Duncraig Year 7 student, Kayla Stoneman, has just released her first song – ‘No matter’ – on Spotify, iTunes, and other streaming platforms under the name ‘Kayla Grace’.
Kayla not only sang on the track, but she also wrote the lyrics and music, played some of the guitar and had a big hand in the final production of the song.
“’No matter’ is inspired by my family and how even when life is hard, I’ll still be there right beside them each step of the way, hoping they’ll do the same”, said Kayla.
Inspiration is only part of the story, though. Releasing her first single was definitely a challenge for Kayla!
“There were some ups and downs while releasing ‘No Matter’ but the most important thing was that I had fun, which I really did. Chelsea and Khyle from Skyborne Blue Records supported me through the process and were amazing in producing the final version for release”.
Kayla is also very grateful to Xavier Velios for taking the song’s cover photograph while away on holiday with a group of families from St Stephen’s School.
Music has always been a big part of Kayla’s life. 
“I play guitar which I only started this year but, I have been singing since I can remember. I used to play many other instruments like cello, flute and piano and now I teach myself piano when I need to”.
“Many people have inspired me throughout my music career especially my family. They are some of the most supportive and loving people I know and I would be lost without them. Other people who have really inspired me are my friends, my singing teacher Chealsea Gibson and the principal of Joondalup Entertainment Theatre School, Ros Boyer. They are some of the most amazing people I know. I couldn’t have done this without them”.
Kayla’s musical talent has also been nurtured by a number of music specialists here at St Stephen’s School, including Rebecca Thorne from the primary music team.
“I am also grateful to all my school teachers,” said Kayla. “One of my music teachers, Mrs Thorne, has seen me grow since kindy and always supported me. She has been amazing as have many other wonderful teachers who have helped me through the years. Without these people I don’t know what I would have done, because they have all inspired me to work hard and follow my dreams,” said Kayla.
“There were many challenges and doubts I had to get through to release ‘No Matter’. The hardest thing was showing anyone my song because I felt it wasn’t good enough and I was scared of what they’d think. But I showed my parents, and they loved it and were very supportive. Then I showed my singing teacher, and she suggested I release it. Now it’s out there I’m really glad I did because it was a great opportunity to showcase what I can do”.
It’s clear that music is also helping Kayla learn some pretty significant life-lessons.
“Advice I’d love to give to others wishing to share their musical talent is that you shouldn’t be afraid of what other people think instead you should be proud of yourself for trying your hardest. You should keep trying no matter what comes your way because life is full of ups and downs, but you can always get through it by trying”.
No doubt we will see Kayla’s star shine in future school performance and productions. After she graduates, Kayla would like to pursue a career as a singer/songwriter as well as an actor and a dancer.
“I would love to pursue this career I have started and I’m very excited for what’s to come”.