Kayden Muller-Janssen: Evolution

Tell me your whole inception into the arts — When did you first become interested in them? And how did it all begin for Kayden Muller-Janssen?

I think the arts are something that always came naturally to me as a kid. My mom was always very open to us being creative in our household, so I tried all sorts of activities but acting and singing is what I fell in love with. Growing up, writing and singing really helped me cope with personal matters and process what I was feeling at the time. Music became a way for me to express myself, and I’m happy that people feel like they can relate to my songs. I also loved to watch shows / movies when I was young, and I always admired how actors had this ability to take on a whole different persona and portray a point of view that you wouldn’t normally see. I think music and acting came hand-in-hand for me, and it was the one career path I could see myself enjoying for the rest of my life.

Growing up in FL, who all did / do you consider to be your strongest influences?

I would definitely say my mom, dad and my sister were my strongest influences growing up. They were always very supportive and really pushed me to be the best that I could be. Without them, I don’t think I would have the career I do now and I am endlessly grateful for them. I will say, Ariana Grande was also a big role model for me. She’s originally from Florida, so to see her start as an actress on Nick and become one of the biggest pop stars in the world is just amazing, and I really looked up to her for that.

At what point in time did you even opt to pursue entertainment on a professional level?

When I received the opportunity to go to a showcase camp in Los Angeles, it was around the same time we decided to try and turn my passion into a career. The way everything fell into place for me really felt like this is what I was meant to do and wanted to pursue it on a professional level.

You also semi-recently dropped a single, “No Maybe,” from your forthcoming EP — Tell me about this track; how did it come to fruition?

“No Maybe” was one of the first songs I ever recorded in the studio. I was around 13 when I co-wrote with my friend and producer, Dustin Atlas, and at the time I was really frustrated with a boy I was dating and he wouldn’t give me a straightforward answer, so I made this song to pretty much tell him I want a yes or no, no maybe.

What all can you reveal and / or divulge about said upcoming EP?

I don’t want to spoil too much, but some of the songs that are in the EP were written over the past few years and recorded right before getting the roll of Hartley. These songs are a true part of me, and I am really excited for people to hear them.

Will you talk about what the recording process is like for you? Do you enjoy being in the studio?

I absolutely love working in the studio! It is just such a fun and creative process for me, especially when you really love what you’re making. There isn’t exactly a step by step routine, it kind of depends on what works for you. For me, if I am in a comfortable space, have lots of energy and snacks, that’s all I need to make a good song.

Do you have a dream artist you would like to collaborate with and why?

I would love to hopefully work with Jessie Reyez one day. Her voice is so unique and her writing style is amazing. I’ve been listening to her music for a very long time, and every single song is like she is telling a story; I would love to see what we could create together some day.

When exactly did you receive your initial “big break” in Hollywood? What string of events helped in landing you the role of Hartley in the new Disney Channel TV show The Villains of Valley View?

I would say, booking the role of Hartley was definitely my big step into the entertainment industry. The audition process for Hartley was actually very quick! I did a self-tape audition, then had (a) chemistry read with Isabella Pappas about a week later. I knew I booked the job about a week later. I was so happy!

How then did you prepare yourself to play Amy’s best friend?

I didn’t exactly do anything to prepare to play Amy’s bestie, but I thought of how I am with my best friends. Izzy and I are best friends outside of the show, too, so it ’s really easy to do scenes with her since we already have that friendship.

Are there any similarities between yourself and the character that you portray in the series?

I think Hartley and I are pretty similar, she reminds me a lot of myself when I was younger. I was very energetic, happy and loved to help others, so I really just drew from my past when it came to playing Hartley. I will say our one difference is that I can tell when someone is trying to take advantage of my kindness, while Hartley has a more difficult time seeing that.

What exactly was the experience, both personally and professionally, like working with this ensemble cast?

It was absolutely amazing to work with everyone on this show, all the way from cast to crew. Every single person on set was so nice and supportive, especially since this was my first show it can be a bit intimidating working with such an established cast, but they really took me in and I learned so much! I am beyond grateful that I was given the opportunity to work on such an amazing project, and I will remember it forever.

In terms of longevity, what do you feel it is that will continue to sustain you in this grueling business?

I think having a group of good people around you can get you very far in life. My mom always told me, “the people you surround yourself with, you become,” and that really stuck with me. I was always very sensitive when it comes to energy; if someone has a bad vibe I’d take that on and it really affected me, so I decided to surround myself with people I knew had good intentions. If you have uplifting and supportive people surrounding you, it will keep you positive and in a mindset that is very motivating.

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

I would love to start baton twirling competitively again, or do some showjumping [equine] competitions!

To date, what has been your biggest career moment, at least thus far anyway?

I would have to say my debut single, “Kiss Kiss Baby,” hitting #1 on Radio Disney and on Music Choice was one of my biggest career moments.