Kaylee Rutland may be new on the country front but she’s far from being a newbie when it comes to artistry. In fact, Rutland is wise beyond her years, which proves evident throughout her music. But it’s not only her music that helps the country newcomer get by. It’s her faith that she holds close to her heart. Her faith and belief in powerful artistry are what allows Rutland to have an unmistakeable connection with her listeners.
Success isn’t anything new for the “Pick Me Up” singer. She’s landed on the 2014 Billboard “Artists to Watch” list and scored a spot on Country Living Magazine’s 2017 “Artist To Watch”. The country superstar even earned a spot on tour with The Voice winner and contestant RaeLynn. Rutland also finished in the top 10 of the inaugural Nash Next competition thanks to her large following.
Needless to say, Rutland is well on her way to embarking on a successful career path. Her sweet charisma and powerhouse country talent have already come a long way since her start in Flower Mount, Texas and there is no sign of her slowing down anytime soon.
Beyond The Stage got to chat with Kaylee about her Texas roots, her faith, Reba and much more. Read our full interview below and don’t forget to listen to her latest single “Pick Me Up” on Apple Music.
BEYOND THE STAGE: You were raised in Flower Mount, Texas. What was it about Texas that made you fall in love with country music?
KAYLEE RUTLAND: Growing up in Texas, I listened to a lot of country music on the radio on the way to school in the morning and local fairs and festivals. It’s the culture I grew up in, so it’s always been a huge part of my life.
BTS: Who’s influenced you the most in your musical career and why?
KR: My favorite singer of all time is Reba McEntire and a lot of that comes from her business sense and how she’s outspoken about her faith. Both of those things put together are what I admire about her as a person and as an artist. Everything about her is an inspiration for me.
BTS: You make it so clear in everything you do that your faith is important to you. How does this help direct and guide you in your music career?
KR: My faith is part of the reason, if not the reason why I do music. The first time I ever sang in front of a crowd was a church musical when I was 8-years old, and if it hadn’t been for that, I wouldn’t be in music at all. But even today, I’ll write songs that are inspired by my faith or where I am with my relationship with God at the moment. It’s a driving force in my life knowing there is a future plan for me.
BTS: “Pick Me Up” is such a fun song that represents wanting to be free and to do something fun. What’s your favorite pick me up when you just want to let loose?
KR: It depends on the day, honestly. If it’s the first thing in the morning, coffee is something that motivates me to get started. But when it’s that Friday or end of the week feeling, one of my favorite things to do is going over to a friends house or it can be as simple as calling my parents after a hard day.
BTS: The music video for “Pick Me Up” is so fun and reminds us of summer. What was it like filming the video?
KR: It was a blast filming that video but it was also freezing cold. It was about 30 degrees when we filmed the video but the director and editor made it look so beautiful. But honestly, all I can remember is how funny it was when everyone huddled together between takes trying to get warm. Beside from that though, the crew was amazing and the cast was so much fun.
BTS: When it comes to performing with other artists, who would your dream collaboration be with and why?
KR: I would have to say, Reba. She’s got that incredible powerhouse voice and I’ve seen her perform live one time, and I would have to say that it was one of my favorite concerts I’ve ever attended. She was so energetic on stage and funny as she talked between songs. You get that sense when you watch her that she would be so much fun to perform with.
BTS: How do you think your music defines you? And what is the main message you want your audience to get from your music?
KR: A lot of what I try to do with songwriting is to try to get across an encouraging message. Even when it’s a sad song, I want whoever hears it to know they are never alone in experiencing the details of the song. I want my music to be appropriate for all ages and for younger audiences to relate to my music as well as older audiences. That was a huge part of what my life was like growing up and that plays into what my music is today.
BTS: What’s coming up for you in terms of music and touring? Are you in the process of recording an album? If so, what’s that creative process like?
KR: This summer, I am hoping to be going on a radio tour around the country. But I am always writing new music and I hope to have some new releases coming out later in 2017. There are a couple of new singles out right now, and I’m excited to bring some new things to the forefront in these next few months.
My creative process for the studio is a lot of fun. One of my favorite parts about it is the tracking and hearing a song that I’ve written and listening to the finishing product. I love recording and seeing it all come to life. it’s an incredible experience.
BTS: What is on your playlist right now?
KR: I am obsessed with “Something I’m Good At” by Brett Eldredge.
For more information about Kaylee, check out her website and keep up with her on Twitter.
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