition on the BET television network’s highly acclaimed “Black Girls Rock”awards show. Kayla expertly played keyboards for the legendary Gladys Knight, Marsha Ambrosius, Corinne Bailey Rae, and Imani Uzuri. She was also a featured performing artist at the first annual Fender Rhodes Fest in Los Angeles, California last summer along with a host of stellar music contemporaries.
Kayla Waters, a classically trained child who grew up in a jazz household, is no stranger to the music world. Her parents observed the musical proclivities in their child from as early as 10-months old, when baby Kayla regularly found her way into the family living room and began “playing” the family’s Brentwood acoustic piano. Her parents enrolled her in piano lessons at the age of six. Since that pivotal moment, she instantly fell in love and began to master her musical gifts with excellence.
As the daughter of Kim Waters, international smooth jazz icon, Kayla closely observed the inner workings and processes of the music industry. While watching his career unfold, she soon became inspired to pursue a career as a solo piano artist. In addition to being featured on several of her father’s albums, she has performed with him at renowned concerts and jazz festivals worldwide. Collectively, these experiences nurtured her inner artistry, and served as critical preparation for Kayla’s evolution as an emerging composer
and songwriter.
When she is not performing, Kayla is busy serving as the Director of Music and Worship at Mount Vernon Place United Methodist Church in Washington, DC. She’s also the Music Director of the Howard University Early Learning Program, where she obtained her Bachelor of Music degree in Piano Performance (Summa Cum Laude). As a budding recording artist and producer, Kayla is also a member of the Grammy Recording Academy.
Kayla acknowledges that God is at the forefront of everything she does. It is He who orders her steps and for this she is eternally grateful.
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