Spotlight: Kayla Diamond

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Spotlight: Kayla Diamond – The Artist, Producer & Label President Shaping Music

Spotlight: Kayla Diamond – Few artists wear as many hats as Kayla Diamond. From singer-songwriter to producer and even label president, she’s redefining what it means to be a multi-hyphenate in the music industry. In this exclusive interview, we dive into her journey, the challenges of balancing creativity and leadership, and the passion that fuels her every move.

What sparked your initial interest in music?

I grew up with my mom singing and humming throughout every second of the day and classical music blaring through my house 24/7. My mom will also tell everyone she meets that as she was giving birth to me, Bach was playing in the room so the first sound I ever heard to start my life was music! I was put into piano lessons at 4 years old and then started to teach myself other instruments along the way and was in a choir for 8 years so it kind of became my whole life outside of school. One of my favourite memories was at 16 when my dad told me to come into his car to listen to something and it was the intro to “Money For Nothing” by the Dire Straits. He turned it up to full volume and the hair on my arms is still standing from the thought of it. These were the seeds that were planted to be the trees they are today.

You are someone who has many hats with music, producing and even a label president. How do you find time to balance everything?

It’s honestly so cool but can also be a bit stressful sometimes in terms of a work / life balance, but knowing every aspect of the business definitely helps me in everything I do. The most important thing in my business is advocacy for artists. So I think my loyalty to artists while being an exec as well as a producer is beneficial to changing the industry for the positive in every realm. I have many artists calling me weekly to ask questions and advice on navigating label relationships etc, and then I have labels calling me to get in with artists to strengthen their songs so it’s a fun dance and I love the versatility that I’ve been blessed to create.

When it comes to the production aspect, how do you navigate working with different artists and projects?

As a producer and songwriter, the main goal is to make the artist feel like they are making art that reflects exactly who they are and that is in line with their sonic brand. The way I approach every session is to chat and get to know each other before we dive into writing. I usually follow the artist’s lead to whatever they are most comfortable with, but having a “therapy session” and connecting on a deeper level is the most important part of getting to the core of the art we create. I also learn quickly about the way different artists like writing their lyrics- I’ll listen to their music before entering a session and ask them to send references of what they are aiming for.

If your production style had a signature “ingredient” that makes it instantly recognizable, what would it be, and how did you develop it?

Hah everyone who has worked with me can answer this one! I’m incredibly inspired by choral and orchestral elements, so my signature move is to see where I can throw in a timpani in every song I produce as well as lots of BGV arrangements and/or gang vocals. I’m a sucker for drama so I typically pack a song with lots of dynamics (of course if it calls for it).

As both an artist and producer, how do you balance perfectionism with the raw energy that often makes a track feel alive?

I think sitting with a demo is always helpful. Often I’ll sketch out my rough ideas for production in my day-of demos but sometimes songs are really meant to be kept simple to keep that ‘first take’ magic. When I was an artist, I had some experience with one of my records being way too over A&R’d to the point where it was too polished and lost its shine for me. I remember hating it and I still hate that record to this day. I’m always conscious that some of the best songs are raw and honest without the production getting in the way.

What is the most interesting thing you've learned about yourself during your music career?

I learned that I’m a risk taker but I’m also very strategic in every move I make. In life I’m a really impulsive decision maker and that can sometimes be a challenge for me, but I’ve thankfully learned how to use it to my advantage in business. I also learned that everyone in the industry is just a person like you doing their best despite there being no proven formula for every project. So while I would once be scared of some label execs thinking they knew better than me, I laugh at that now.

Is there a business decision you made as a label president that went against industry trends but ended up paying off?

Absolutely. Kolossal Records is one of the first labels to automatically ensure that every songwriter receives master points on songs that are written with our artists. Even outside of my label, this is a practice I put in place on most songs that I produce- I always give one of my master points to the songwriter who got the cut with me as well (even though truthfully it should come from the label/artist). I value the irreplaceable skill that songwriters bring to the table and hope that it becomes industry standard.

What’s the hardest lesson you’ve learned about running a label that no one warned you about?

I’ve always been a person who bites off more than I can chew because it forces me to get sharper teeth. This method is really scary to a lot of people, especially execs who like to be practical and play it safe, but it is the driving force behind any and all successes I’ve had in my life. I’m learning how to incorporate this philosophy into team work while also taking lessons from my partners as they are more experienced on the executive and management side of things. It’s an important balance to make sure I have!

If you could rewrite the standard record deal structure to better benefit artists, what would it look like?

It would look something similar to what artists have at Kolossal. Of course all of these deals need to be fair to every party involved as labels take a big risk financially. I think the fairest form of deal is simply the right to exploit the masters in exchange for the label funding the entire production and promotion of the records. We do not ask for any form of ancillary rights or publishing unless it’s particular to the artist’s requests (i.e. specific advances). It’s very straightforward and standard and nothing that chokeholds the artist for lengthy periods of time.

What’s a trend in the music industry that excites you the most - and one you think is completely overrated?

I really love that songs are getting shorter. If you like a song enough, you’ll play it again. Although I do love a good bridge, there’s something freeing about not being forced to say more than you need to say in a 2 minute song. I think an overrated trend for me is

What is one thing you think should be asked more in an interview that isn’t asked enough?

haha maybe for free legal advice since I went to law school 😉

If you could go back in time and mentor your younger self at the start of your career, what’s the one piece of advice you’d give that would’ve changed everything?

Kayla, If something feels wrong, then it’s wrong. Trust your gut. Also, you’re going to give all of yourself in sessions and you will get personally invested in peoples projects and give people grace and efforts that will not be reciprocated to you. Do not let that stop you from continuing to do exactly that because while it hurts you sometimes, it also adds to your value in this industry and fulfills you more than you know.

In 20 years, when artists and producers talk about your impact on the industry, what’s the one sentence you hope they say?

I always want someone to feel warm and fuzzy when they think of me. I want my legacy to be known for helping as many people as possible and doing the right thing always in business and through my character. It’s always so important to lift others around you as you rise. I am always conscious of doing that because it’s no fun at the top when you have none of the people with you that got you there. I try to live my life through gratitude as possible.

Last but not least, are you happy?

I thank God every day to be able to live this life. Knock on that wood hard, but I’m the happiest I’ve ever been. Not without lots of tough lessons that got me here though.

Spotlight: Kayla Diamond is a wrap! Big thank to Kayla for chatting with us even if she is the one of te busier people we have chatted with

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