Country/Rock/Soul Vocalist.

Interview by: Tim Brown

Hi, Please Introduce yourself..

Thanks so much for having me here today!
I’m KayeCee Austin.
I am a Country/Rock/Soul Vocalist.
However, due to my love for anything that involves  creating and making a difference in the lives of others; I am also a Music & Vocal Producer/Songwriter/Speaker/Author/Podcast Host/Blogger and
Retired Army Veteran.

1-When and why did you start singing, performing and songwriting? 

I began formally singing at the age of nine but my love for the art of using one’s vocal instrument to deliver a message began at the age of three. I was seriously obsessed with music as a whole.
I was inspired to begin singing and writing due to the example my Mother, Marcy D. Luarks set for me. She was an International vocal recording artist in the early to late 80s. She performed and was an influencer in Nigeria, the UK and the Middle East.
Her genres of music were Inspirational Soul/Disco/Funk.
At the age of eighteen she had a
dream of making a difference on an international level so she left her home in Topeka, Kansas and became a missionary. She traveled to Africa where her music career began.

2-Which famous musicians do you admire? Why? 

My Mother was obviously my first hero but her genuine love for music in many genres opened me up to admiring artists across many spectrums. To name a few, Jeffrey Osborne, The Black Crows, Celine Dion, Whitney Houston, Foreigner, The Temptations, The Beach Boys, Bonnie Raitt and Jodee Messina.

3-Were you influenced by old records & tapes? Which ones? What makes this kind of music “good” to you?

Certainly! I was very much influenced by the work of the aforementioned artists due to the genuine way in which they were all able to deliver a message. Yes, many of us know that music and songwriting are one of the best universal ways of delivering a message but I have always been impressed by artists who can deliver that message in an authentic way even if they didn’t write the song.

4-Have you been in competitions? Any prizes?

I have actually! My two most memorable competitions are actually near and dear to my heart for an interesting reason. I won both of the competitions and the prize each time was $1000. It was amazing! However, what I loved and the reason I entered was that they were the contests that stipulated that $500 dollars would go to the winner and $500 would go to the winner “to share with their place of business!”
What made that so great is that each time it reeeeeaaally encouraged my coworkers to come out and root me on! The joint “incentive” thing really works. I am a witness! Twice! Haha.

5. Let’s Talk about your music and your current work. Tell us about that.

My recent project is humbling due to the fact that although I have been in the music industry for over 20 years this is going to be the first musical project that focuses on me as an artist. Many who know me know me as a music and vocal producer, arranger and songwriter.
This project has been a long time coming and I am truly blessed for the support of everyone who has continued to give it.
It is partly a musical legacy tribute to my mother as well as a coming out project for myself. The project is titled: “That Girl From Kansas”.
Kansas is my home state as well as that of my late Mother.

6-Do you perform in public? Describe those occasions? Concerts, radio, TV.

I do perform in public.  I enjoy it 100 percent! There’s nothing like it. It is an honor and humbling knowing that someone thought enough of you and your craft to come out and pay to watch you perform.

7-How do you feel about the internet in the music business? 

I adore the internet in regards to musicians and the music industry. It has opened so many doors that were once closed to many artists and creators.

8-What are the plans for the future? 

My plans are to enjoy and learn from every step of this journey and everyone that crosses my path!

Instagram: @KayeCeeAustinMusic

Twitter: @KayeCeeAustinMusic

Facebook: KayeCee Management Firm