Interview: Kayla Berry
Worship leader and songwriter Kayla Berry talks to Louder Than The Music about her new album 'Soar' and what inspires her to make music.
For those who haven't heard of you before, can you tell us a bit about yourself and how you got involved in making music?
I am a wife, mom, worship leader, and recording artist. My husband and I also own two restaurants called Berry’s Seafood & Catfish House.
I’ve been singing my whole life. I grew up singing in church where my dad was the pastor. Music runs in our family as everyone could sing or play instruments. It’s definitely my passion!
Tell us about your album 'Soar' and what the inspiration behind it was?
Soar is a really a compilation of different single releases over the last year or two. Some songs you can worship to with all of your heart, while some are just fun, ‘roll your window down’ and jam out with joy of the Lord.
Which is your favorite track on the album and why?
Oh my. I love them all in a unique way. My favorites have shifted many times. Right now, “Who You Are To Me” (Symphony Version) and “Soar” are tied for my favorite. Who You Are To Me is such a beautiful worship song declaring that Jesus is All in All in every season of life. Whatever you need Him to be- your healer, your comfort, your friend, your shoulder, etc… HE IS. Soar is a fun-loving, dance type song that helps us remember what Jesus does for us when He finds us in the lowest points of our lives. He enables us to mount up on wings like eagles and SOAR high above the things that once held us down.
What message would you like people to take from your music?
My prayer is that people will see the heart of God for them-how much He loves His kids. I pray that they see and encounter His loving presence. I pray they will understand that when He forgives, He truly does forget-I hope they’ll realize that it’s ok to Run into the arms of a loving Father and Hide under the shadow of His wings. Spending time with Him is time well spent. He’s our protector, provider, and the safest place we could ever be. He’s called us to higher heights. It’s time to start flying.
How would you describe your style of music and what are your influences?
I love so many different styles of music.
When it comes to Christian music, I love the excitement and joy of Praise songs, but what grabs my heart the most is the intimate worship songs where you literally feel like you’re sitting at His feet.
Growing up, my musical influences ranged from Celine Dion, Whitney Houston, and Mariah Carey to Jaci Valasquez, Avalon, Natalie Grant, Kari Jobe, Nichole Nordeman, etc.
If you could work with any songwriter, who would it be and why?
I would probably choose Brandon Lake. He’s killing it.
How would you define success in your career as an artist?
Success in my career is not people seeing and hearing me... Success is them seeing and hearing Jesus. When I walk up on stage and grab a mic, my prayer is that He hides me behind the cross. My desire is to see people experience the life-changing presence of Jesus Christ, because it is in His presence that we are free, healed, delivered, at peace, full of joy, and truly loved.
What is your favorite album of all time?
This might sound crazy, but I would probably have to say “The Best Ones” Album by 4Him. I still listen and love every single song on there.
You're stuck on an island, it's hot, you only have enough battery life left to listen to one song on your phone. What track is it?
Oh my. I would have to say “Prophesy Your Promise” by Bryan & Katie Torwalt.
What does the next year hold for you?
Well, whatever the Lord has for me. I’m getting ready to bring another precious baby boy into the world in October, so I’m preparing for that. I will continue to worship Jesus and pray that many souls will come to know just how precious and perfect He really is.
