Today we’d like to introduce you to Kami Hayes.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I’ve been singing for as long as I can remember, in the church choir, at talent shows, and in various groups; but I didn’t really see myself as a singer, singer until I got to college. I’d always had a love for music and was always musically inclined, but college was the place where the music came alive in me. I found an outlet to express myself and I met so many different people with different musical viewpoints and styles. That really lit a fire under me to focus and hone my craft. And because of many of those relationships, I’ve been fortunate enough to have been able to open for Faith Evans and Brian McKnight.
Currently, I am a singer with the baddest band with hands, Tallahassee Nights Live! Being a part of this group has allowed me to work with some of the best musicians, producers, and artists around and I’ve grown even more as singer and artist myself. As they say, iron sharpens iron.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Definitely not, but as Betty Wright said, “Anything worth having at all is worth working for and waiting for.” I’ve faced many challenges because…. life. Things happen—like children, like school, like work, like insecurities, like rejection, but whenever I considered giving up, something would happen, like a chance meeting with another creative or maybe a singing opportunity would fall into my lap, to let me know I was on the right path. I wouldn’t know how resilient I am had it not been for the challenges I’ve faced.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Kami Hayes – what should we know?
I am an R & B/Soul singer. I hope I make feel good music–the kind of music that makes you feel something way down deep on the inside. I really just want my music to touch people’s hearts. At a recent performance, the audience was singing MY song. I mean, they knew all the words, down to the ad-libs. I could’ve put the mic down and let them sing it. That made me proud, but more than that, I was really touched. It let me know I’m doing what I’m supposed to be doing. My single, Superstar, is available on all digital outlets. I’m really excited about it and recently learned it is doing well in the UK markets, but I’m ready to bring it home and share it with more people stateside.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Grit and grind. You have to have both in this business. You have to focus on what you want, study your craft and learn what it takes to get it, and then the real grind begins. I’ve had to develop that grit to handle rejection (because I’ve gotten a few no’s) and to help me keep going despite the no’s. I’ve had to really grind and work hard at this dream. Grinding now and developing a solid work ethic means I will have established good work habits to sustain me at each professional level I reach.
Contact Info:
- Email: kphayes31@gmail.com
- Instagram: kamiismusic
- Facebook: Kami Hayes Music
Image Credit:
Don Hayes, Andre Howard, Michael A Cork
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