Kaysha LeeI first heard about Kaysha through a good musical friend of mine, SoJay.
SoJay and Kaysha put together a weekly re-occurring venue called FemSoul
which brought in great numbers of people excited to see two of Toronto's
greatest soul queens. Kaysha was looking to get music video done for her
single "Happy Holiday". SoJay brought her to me and my editing company
SphinxPhilmz. With the thought of working on her video I decided to
research her a bit more and came to that usual conclusion which caused my
to start Hearing Aid... Why does such talented artists continue to fly
under the radar? Her voice is sweet like chocolate.
It is said that the eyes are the windows to the soul. But the windows to
Kaysha Lee’s soul are her powerful voice, introspective lyrics and
harmonious melodies.
From learning to play piano at age six, to hearing her dad sing tunes from
their native Jamaica, music has always been in Kaysha’s life. It might
have been destined then that, at 15, Kaysha discovered her gift of
singing. Too shy for a solo spotlight, Kaysha nurtured her talent through
participation in gospel choirs. Eventually, she toured Canada, the U.S.
and France with the Nathaniel Dett Chorale, received a Gemini award as
part of the Sharon Riley and Faith Chorale and performed at Barack Obama’s
inauguration. At that time, Kaysha was also a vocal and piano theory
teacher. She credits these experiences with helping her to embark, in
summer 2009, on a solo career.
The journey hasn’t always been easy. Aside from vocal precautions, Kaysha
faces a different battle. In 2003, following two car accidents that
resulted in neck and lower back disc injuries, she was diagnosed with
fibromyalgia, which causes widespread chronic pain. The outcome saw Kaysha
taking many medications, until she decided on natural healing. She has
since cleansed her body of the pills, eats healthily and works out to
build muscle and reduce physical pain. Passion for music also allows
Kaysha to persevere.
Since going solo, Kaysha has released two singles: Pirates in the Ship,
(featuring rapper QuandoN), in May 2010 and, most recently, My Hearts
Crying Out For You, which is available through iTunes, YouTube, MySpace,
ReverbNation and other digital avenues. Having tested the waters, Kaysha
pre-released her mixtape, Undefined, in London, England in September 2010
and released it in Toronto in October 2010. Two copies are available, one
with DJs and sound effects and one without. With a fusion of mid to
up-tempo reggae and soul-influenced R-B, Kaysha’s song topics range from
the ups and downs of life to love. She will also incorporate her classical
piano training and the guitar (which she is learning) when she releases
her EP in early 2011.
Kaysha also recognizes the importance stage presence. As a mesmerizing
live entertainer, she’s performed at Toronto outlets such as Afrofest,
Trane Studio jazz lounge, Follow Your Instinct’s talent showcase, and
Weekly Wednesdays’ Haiti relief efforts. She’s also displayed her ability
during one of New York City’s most well known open mic nights at the
Village Underground. In September 2010, she performed in England at a
successful showcase. During the trip, she also conducted media interviews
and collaborated with British artists. She is on the Toronto performance
circuit until December 2010.
With an infectious sound, stunning looks and a charming personality,
Kaysha Lee is letting the world see her soul, one lyric at a time.
CR: Kaysha, I wanna thank you for taking time out of your schedule to talk
with me and to RogueMag. How Are You?
Kaysha: Np its my pleasure to be here.
CR:...iiight lets do this!!! Aside from music and what is written in your
bio, tell us something about you that your fans don’t know.
Kaysha: I like to eat limes, from the Jamaican lime tree. I'm sure thats
not in my bio. I like the alto Sax Thats not in the bio either Oh and I
really used to like video games as a child. Mario Brothers forever.
CR: As an artist, the musical journey is a long (trust me I know) and can
not be done by oneself. Who are some of the people in your life who have
supported you and continue to support you through you musical career.
Kaysha: My Parents have supported musically since i was a child when they
bought
me my piano. My childhood friend Ebony Bryan,
Ali Garrison and Angela Hawleshka both classical singers and teachers. Both
phenomenal woman who were there for me at my sickest state to help uplift
me. Brainerd Blyden Taylor of The Nathaniel Dett Chorale for the
professional singing opportunity although he knew i was not well enough to
sustain consistent vigorous singing at the time. Lindo P for encouraging
me to record as much
as possible and to put out music.
CR: So...At what point in your life did you know you wanted to pursue a
musical career and realize that you had what it takes to succeed in the
messed up industry.
Kaysha: 2 years ago I decided I wanted to be rid of the shyness and
insecurities
and become a solo singer. My health was getting
better the more i seek knowledge of self and seek the teachings of
Emperor Haile Selassie I, and learnt about a healthy style of
living. Once I got to a level of strength after the first year I took the
advice of my good friend and started to record on riddims .
CR: What experience do you value more and in turn get more personal
satisfaction from as an artist: The creative process of making a song from
the thoughts, inspirations and and feelings to the writing, producing
and/or recording of that song OR performing the the finished track at one
of your live shows and feeling/seeing the crowds positive reaction and
love for your musical genius.
Kaysha: Producing your music and performing your music are like a marriage
I have
learned. If you onl produced and don't perform there will be a small void
and the same the other way around. Life must come full circle. Music is
Life.
CR: With the emergence of Online Independent Music Labels such as iTunes
that can market/promote music primarily through the internet medium via
the assistance of the burgeoning online communication networks such as
myspace.com, do you think that the major record labels in the world will
eventually cease to be the gatekeepers to musicians seeking lucrative
sales and worldwide acclaim.
Kaysha: No, Physical distribution will always be a must for music lovers.
Jobs
need a redefinition probably. Emphasis switch... The system will always
try to control. It's probably the biggest labels from back in the day who
run itunes lol ... jokes but maybe i should look that up it might be true.
CR: For all of our readers who will hear some of your songs, read the
interview and become instant fans; tell them where they can learn more
about you, your music, any upcoming projects, events or albums. Tell
everyone your website addresses?
Kaysha: You can link me at www.KayshaLee.com where you will find the link
to the social networking sites.
CR: Cool, on behalf of the RogueMag Familia I wanna personally thank you
for taking the time out to chit-chat with me. Keep on pushing and we will
work together again!!!
Kaysha: Thank you for taking an interest It's Journalist like you that
help us the emerging artist to get love for music out there. One Love Bless
