10 Ladies - 10 Questions - Kayla Williams
Welcome to the BRD Original Series - 10 Ladies - 10 Questions!
Hey everyone! Do you like music? Of course you do! Perhaps you remember our last series entitled "10 Punks, 10 Questions." It was a great time and highlighted many of the great punk rock musicians in our province. The only problem was, much like the parties I hosted as a 20 year old, it was a total bro fest. Not that there's anything wrong with that but anyone who's been out to a show in Alberta can confirm that is only a small sliver of what this great scene has to offer. This new series will focus on 10 rad ladies in the Alberta music scene and I hope you find your new favourite artist over the next 2 weeks! So once again, I implore you to hop into your coziest of PJ pants, grab a Radler, and prepare to be entertained!
We are going to kick off the series right here in Sunny Red Deer! Fresh off the release of a brand new single (check it out below), Kayla Williams is flipping the bird to the virus and having herself one helluva 2020. She took a few minutes from her busy schedule, including a sold out single release show at Bo's Bar and Stage, to have a quick visit with your old friend Josher. Enjoy!
BRUTAL REALITY DIGEST: Identify yourself, your band, and your weapon of choice.
KAYLA WILLIAMS: Kayla Williams, Artist...also Kayla Williams (sometimes play with my band the End Fingers.) I sing, play keys and write songs.
BRD: What is your favourite part about the city you live in?
KW: I’m currently floating in between cities but in regards to Red Deer, I love the support of the music community and community in general. People are so there for each other!
BRD: What’s the least favourite part about the city you live in?
KW: Again, in regards to the Deer my biggest qualm is it needs better/more clothing store options! Haha!
BRD: What is a movie quote you find yourself quoting the most?
KW: “Helooooooo”, “MURDER!” and “AHHHH! Layla! Get back in your cell, don’t make me get the hose!”
The best movie of all time- Mrs. Doubtfire
BRD: What was the first song you learned how to play?
KW: The first song I learned to sing was “You are my Sunshine." The first song I learned to play on piano was probably “Ode to Joy” or “Old MacDonald”, you know, the hits.
BRD: If you could perform a duet with any musician in history, who would you choose?
KW: Brian Wilson, no question. He’s a legend.
BRD: What was the funnest show you ever played? (Good English, Josh)
KW: *Most fun, and for my solo career it was the 2019 Canada Winter Games closing ceremonies. Took place at the Enmax Centrium and was filmed for TSN, only one song but damn that was the biggest stage high I’ve ever felt!
BRD: What was your most embarrassing moment on stage?
KW: There’s so many lol but we’ll go with falling off the stage and recently someone yelling something on stage which I thought was "She's single" to which I prattled on about being single. This is not in fact what they yelled.
BRD: What is one cover song that you absolutely refuse to play?
KW: Free bird. Every musician gets this request. I also won’t play Tom Petty songs.
BRD: What are you most excited for as we finish off 2020?
KW: On October 23 my newest single, “Stealing from My Youth” was released! That same day I played a sold out real, in person show which is insane! I wrote this song in the midst of the chaos of COVID when we were mostly housebound. In many ways, not being able to live life 'normally' being around friends and playing shows felt like there were days being taken from me, like the pandemic was stealing from my youth. It represents the frustration and isolation of the current circumstances, but remains hopeful that slowing down and going inward might be what the world needs.
Check out Kayla's video interview with BRD below!