Kayla Cariaga

Kayla Cariaga
BIOGRAPHY

Kayla Cariaga is a Filipino-American singer-songwriter based in Westchester County.
Growing up with a heavy influence of pop music, she emulates her favorite artists such
as COIN, Boy Pablo, and A R I Z O N A. Also inspired by fellow Asian-American
Pop-Singer, Conan Gray, Cariaga emphasizes that there should be more Asians
represented in the media and in the music industry. After falling in love with danceable,
guitar driven melodies and beachy vibes, the 19 year-old singer-songwriter described
her music as a “sad bop”—meaning that her songs are filled with catchy melodic motifs
and sad lyrics. Along the path of her career, she has collaborated with various artists
such as Universal Music Group’s “The Jackie Boyz” and Billy Joel’s Saxophonist, Richie
Cannata. Proudly, Kayla has also co-written for projects such as Singing for
Superheroes, a company that uses music to motivate and inspire children as they
overcome illnesses or disabilities.

After observing her family members drunkenly singing on the karaoke during
gatherings, Kayla found a love for singing, admiring how music brought everyone
together. Inspired, she found herself singing along the radio or The Beatles cassette
tapes that her uncle played during car rides to the park. Since her parents noticed that
she was interested in music, they gifted her first Yamaha keyboard back in
2004—leading her to taking piano lessons for almost two years, but decided to expand
her piano playing with the help of YouTube tutorials. Though originally piano based,
Cariaga began her songwriting when she learned how to play guitar.

Spending the majority of her life living in Orange County, New York, she gained the
experience of performing by attending open mics at local cafes. Having major stage
fright, Cariaga found herself comfortable in the spotlight and discovered the joy in
performing. After receiving a positive reaction from the viewers, she decided that music
is what she wanted to pursue. By the age of 15, Cariaga was invited to perform at NYC
venues, such as The Bitter End, The Delancey, Arlene's Grocery and many more. Aside
from intimate venues, she also performed at local town festivals, as well as music
festivals/conferences including CMJ, TCS NYC Marathon, Long Beach Island Comic
Con, and Springboard South. Though self taught, it didn’t stop Kayla from creating
music. Since her first song, she has released two EPs and three singles both exhibiting
her growth from the beginning of her career to now.

Currently, she is in the process of releasing two singles in the Summer of 2020 and is
writing new songs for her next EP.