Kayla Barone More Sugar January 2017

Kayla Barone “ElectoPops” the Hudson Valley’s Music Scene!

Written by Jacque Roche

Dear readers I confess, it’s been more than 1,920 hours since my last article. December 21st was the Kayla Barone interview on WPWL 103.7 at Pawling Public Radio.  Best known as Kay, this 18 year old singer/songwriter has reignited the flame of insomnia compelling me to put fingers to keyboard and tell you all about her raw, expressive talent.

To think it all started with the receipt of another “golden email” that arrived mid-November and drew me in with Kay’s refreshing prose. She very positively (and a bit defiantly) stated that she was going to succeed in music -- no matter what!  I was impressed by her self-confidence and eagerly clicked the link - - to an electronica pop song!  Well, in all fairness, the production value was great.  However, this wasn’t the genre of music we typically spin. Wishing Kay the best I sent off my sincere regrets.  Undeterred and with a razor point focus towards her goal, Kayla attached a different song to another compelling email and she hooked me!

While researching, I came across Privileged.Productions’ July 2016 blog comparing Kayla’s sound to Lana Del Rey, Florence + the Machine and Amy Winehouse along with the upbeat blending of Halsey and Melanie Martinez.  Listening in the studio that night I couldn’t have agreed more with author, Robert Chandler’s spot on comparison!

Kay’s lyrics and vocals are a juxtaposition of dark, mysterious “electro pop” with a jazzy twist.  This Kayla’esqu package is very different from what we are currently hearing in the Hudson Valley’s Indie Music scene.

Primarily self-taught, Kay plays keyboard and guitar with a “kick start” of lessons. Her mom, Susan tells that they have purchased recording equipment so that Kay can work at home.  This prolific writer is frequently found at The Loft studios in Bronxville, NY.  As you can imagine, there is a significant amount of travel and expenses as Kayla is writing and recording on a weekly basis. To help with expenses the family has set up a Go Fund Me page to subsidize Kay’s ambitions. https://www.gofundme.com/kay-ep

If you were as inspired by this article and want to keep up with Kayla Barone you can follow on her “favorite medium,” Instagram at krbmusic.  Keep up with her weekly music video uploads and please be sure to LIKE her on the Facebook music page simply entitled, “Kay.”

If you’d like to listen to Kay’s Dec 21st interview on Facebook, visit Jacque's Giant Hudson Valley Music Show on 103.7 WPWL or mixcloud.com.  Kay will be performing live Friday, January 20th in our Music Hall Showcase, from 8-10 pm. The public is invited to participate. We are asking for a $10 donation to support the station at 26 E Main St., Pawling, NY.

Jacque Roche is a “More Sugar” contributor, author of a weekly “Positive Insights” newsletter, a booking agent, FB Jedi Master and host of the WPWL radio program, Jacque’s Giant Hudson Valley Music Show on Thursday nights at 8-9 pm, streaming on www.pawlingpublicradio.org.  Can I tell your story?  Send an email to: jacquebutterflypresents@gmail.com