I’ve hauled these instruments to jams, porches, and a few county fairs. I’ve cut my thumb, lost picks in the grass, and yes, played “Nine Pound Hammer” more times than I can count. Here’s what I’ve used and how they treat me—good and bad. If you want the full story of how I settled on …
Continue reading “I Picked, Plucked, and Thumped: My Real Take on Bluegrass Instruments”
I’m an indie singer who also raps a little. So yeah, I went to the Coast 2 Coast Music Conference in 2020. It’s usually in Miami. Most years the multi-day event brings together independent artists, producers, and industry pros for packed panels, showcases, and nonstop networking. If you’re curious how the in-person version feels, check …
Continue reading “Coast 2 Coast Music Conference 2020: My Real Take”
Note: This is a fictional first-person story meant for creative review. It uses real details about how these shows work. For a real-life version of this kind of night, peep the official recap written by an artist who actually ran through the same show. Why I even tried it I make rap songs in my …
Continue reading “Coast 2 Coast Music Group: My Night, My Notes”
I’m Kayla. I rap. I sing hooks. I also shoot and edit my own videos in Premiere and a little DaVinci. Last spring I sent my video, Midnight Drive, to the Coast 2 Coast Music Video Showcase. Then I went to the live night in Atlanta where they played it on the big screen. I …
Continue reading “I Entered the Coast 2 Coast Music Video Showcase — Here’s What Actually Happened”
I’m Kayla. I play a lot. I also lug cases through airports and up stairs. I’ve spent late nights in tiny tavernas, and warm mornings on a balcony with coffee and a tune. Greek instruments? They got me. They’re bright, proud, and a little stubborn. You know what? That’s why I like them. For a …
Continue reading “Greek Musical Instruments: My Hands-On Take”
I’m Kayla. I play winds. A lot of them. Some days my house sounds like a music store. Other days it’s just me, a squeaky reed, and my dog giving me the side-eye. Here’s what I’ve actually played, what I love, and what made me want a nap.If you want to see the running tally …
Continue reading “My Real-World Wind Instruments List (From My Mouth, Literally)”
I’m Kayla, and I’ve spent the last year with a house full of strings, reeds, and bamboo. I took weekend lessons at the Chinatown cultural center near me. My teacher, Ms. Lin, was kind but firm. I also rented gear, swapped tips with aunties after class, and yes—got blisters. This is not theory. This is …
Continue reading “I Lived With Traditional Chinese Instruments: What Sang, What Stung”
I’m Kayla, and yes, I’ve actually been on that stage. I did the Coast 2 Coast music contest twice. Once in Atlanta. Once in Houston. I went in nervous. I left with a camera roll full of videos, some new contacts, and very mixed feelings. (If you’re curious about how Coast 2 Coast Live got …
Continue reading “I Entered the Coast 2 Coast Music Contest: How It Really Went”
I spent a whole weekend at Music City Premier with our squad. I’m tired, a little hoarse, and still smiling. This event has a pulse. It’s loud, fast, and very Nashville. If you’d like the official Coast 2 Coast recap in their own words, give their write-up a read at Coast 2 Coast Preps: Music …
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I’m Kayla, and I have a small music corner at home. It has a ukulele, a piano keyboard, a harmonica, a recorder, a cajon, bongos, and a kalimba. Yes, it’s a lot. I like to test things. And I like quick wins. If you’re still weighing which beginner instrument to bring home, I found this …
Continue reading “I Tried a Bunch. Here’s the Easiest Instrument to Learn (For Real)”
