We love chatting with those that have a few plates spinning while they take on the world, but remember to keep family first as well! Singer, Model and Actress, Kayla Brianna talks about how entertainment was a family affair (her father is Kenny Smith, who not only played in the NBA but is a sports analyst and Emmy Award winner for Inside the NBA on TNT), what it's like for her to be on tour right now, what she's focused on or 2018 and how she balances her time.
ATHLEISURE MAG: It seems like being in entertainment is a part of the family business. Tell us more about your family and how you got into performing?
KAYLA BRIANNA: Growing up music was always in my family. My grandfather, Gerry Goffin is in the Songwriters Hall of Fame and my grandmother sang background for Ray Charles. I started off in girls groups and eventually went solo and landed a deal with Interscope Records.
AM: You have collaborated with a number of artists, what is it like and who would you like to work with?
KB: Each song is different. Working with London On Da Track, we recorded in Atlanta until around 3 a.m. each night. Just being in a creative space is a great feeling. I’d love to work with Drake, 6lack, Sabrina, Claudio Pharrell and H.E.R.
AM: How's touring and what do you do prior to and after performances?
KB: Tour life is a lot of fun, but it’s also a lot of hours driving and you kind of just sleep when you can. Usually we have a performance and then in the morning drive to the next city and do it all over again. Before each performance I'll say a prayer to calm me down and then after, we celebrate!
AM: Will we see you on the stage during festival season?
KB: Hopefully I’ll be performing at some of the parties at Coachella. I performed at the Galore party last year.
AM: Tell us about your style for your shows versus how we would see you running errands or going out to brunch.
KB: For my shows, I’m SUPER full out and doing the most and then when I’m at home you can usually see me in leggings and Nike’s and oversized sweaters, lol.
AM: When you're home, where do you go out and eat, shop and work out?
KB: When I want to go out and eat I love Catch, COD, and of course, In-N-Out. I love to shop at the Americana and when I want to get an intense workout in, I’ll either do Barry’s Bootcamp or Pilates.
AM: What are you focused on in 2018?
KB: I’m excited to release my EP this year and get more into my acting career. I booked a role on This Is Us this season so I’m excited to keep it going.
AM: Tell us about your upcoming album!
KB: My EP will release this year, London On Da Track produced it and I’m just excited for people to get more of an idea what my sound is.
AM: How do you give of your time?
KB: Every year I work with Feed the Children during All-Star Weekend. My family and I host an event and giveaway food, clothes and toiletries.
AM: How can we find out what you're up to?
KB: Make sure to check out my music on Apple Music and Spotify! Also my social handle across platforms is @kaylabrianna.
PHOTO CREDIT | Marcus Ezell
Read more from the Feb Issue and see A Moment with Kayla Brianna in mag.
