Feature: Kylie Spence

16 year old singer-songwriter, Kylie Spence, has now released two singles, and has just signed to Sony imprint Jungle Strut Music. She wrote and recorded her first song when she was 12 and is now sharing her music with hundreds of thousands of people. Her debut single 'Lying Eyes' immediately hit iTunes' Hot Tracks chart of the week, and already accumulated 148,000 Spotify streams. Now she releases 'The L Word' and is sure to make waves throughout 2018.

1. Who/what inspired you to start writing and recording music when you were so young?

I remember the VERY first song I wrote which was when I was super little, probably 9 or 10. It was Father's Day, and I wrote a little chorus for my Dad. It went, 'cause you're my father, my only father, from the seas of generosity, sent here to watch over me.' We both thought it was really cute. At the time it was just a way of my justifying not writing an actual card for him. But that was the first I had ever done anything like that. I guess it just became a more common thing for me as I grew older. In eighth grade when I found myself sick with mono, I also found myself having a LOT of time. I needed something to do besides watching Netflix 24/7, so I wrote. I actually wrote so much my Mom would have to tell me to stop sometimes. But I don't think there has ever been one thing or one person that drove me to write and record music. I feel like it's always been something I am called to do. I know it sounds cheesy, but I am super drawn to it.

2. What process did you go through creating 'Lying Eyes' and do you feel it's a process you will continue to use for future releases?

Lying Eyes was actually written at the end of Summer 2015. I never actually thought that I would ever record it one day, so the process was very laid back and organic. I was sitting on the floor of my bedroom and started with the acoustic guitar strum. From there, the lyrics just came to me. It really was a simple writing process, and even when I write songs today, it's a fairly similar process. I try not to overthink it, and just let things happen. That is what seems to work the best for me. Recording it was also simple and pretty fast. We tracked a demo and the demo is actually really similar to the final track. We really built off the demo and made sure it was perfect. It was by far my favourite song so far that I've done.

3. If you could listen through anyone's record collection, who would you choose and why?

If I could listen to anyone's record collection it would be Chris Martin. I LOVE Coldplay, and I would be super interested to see what Chris listens to, and who and what inspires his records.

4. What are you aiming to achieve in 2018?

I hope to do a lot in 2018. I really want to become known as a new and upcoming music artist, and I want to have a small fan base/following. I want to be able to perform and tour my EP which I will release Summer of 2018. I also want to write and record with new people, and hopefully release some new content late 2018.

5. If you were stranded on a desert island, which three items would you want to have with you?

Definitely my instruments, a piano and guitar, for sure. I would also have an unlimited supply of the vanilla freeze from pressed juicery and lastly I would bring my bible.

'The L Word' Review: 'The L Word' has a twangy pop tone throughout, Kylie's vocals are raw and showcase her lyrics well. It's a good song to chill out to, and is reminiscent of Taylor Swift, Halsey or Lauren Aquilina. . The track is catchy; a calming smooth alt-pop song, perfect for listening to anytime and anywhere. Kylie's definitely one to watch for the future!