Kay: Too Blessed To Be Stressed

Canadian singer-songwriter, Kay, nee’ Boutilier, or as she’s professionally known: My Name Is Kay, was born and raised on Cape Breton. The Reserve Mines’ native, finally left the island after high school graduation, eventually settling in Vancouver, British Columbia. “My Name Is Kay,” her Canadian Hot 100 debut single and its accompanying music video clip, quickly became a YouTube sensation, amassing over 480,000 hits worldwide, and the rest — as it is said — is history…still in the making!

You literally just dropped your “official” full-length solo offering My Name Is Kay — Although pretty self-explanatory, please still tell me why you opted to title the record this?

It felt like the perfect title for my first album.

How does My Name Is Kay either differ and/or compare to previous Kay releases?

It’s my first full length album.

On My Name Is Kay, you managed to enlist a few high profile cameo appearances; Ryan Tedder of OneRepublic, Pusha T and the rap legend Kurtis Blow — That being said, how were you even able to make these collabos actually come to fruition?

Collaborations are so much more than what meets the eye. For a new artist, they are such a gift.

How would classify the style of music that you create and perform?

It’s everything I love; dance, pop and a MC influenced (style). I started off as a drum and bass MC, so I feel like that part of me is a constant in my writing style and performances.

Do you have any additional outside aspirations, maybe even completely away from entertainment?

Yes, of course! I am working on a lot of different projects. I have a TV project in the works, I am writing my book, I also love fashion and the restaurant industry. So, we’ll see where those roads lead me.

To date, what has been your biggest career moment?

I love performing at WE DAY (events) [http://www.weday.com] — They are exactly what I want to be doing! Music and helping others in a positive way.

Longevity, what has been the key to yours thus far? And, of course, what will continue to sustain you in this grueling business of music?

(My) motto is “Never Stand Still” — Keep going, keep moving! In my life, I have been through peaks and valleys, but each year the valleys aren’t as low and the peaks get higher.

Reflecting, how did you discover your musical talent?

My mom and pops used to play artists; The Beatles and Dolly Parton, on their record player, and I started playing those songs on our piano by ear. That started when I was about 5, and I’ve never stopped performing since.

Who have been your greatest inspirations musically and why?

Artists who blow my mind! I love artists that are great a storytelling, too. People like Drake, (Azealia) Banks, and Twin Shadow, have a way of telling life experiences in such a beautiful way.

What do you feel you offer the music industry that we don’t already have in other performers?

I think it’s pretty obvious if you pay attention to my music, lyrics or my Twitter feed. I’ve got my own unique view on life that I used to think was so out-there and weird, but I am starting to realize how many people relate to my life experiences and I’m not alone at all.

Have you encountered any problems in getting to this point in your career?

Lets be real here…I’ve been homeless, I’ve been broke (and) I’ve toured the world with less money in my account then someone who works at McDonald’s. That’s no disrespect to McDonald’s’ employees, that’s just the shit that most artists pretend doesn’t happen. Like my mum would say, “Life ain’t for sissies!” and it ain’t. I will say that my life changed when I started caring about the company I kept. Now, I have amazing management and friends that inspire me everyday. Oh, and I started listening to my mum and pops — They actually know some stuff.

What do you want people get from your music?

I want people to feel it in their gut and their hearts. That is when you know you’ve done a good job.

When can we expect some new music from you?

My newest video “The Thrill” dropped November 5th.

What has been your greatest achievement so far?

I’m the kind (of) person who is never satisfied and doesn’t really stop to smell the roses — I’m working on that, so I’ll get back to you.

If you could collaborate with one artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?

Dolly Parton or The Beatles — My parents would finally be proud of me! 😛

If you could play any venue in the world, which one would you choose and why?

Probably some old church in England.

One track of yours that you think defines you and why?

Right now, I would say…”Because of You” and “Ain’t Gonna Cry,” because I have boy problems! *Kay giggles*