Kaitlyn Velez
Photo Credit: Mad Sierra Photography
Kaitlyn Velez makes perfect pop: upbeat and catchy lyrics with melodies to match are essential in every one of her songs. This knack for music-making has built her a growing fanbase, one that has given her over 500k Spotify plays. And to think it was less than a year ago when she made her debut on the platform; 2020’s “i miss you” was only a stepping stone to a music-filled year. Whether it’s the lyrical ingenuity of “FOMO” or the unforgettable chorus to “comfortable”, Kaitlyn’s songs continue to shine as the future of the pop-genre. The New York native is a student at the Berklee College of Music where she carries on with refining her sound. In the midst of the pandemic, the artist has continued to “create and reflect”, something that will surely carry over into 2021. Her latest song, “email”, was released in December. We recently spoke to Velez about the backstory behind the track, her Long Island essentials, and more!
Let’s get started by telling us a little bit about yourself. How did you get started making music?
I am a proud New Yorker and I have been singing ever since I was four years old. I am 20 years old currently studying Professional Music at Berklee College of Music. I always loved to sing but I started writing and playing the ukulele and guitar when I was in high school. I loved writing about what was going on around me and bringing people's stories and experiences to life with my songs.
2020 was clearly big for you! What made this the year to start releasing your songs?
I recorded my first single “I miss you” towards the end of 2019. We knew that it was something we wanted to release in 2020. We had worked so hard and ended up creating a lot more music. I am super happy to have been able to release so much in my first year of artistry.
Your music has such a great vibe-- who were some of the artists that helped to shape this sound?
I am super inspired and influenced by what’s on the radio. A lot of my favorite artists aren’t pop artists so I take a lot of pop inspo from what is hip and current.
How has the pandemic affected the way you make music?
It’s inspired me to keep on working. I was able to devote so much more time to my music and that really helped me grow so much as an artist. I had so much time to create and reflect and I am super grateful for that.
Let’s talk about the new track! “Email” is fantastic, congrats! What was the inspiration for the song?
Thank you so much! I am so glad you guys like the track. “Email” was me trying to tap into a pretty specific and interesting situation one of my friends was in. I really laid everything out on the table. My friend was caught in this crazy love triangle and decided that it needed to end. After blocking him on everything, he sent him an email because you can’t block someone’s email address.
Were you going for anything different with the release?
The track is a bit edgier than anything I have put out! The song naturally took a different approach ( a more edgy vibe ) and I think it’s super fitting because I was really trying to layout as much as possible in this song. I wanted to give as many details about the story so people could really feel as tho I was telling them a story.
What do your family and friends think about your music career? Are they supportive?
Everyone in my life knew that music was something for me to pursue long before I did. My friends are my biggest fans. I always show them the rough mixes of songs and by the time the songs actually come out, they already know all the words. My family has always been so supportive of my wanting to be an artist and I am super thankful for that.
What are some of the things you like to do outside of the studio?
I love to hang out with my friends and family. I am trying to push myself out of my comfort zone by taking up hobbies which has been pretty fun. I love to go to church and serve in whatever way I can. God has always been a huge part of my life.
You’re from Long Island like we are, haha! If someone was visiting for just one day, where are some must-stop destinations?
You can’t come to LI without getting an infamous Long Island bagel. LI Beaches ( South Shore specifically ) are so beautiful and are always nice to go visit and spend time with your loved ones there.
Lastly, what’s next for Kaitlyn Velez?
I am super excited about my upcoming releases! I am really proud of them and am interested to see how people react to them because they for sure have more of a pop r&b kind of vibe. I am looking forward to creating with the team as well as starting my senior year of college this fall!
