Today we’d like to introduce you to Kierra Ferrell.
Hi Kierra, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
At an early age, I use to travel with my dad and his gospel group “The Gospel Harmonizers” of Opelika, AL to different cities and states for church singings and concerts. My dad used to take me with him while my mom worked. He’d sit me in my car seat on stage while him and his group perform. I was only three months at the time. Everywhere the Harmonizers went I went. The group members helped care for me while on the road. I was considered the Harmonizers baby. At the age of nine, I became interested in playing an instrument. At the time, I didn’t know which instrument I wanted to play; I just knew I wanted to play one. So one day, I decided to go sit in at my dad’s group rehearsal. Their pianist sat me down and showed me how to play “Amazing Grace”. The gift was already within me. I say that because every note and chord he showed me, I was able to memorize it and play it. He notice I had an ear for music and believed the piano was the right instrument for me. So later that week, my parents purchased me a keyboard. Every day I’d practice for hours. I couldn’t read music so I taught myself how to play by ear and anything I heard, I was able to play it.
At the age of 14, I was put on program at my home church (New Mt. Sellers Baptist Church) to play a song for Youth Day. I was nervous and afraid but once I started playing and saw the crowd was into it, all of that went away. I’m glad I was put on the program at an early age because that helped me overcome my fears and it prepared me to be ready for what God really had in store for me. After that, on Sunday I’d go visit different churches in the area. If they didn’t have a musician, I’d ask if I could play. I did that for a while because at the time I felt like I wasn’t good enough to play for any church full-time because I was still learning. So as years went by, I start getting better on my instrument. I started playing full-time at Sardis Baptist Church where I was their musician for ten years. Throughout those years, I learned how to direct, teach voices, and I also taught myself how to play drums. I notice I had an amazing ear and could play just about anything I heard. I can tell when something is off or in the wrong key. I can even hear things others can’t hear. Not only did God just give me one talent, he gave me multiple musical gifts.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
It definitely haven’t been a smooth road. From not having much support, no motivation, or encouragement from anyone, really just made me want to give up on everything. But I decided I wasn’t going to give up, and I wasn’t going to give in. I prayed and I put my trust in God and decided I wasn’t going to give up. I had to remind myself, no matter what’s going on in life or how bad it may seem, to always keep my faith in God and don’t give up on God because he won’t give up on me. I then wrote my first song called “Keep Your Faith” from then on I kept writing songs. I wrote I’ve Tried Jesus”, “Thank You Lord”, I Love You Lord”, and “You’ve Been Good”. During that time, I taught myself how to make beats, produce, and record. I was then giving the name “Ladykeyz”.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
The thing you all should know about my work as a musician/ songwriter is I enjoy playing the piano at church every Sunday. I’m more focused on songwriting right now. That’s where I’m at now with music. I would love to go further and be able to write songs for different gospel groups, gospel artists, and r&b artists. My unlimited goal is to have them song by someone famous or be a theme song for television, movies, or plays. I don’t have a degree in music, but I’ve taught several of younger people how to play the piano and drums and they’re currently playing at a church. I’m also teaching my son how to play drums. He’s only four years old but he’s playing on an 8 year old level. I will continue to work hard as a musician and songwriter and I will also continue to teach any youth who’s interested in learning about music.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
If anyone wants to support or collaborate with me, or if anyone is looking for a songwriter, they can contact me by email, Instagram, or Facebook.
Contact Info:
- Email: ladykeyz2018.kf@gmail.com & ferrellkierra33@gmail.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LadyKeyz2U & https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063528488281
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/kierra_ladykeyz?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
Image Credits
Email: ladykeyz2018.kf@gmail.com Instagram: Kierra_ladykeyz Facebook: Kierra LadyKeyz Ferrell Facebook: www.Facebook.com/LadyKeyzProductions
