Personal Trainer
Photo Credit: Dan Asip
Dynamic Duo Personal Trainer is taking the indie pop music scene by storm. They released their debut Spotify single, “Obsessed”, in 2019, which now has over 550K streams on the platform alone. Their second single, “Red Light”, was released in 2020 on Acrophase Records and was also met with significant streaming success. Their style is equal parts fun and infectious, guaranteeing that you’ll be hooked after just the first listen. Despite their small music catalogue thus far, Personal Trainer already has 32K monthly listeners on Spotify. They’ve also been featured on Spotify’s critically acclaimed Bedroom Pop playlist. Now, they’re looking to make their mark on the industry. We recently spoke with Personal Trainer about their songwriting process, their dream collab, and more!
How did you start making music?
Kayla: I have been putting on shows for anyone who would watch since I was 5 years old. I was a little hustler, too; selling tickets to family members any chance I got — Christmas get togethers, birthday celebrations, etc. My first instrument was piano, and my teacher of 12 years eventually started giving me vocal advice and I learned how to play and sing — I applied this to songwriting. I’ve always felt that performing music makes me my most authentic self. I met George the first month I moved to Nashville, him and Dan found a video of me floating around online (of the first song I ever wrote) and wanted to schedule a session, this turned into a now 4+ year collaboration and me getting signed to their Acrophase Records in 2016.
George: I’ve been playing since I was a kid and I started writing and producing myself because no one in my community really took music seriously enough.
Where is your go-to location to songwrite?
Kayla: My bedroom here in Nashville. However, I feel like I’ve written some of my best stuff at my parent’s house right outside Chicago. I made them turn this room in the basement into a music room when I was younger. It just has a keyboard in it, but it’s also painted purple and has cork flooring which makes for some pretty dope acoustics. I feel like when I bring a short idea of a song I've written and bring it to George, he builds a track to illuminate the song in ways I would have never thought of and it helps me finish writing it.
George: I‘ve built out a pretty great home studio space where Kayla and I get together to write and record. I also love bringing a minimal setup home where my mom lives. She’s out in the country in Texas where there’s no cell service so it’s perfect for no distraction writing.
In your opinion what’s the most challenging part of writing a song?
Kayla: Thinking it’s good enough to finish.
George: Taking a full song and writing transitions that flow well together or make for interesting sonic changes.
What is something you love to do besides music?
Kayla: I love to get all the endorphins; in quarantine I’ve gotten creative with some at home workouts, started running again, and fixed my bike. The Tennessee heat definitely takes a number on you, though. I miss my gym, Boothcamp, here in Nashville where it’s like I’m young and part of an athletic team, again.
George: Hanging with my dog Addie ;)
What is a secret talent you have?
Kayla: I can recite the first paragraph of The Hunger Games by memory.
George: I’m a pretty good fly fisherman.
Who would be your partner in a dream collab?
Kayla: Dominic Fike.
George: Rostam Batmanglij or Blake Mills.
What’s next for you?
We have a new single and EP set for this fall (2020!) and hoping we can play shows again in 2021.
