Interview with Kayley Bishop
Kayley Bishop is a pop country singer.
Why did you want to do music professionally?
When it comes to music, it's more than a "want" for me; it's a call on my life. I've never known a moment where I didn't believe I'd be sharing songs for the rest of my life, even dating back to when I was 3 or 4 years old. As I've grown older, experience is now showing me the responsibility of this platform and how my songs and message can impact and uplift in ways I couldn't imagine before. That potential impact is a big inspiration to keep me in pursuit of the stage. I know I've got lessons on lessons that I write into my songs. I believe those songs are meant for the breakthrough of those who hear them. I want people leaving my shows empowered to do the next best thing in their lives.
What inspires your music?
My personal life is a biggie here. I also get commissioned to write songs for others, putting their stories down because they don't have the skill to do so themselves. Sometimes they're songs of healing or songs of remembrance. Those are sweet songs. Sonically, my music is inspired by my favorite sounds of all time. Billy Joel, Fleetwood Mac, Dolly Parton, Aretha Franklin, Bob Seger, Alison Krauss... all artists with elements in their music that make me swoon. I'm always trying to chase those elements down.
What things get you in the mood to write songs, or do lyrics come spontaneously?
There are definitely methods to the madness of songwriting but ultimately this art is very subjective. What's not subjective is being disciplined in setting time aside to sit down and write even if the inspiration isn't there. The practice of song craft is just as important as honoring that blessed spontaneous inspiration that is just as fleeting as it is rare. If songwriters only wrote when inspiration struck, we'd have a lot less songs. Developing a story is more than a "aha" moment and for me, every possible scenario of writing a song is on my "how to" list because at the end of day, I'm in the business of creating, no matter how the song is made.
How do you want your music to affect people?
There's a Bob Seger review that struck me not too long ago. It said "Bob Seger's music is so joyously therapeutic that you'd think the American Psychiatric Assn would've slapped an injunction on him by now for practicing without a license... it's hard to come away from a Seger concert without feeling anything but uplifted." That's pretty much how I want my music to affect people.
Do you test out your songs before releasing them? How do you do this?
I'm constantly playing new songs out at writer's events and shows. I love trying out new material on different crowds and in different settings or venues. It gives me an idea of what hits and what doesn't, what's compelling and what's forgettable. I play often, so there's never a time I haven't played something before releasing it.
How do you prepare for a gig?
My routine could be a lot more efficient these days... I used to religiously warm up, but I've been more lax as of late. I play so frequently that I'm usually busy taking a call on the way to my gig. That being said, for bigger shows, I leave more time for prep. If I'm traveling, I also like to plan to present the host or booker with a little gift to thank them. The things rolling through my head pre-show typically consist of prayer, merch, set up, band members, how this show pushes the needle in my career, the legacy I want to leave on stage and more. Just constant thinking haha
What is your favorite song that you've written?
Hold on Honey. - an accidental write but one that seems dropped by heaven straight into my lap. My past, an apartment stoop and 30 minutes was all it took.
Has there been a reaction to one of your songs that you've been surprised by?
I'd say, I'm surprised quite a bit by audience reactions. Some songs inherently make people cry because of the lyrical content, but others that don't feel as impactful to me or my story can strike a chord with the most unbeseeming people. I love when those people are moved enough to approach me and thank me and share their story. It's just more confirmation that I'm on track.
What are some ways that you promote yourself?
I think my talent and voice tends to do a lot of legwork for me, but if it didn't, I'd probably be in a tough position because I'm not that great at talking highly about myself. (Yikes) I've gotten better at it but it's always been a challenge. That's being said, I'm in a season in my career where I'm really sensing the need to contend for my dream. No one is going to do that more ferociously than me, nor should they, but in order to go take my "promised land" I gotta slay giants. Sometimes that looks like me being confident in what I offer and believing that I could bring value to someone else and talking about it.
What would you say has been the biggest challenge of your career?
I've had many challenges along the way... low confidence, negative self-talk, bad alignments with people who were abusive, naivety in the industry and more. Subsequently, staying curious and coachable has helped me out of every single one of those pitfalls. Currently, my biggest hurdle has been my fear of failure. I've recently discovered that I've carried a long term limiting belief that my failure would be at my own hand or that I was bound to mess it up. I'm pretty deep in my faith and when I put this before God, He asked me this: "Why are you putting more faith in your ability to fail than my ability to have victory?"
Whenever I struggle, I go back to that question and it sets me straight.
What have been your favorite places to tour?
I LOVED the PNW when I toured there in the fall of 2019. I've honestly been so hungry to go back ever since. I was able to go around parts of Washington and just gush over the colors and beauty. Unforgettable. Second place beauty wise would be Utah/Idaho. Good golly, the landscape blew my mind.
Are there advantages to being an independent musician?
I own EVERYTHING. I run my day to day and decide where I go and who I work with. There is not a single soul in my way of what I want to do. That being said, it's not for the faint of heart. Not gonna lie, this girl is tired right now. However, I think God is taking me into a new season where I'll work with others in a different way. We shall see!