An Interview with Kaela of M83
We had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with co-singer and keyboardist for the band, M83. She has also worked with familiar pop acts such as Troye Sivan and blackbear. Releasing her own music now, Kaela discusses her experience in the music industry and her new song, ‘Spiral‘.
What initially got you interested in music?
Kaela: I've been attracted to sound and vibrations and the emotion of sound since a really young age. It’s always been an interest. Learning piano was my gateway in. I thank my parents for letting me take piano lessons when I was 6! I had already been singing a lot so once I had an instrument to play I started singing even more. I think most people who love music know that the love of music is pretty innate.
How did you get your start in the music industry?
Kaela: I started playing shows in high school, then again in college, where I was studying music. My career right after graduating was a mixed bag of gigs, small tours, and teaching music lessons; until 2016 when I auditioned for and then joined M83. After that I went on my first major tour with M83. That was a pretty huge experience which opened up a lot of doors.
What do you consider some of your greatest achievements?
Kaela: Touring the world a couple times over is at the top of my list. It was amazing to play iconic venues like Red Rocks and The Greek here in LA. Anytime I put out a song I like I consider it a career achievement, so I’d put my new song Spiral on that list as well.
What are some goals you have set for yourself?
Kaela: I want to be touring on a larger scale with my own music. I want a million streams on one of my songs. I want to finish my album! I set myself the goal of producing and mixing this album by myself. I mixed Spiral and that was a fun challenge. I still have a lot to learn though.
What are some challenges you’ve faced in the music industry?
Kaela: There have been many challenges over the years. I think it’s really about endurance and keeping the faith in yourself and what you do. It’s an uphill battle trying to make a living as a musician, especially in the beginning. I’ve also fought to do things that are out of the box and based purely on my own creative whims. Doing your own thing pays off, but it takes time to make people notice.
What advice do you have for aspiring female musicians
Kaela: The world needs women that believe in their voice and their vision. The music industry doesn’t make as much space for female musicians and artists as it does for males, but every female or female-identifying person in this industry that is out there doing it creates a space that can then forever be filled by females going forward. So my advice is, make your own space and get to know what it looks like because you are defining it.
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