When the term “Renaissance woman” is used to describe someone, it often evokes an image of
boundless creativity, unparalleled versatility, and a relentless pursuit of excellence across
disciplines. For Kaylene Peoples, this title is more than just a compliment—it’s a way of life.
From her early years as a classically trained flutist to her rise as an award-winning composer,
vocalist, and filmmaker, Kaylene embodies what it means to master multiple art forms while
staying true to her authentic vision.
Editorial:
VOGUE MONACO is proud to present an intimate and multifaceted conversation with one of
today’s most dynamic creators, Kaylene Peoples. Renowned as a Renaissance woman, her
artistry spans music, film, and publishing, each infused with excellence and passion. From
gracing the covers of esteemed publications to winning awards as a composer, Kaylene’s journey
reflects an unwavering commitment to innovation and creativity. This exclusive interview offers
a window into her life, unveiling the inspirations, milestones, and vision that have shaped her
extraordinary career.
From a classically trained flutist to a celebrated jazz and Bossa Nova artist, from a pageant queen
to a trailblazing editor-in-chief, Kaylene has worn many hats. Each endeavor has been executed
with a level of mastery that defines her legacy. Yet, as she candidly reveals, the road to success is
rarely straightforward. Join us as we delve into the “windy road” of Kaylene Peoples’s career,
exploring her beginnings, inspirations, and the philosophies that fuel her creative pursuits.
Interview:
Vogue Monaco: How did you start your Career?
Kaylene Peoples: That’s a tricky question. If you’ve read my interviews, you’ll notice I’m often
referred to as a Renaissance woman. Almost every publication that has featured me—even
magazine covers—has titled me as such. The first to do so was APPAREL NEWS. Their editor
attended a concert of mine at the House of Blues on Sunset in Hollywood, where I performed in
an Octavio Carlin gown. (In case you’re wondering why a fashion trade magazine was covering
a jazz and Bossa-Nova concert: I am the founder and Editor-in-Chief of AGENDA, a fashion and
lifestyle magazine, which piqued their interest.) So, in answering this question, I’ll try to keep it
as clear and straightforward as possible.
I’ve maintained several careers for decades, but the most public aspect of my journey is my
music career, so I’ll start there. I trained classically as a flutist, starting at age nine after attending
my sister’s performance in a band concert. I practiced three to five hours a day and discovered
jazz at 11. When I stumbled upon the music of Hubert Laws and Dave Valentin, I became
obsessed, memorizing all their solos.
At 16, I entered my first beauty pageant, Miss Junior Miss. I performed a Dave Valentin piece,
won the talent portion, but fell short elsewhere—no poise, too lanky, and far too skinny. It was a disaster compared to the other contestants. Later, after taking piano lessons, I competed in Miss
Anaheim America and won, performing an original piano composition. In the Miss California
America pageant, I played “Flight of the Bumblebee” and the “William Tell Overture” on flute
and piano, orchestrating the arrangement myself. Though I didn’t win, the experience helped me
grow as a performer.
I then entered Miss California Young Miss, competing against 1,000 girls. I won, singing “New
York, New York,” and also won Miss Golden State—two major wins in one go!
While attending UCLA, I was coaxed into singing “Vision of Love” by Mariah Carey at a
karaoke bar. An agent in the audience approached me afterward, and that led to a South East
Asian tour. I spent time in Singapore and Indonesia as the female lead vocalist in a Top 40 band,
performing hits by Jody Watley, Anita Baker, Sade, and Whitney Houston, among others.
When I returned, a producer contacted me to arrange a song for a newly signed Capitol Records
artist. This led to years of nonstop work as an arranger and conductor for major labels like
Capitol, Warner Bros., Universal Republic, and Polygram. Before graduating from UCLA, I
apprenticed with a renowned composer, ghostwriting for major TV shows. I even orchestrated
for a blockbuster film—but despite our agreement, I was denied both payment and credit.
Frustrated, I transitioned from composing to performing. I became a runway and editorial model, signed with LA Models, and dabbled in acting, even starring in a Dove commercial. But my composer’s heart longed for something more meaningful.
I wrote and conducted the music for a Canadian dance company, a ballet called
APOCALIPTICA, which ran for a month at Santa Monica College. Later, I produced an album
for a singer, which won Best Artist of the Year and Best R&B Song of the Year at the LA Music
Awards.
This success inspired me to produce my own album. To date, I’ve recorded seven major projects,
many of them award-winning. Still driven to compose, I wrote, directed, and scored my own
feature film (REDEMPTION), winning several film festivals and a Best Director award.
In 2019–2021, my company Bella Composers curated the first international women composers’
competition, Artemis Women Powered Music. Just last month, I was honored with Composer of
the Year for my orchestral score VAMPIRE ODYSSEY.
And that’s how it all began!
Vogue Monaco: How did you start your Career & when did you start it?
My first commercial release was from ALL JAZZED UP! (2005) My single “Do You
Remember?” topped AC40 and the independent charts.
Vogue Monaco: What or who was your inspiration to be in this field?
Kaylene Peoples: Barbra Streisand’s role in FUNNY GIRL and her powerful final performance
of “My Man” inspired me to sing. I’ve always admired the artistry of Sade and Diana Krall, and
I’m deeply influenced by Swing Out Sister, especially in terms of production.
For flute performance and improvisation, legends like Hubert Laws, Dave Valentin, and Herbie
Mann motivated me to push my limits and excel. My love for film scoring was shaped by the
captivating movies of Alfred Hitchcock and the brilliance of composer Bernard Herrmann. And
of course, I can’t forget Dave Brubeck—I’ve always been a fan of his music!
Vogue Monaco: What gap are you trying to bring?
Kaylene Peoples: There’s nothing wrong with excelling in more than one discipline. The gap
I’m trying to bridge is the expectation that people must choose just one path. My work—whether
in music, performance, composing, or beyond—is about bringing excellence and a unique
perspective to each endeavor. People should approach life with a spirit of innovation and a
commitment to excellence in everything they do.
I always ask myself: How can I solve a problem? How can I bring joy? How can I move
someone deeply? These questions are the foundation for filling voids, bridging gaps, and
achieving meaningful artistic pursuits. But the key is this: Don’t do it for the money. Do it
because you love it. Passion is what sustains you through the highs and lows. The money will
come when you’re doing it for the right reasons—when your work is about service, not self-
interest.
Kaylene Peoples: After all, that’s what artists truly are: servants of inspiration, emotion, and
connection. We don’t just create; we heal, we uplift, and we remind people of what it means to
feel alive. That’s the real art, and that’s the gap I strive to fill.
Vogue Monaco: What makes you unique?
Kaylene Peoples: What makes me unique is my ability to thrive in multiple disciplines while
maintaining a spirit of excellence and authenticity. I’m not just a musician, composer, or
performer—I’m someone who sees the threads that connect different art forms and brings them
together to create something new and meaningful. I’m like a dog with a bone when I’m working
on a project. I never give up. I’ll research, listen, hone, and tweak until I’m satisfied—and that’s
a tall order, because I am very hard on myself. I’m not easily satisfied until I’ve crossed every
“t” and dotted every “i.” Whether I’m writing music, crafting words, or performing, everything I
create must move and inspire me. If it doesn’t, it’s not ready. My goal is always to bring out the
best in myself and my work, and I hold myself to the highest standards. I think what truly sets
me apart is that I never see limitations—only opportunities to innovate, inspire, improve, and
stay true to my unique vision. And I’m always raising the bar, pushing myself to reach even
greater heights with every project I take on.
Vogue Monaco: How do you decide on your projects?
Kaylene Peoples: When deciding on a project, I must first be 100% invested in it. I have to
imagine it becoming a part of me. Let’s take music as an example. I always start with extensive
research. If I’m working on an album, I immerse myself in the genre, listening to arrangements,
vocal performances, and creative elements that are unique yet familiar enough to resonate with
listeners. I then outline the “why, when, and how,” ensuring I have the resources and tools to
bring the project to life. For me, musicians are everything, and as a purist, I always hire real
musicians for my releases. When I recorded ALL JAZZED UP!, my jazz/Bossa Nova album, I
listened to countless recordings of the same songs. My goal wasn’t to replicate or sound like
anyone else—I wanted to make the arrangements distinctly my own. That process took months
of research and careful decision-making.
With MY MAN, my second jazz project, I knew I had to raise the bar. I made a strategic decision
to bring in musical all-stars—music royalty. This move challenged me to elevate not only the
production but also my own performance.
Every project I take on is calculated and meticulously thought out, almost like a blueprint. I don’t
stop and start once I commit—I see it through to completion. My decisions are driven by a
combination of passion, preparation, and a clear vision of the final outcome.
Vogue Monaco: What motivates you the most?
Kaylene Peoples: What motivates me most is the way something makes me feel—especially
when it comes to creating music. Listening to and discovering new or old music, and educating
myself in the process, fuels my creativity. Whenever I learn something new, I challenge myself
to incorporate it into my work in a meaningful way. I love discovering new artists, techniques, or
perspectives. Watching great musicians, vocalists, and composers perform fills me with
inspiration and a renewed drive to push my own boundaries.
Attending concerts, watching movies, or even going on walks can spark new ideas. I’m also
deeply inspired by the fine art world—a beautiful painting can evoke emotions that lead me to
compose. Taking time to “stop and smell the roses” is essential as a creative. It’s in those
moments of reflection and appreciation that I find my greatest motivation.
Vogue Monaco: What does “success” mean to you?
Kaylene Peoples: This is a profound question. For much of my life, success meant recognition.
Many people strive for success to be lauded, and in many ways, I’ve experienced that throughout
my career. Money has also played a role in defining success. I often ask myself, “Am I reaping
what I’ve sown?” I work hard, and it’s natural to want my efforts to translate into tangible
rewards. After all, isn’t that what we’ve been conditioned to believe?
But over time, the meaning of success has deepened for me. Now, success can be as simple and
profound as putting a smile on someone’s face with something I’ve created or seeing someone
thrive because I mentored them or highlighted their accomplishments.
I don’t wait for applause anymore. As a magazine editor, I’ve learned to measure success
differently. If there are no complaints, I know I’ve done something right. Success, to me, is about
accomplishing something meaningful—not because of what others think, but because it feels
right to me.
We are all on our own unique journey, and comparing our success to others can lead to
disappointment or even derail us from our path. True success is finding fulfillment in what I do
and knowing it has made a positive impact—whether that’s through my work, my art, or the lives
I’ve touched. That’s the kind of success I strive for every day.
Vogue Monaco: Share a milestone that you have achieved.
Kaylene Peoples: This is a difficult question because I’ve had so many milestones in my life.
When I reflect on my journey, I’d have to say that one of the most meaningful milestones has
been overcoming adversity and rising above what felt like failure.
Early in my career, I was offered the chance to score a film. The director wanted me to write the
music first so they could edit the movie to my score—this is a composer’s dream. This was an
extraordinary opportunity. With a generous budget, I dove into the project, writing a score
inspired by the storyline and the director’s vision. I recorded the music with a 32-piece orchestra
and conducted the cues myself. Anything additional was recorded in smaller studios—and even
in my own living room. The score was mastered by Bernie Grundman’s engineer, Brian Gardner.
It was beautiful, and the team was thrilled with the result.
But then tragedy struck—the director passed away before he could edit the film. The project was
shelved, and I felt like all the work had been for nothing. It was heartbreaking to think that such
a significant part of my career would never see the light of day.
Fast forward to June 2024. While going through my archives, I found the master recording. With
a mix of hope and fear, I played it. As the music filled the room, I held my breath. To my
amazement, it had stood the test of time. A voice in my head, which I believe was God, urged me
to release it. With some hesitation, I decided to honor the director and the production team by
keeping the original title of the film: VAMPIRE ODYSSEY.
When I released the score, I didn’t know what to expect. But the response was overwhelming. It
resonated with listeners in ways I couldn’t have imagined. And then, just last month, I received
the 2024 Olympia Arts Award as Composer of the Year for that very score.
This milestone is deeply personal. Being a composer has always been an essential part of who I
am, and as a woman, it carries even more weight. Women composers don’t always receive the
recognition they deserve, and this award felt like a victory not just for me, but for every woman
in the field.
VAMPIRE ODYSSEY taught me a profound lesson: when the time is right, nothing is wasted.
What once felt like a failure turned into one of the proudest achievements of my life. For me, this milestone is a testament to perseverance, faith, and the lasting power of music to transcend time
and loss.
Vogue Monaco: What are your future Projects?
Kaylene Peoples: ROMANTIC BOSSA-NOVA 2 is the sequel to my award-winning CD
ROMANTIC BOSSA-NOVA, which features the legendary Bunny Brunel. The first project was
primarily Jobim covers, along with an original song I wrote and dedicated to West Coast Jazz
founder Dave Pell. ROMANTIC BOSSA-NOVA 2 will feature mostly original compositions,
with a couple of covers. This sequel promises to be an evolved version, enhanced by a lush string
orchestra.
DOPPELGANGER (Peoples Republic) is a “fusiony,” acid jazz/lounge project I’m producing
that incorporates eclectic soundscapes and I’m introducing the vibraphone and a dj to the mix. It
has a spy jazz vibe, and I’m incredibly excited about this project.
ACCIDENTAL SQUATTER is a feature film I wrote and directed (and will be scoring), starring
and introducing actress Leigh Bush, alongside co-stars Chase Masterson (Leeta from Star Trek:
Deep Space 9) and Ali Saam (ARGO). Currently in post-production, the film is scheduled for
release in Summer 2025.
Closing Paragraph:
Kaylene Peoples’s story is not just about artistic achievements; it is a testament to perseverance,
innovation, and an unwavering belief in the transformative power of art. Her journey reminds us
that success is not solely defined by accolades or recognition but by the joy and impact one
brings to others through their work. As she continues to raise the bar with projects like Romantic
Bossa-Nova 2, Doppelganger, and her upcoming feature film Accidental Squatter, Kaylene
inspires us to embrace life’s challenges and opportunities with authenticity and passion.
Through this interview, Vogue Monaco celebrates not just a Renaissance woman but a visionary
who dares to redefine what it means to excel across disciplines—evidenced by her recent 2024
Olympia Arts Award: “Excellence in Multi-Genre Musical Innovation!”
Follow Kaylene’s journey on social media: Instagram.com/kaylenepeoples | FB:
https://www.facebook.com/kaylenepeoples | X.com/boogseymusic