Stunningly long haired, 17 year old pop recording artist and songwriter, Kaitlyn Mann arranges and programs all of her original songs.
Kaitlyn started playing piano at the age of six and has won international piano competitions with performances at Carnegie Hall in New York City.
In this interview spotlight, I chat with Kaitlyn about motivations, challenges, her latest project and more.
Full Q&A along with links and music below.
Where are you from and what style of music do you create? (In your own words, not necessarily in marketing terms or by popular genre classifications.)
Hi! I am from New York City born and raised! My music is electronic and dance-pop, I think. It depends on the song. Sometimes it’s more acoustic as in, “Blood and the Butterfly”. Most times, it’s way more digital and dance-y like my latest single, “Get Down”. I write my songs based on a vibe, the music usually comes first. That sets the tone for what comes next. I always try to communicate a story or feeling in my songs.
What led you down this path of music and what motivates you to keep going?
That’s quite the question! I started playing piano when I was 6 years old after being blown away by a jazz pianist at a live event. . . even though I ended up studying classical music and not jazz! I won some piano competitions and was performing at Carnegie Hall, but I was always listening to pop music. I loved Kesha, Usher, Fleetwood Mac, and Lady Gaga. I was enamored with the way their music would touch me. I wanted to do that!
When I was 13 I started writing my own songs and met Sterling Campbell (drummer for B-52’s, David Bowie, Cyndi Lauper, and Duran Duran) who mentored me in using music software. Up until that point I was writing with only the piano and my voice. When I was 15, Sterling introduced me to his friend, Grammy Award winning mixer/engineer Mario J. McNulty who further mentored me and mixed a number of my songs. I have been fortunate to have wonderful people in my life who are in the music business and my first song was mixed by 8-time Grammy Award winning mixer/engineer Kevin Killen. Kevin connected me with brilliant musicians who played on some of my tracks. These guys are all my family and I love them dearly.
I do feel that it’s passion and discipline that keeps me grinding. I think in order to be good at something and to be successful, you really need to work for it. For me, I think relying on motivation isn’t very reliable. Sometimes you just need to work! I want my music to be there for people, to affect them, to make a difference in their lives. That keeps me going!
How is this new release different than previous ones? Were you trying to accomplish anything specific?
I wanted to do a song that makes people want to get up and dance. “Get Down” is different in that it is my first song where the chorus is focused around the instrumental riff. It’s probably my most empowering song so far. It’s all about being confident in who you are and having a good time. What you bring isn’t lessened by what other people do.
Name one or two challenges you face as an indie musician in this oversaturated, digital music age? How has technology helped you (since we know it does help)?
One of my biggest struggles is getting people’s attention!! People obviously (and understandably) want to listen to the artists that they already know and love. It’s difficult to even get people to click the ‘play’ button on something new. I really appreciate the exposure that your blog gives to indie artists!
Another challenge is that my hair has never been cut so that draws a lot of attention, but not always to my music ☹ It’s a little frustrating at times, but I do love my hair!
Technology is the greatest!! I always record rough ideas of my songs onto my phone. That’s phenomenal for remembering and hearing it back fresh to see if it sounds as good as you thought it did. Because of technology, I have been able to listen to music from around the world and different genre’s and time periods to expand my working music knowledge. It’s been incredible! Plus, I record and produce everything in my home studio (in my dining room😊) and I arrange my songs in music software, specifically Ableton Live and Avid Pro Tools. I have never recorded in an actual ‘studio’. I am also able to work with musicians on my tracks who are touring and all over the world to get them to play on my songs. I send them stems of what I would like them to play and they are able to play it on acoustic instruments and send it back to me. It’s amazing!!!
Social media and streaming are a huge benefit as well since you can stream my music on Spotify/iTunes/SoundCloud or do a live stream and have 500 people tune in to my performance. I have fans who I have never met on social media.
Where is the best place to connect with you online and discover more music?
Probably SoundCloud or other streaming service (iTunes, Spotify, Amazon, etc.) and my Instagram @kaitlynrmann is always poppin😊
My “Make Me Crave” music video is up on YouTube and the “Get Down” music video should be out sometime in April or May.
Anything else before we sign off?
Yes! Keep your eyes peeled for my next 2 singles, “Irresistible” and “Money” late spring 2018. I’m super excited about them. “Irresistible” is a moody, dark-pop electronic song about what your perception is of someone that you love/admire versus who they actually are and what you will sacrifice to be with them. “Money” is a complete mockery of the entitled rich person stereotype and the pursuit of gettin’ paper cha-ching!!!
My next shows are at the Naumburg Bandshell in Central Park, NYC on April 12th, and May 21st. All shows are at 2 and 4:30 pm and are FREE. So come on down if you are in town!
Thank you so much for having me!!!
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