Kylie Trout Shows Maturity Beyond Her Years on Debut Singles

Just four singles in to her already award-winning career, southern California native Kylie Trout is proving that she is wise beyond her 16 years,

Trout has delved deep into herself and tackled subjects ranging from love lost to living life without contact with her mother; all the while, healing both listeners and herself.

Already the recipient of two music awards and nominated for two more, Trout is well on her way to carving her own path in country music.

Read along as Trout details releasing music for the first time, the healing power of her songs, winning awards, and more!

Pro Country: Who were your biggest musical influences growing up?

Kylie Trout: Carrie Underwood and Kellie Pickler were definitely some of my biggest musical influences growing up. I remember listening to Carrie’s first albums in absolute awe when I was super young, and listening to her grow even more since then. She’s seriously amazing. I’ve also always looked up to Kellie Pickler because of her backstory with her mother, since I can relate. Not only does she have a great voice, but she just seems like the most genuine person! These two were and continue to be major musical influences and role models for myself.

PC: You have been singing since you were a toddler and started taking lessons at around 10 years-old. What was it about music that connected with you so early in your life?

KT: My biological mother left me when I was about 4 years-old, and that has always been one of the hardest things to deal with. However, I found music at that very young age, and it was one of the major things that helped me get through. It allowed me to connect my emotions through lyrics other people sang, which reminded me that I’m never alone. That’s the kind of connection that sticks with you forever.

PC: When did you realize that you wanted to pursue music as a career?

KT: Since day one, nothing else has ever interested me as much as music has. While everyone else was out playing sports, I would be flipping through my CDs trying to decide what to play next! I really couldn’t see myself doing anything else!

PC: What emotions were you feeling as you were preparing to release music for the first time with the “Wish It Was with Me” single?

KT: As I was preparing to release my first song, “Wish It Was With Me”, I felt a mixture of emotions. Part of me was nervous if anyone would even like it, but the other part of me was so excited to just finally call something my own that I didn’t even care! [laughs]. Then after releasing and getting all the encouraging feedback, I couldn’t wait to release more!

PC: Both “Wish It Was with Me” and your second single “Slippin’” deal with love lost and heartbreak. Was that a theme that you intentionally wanted to relay in your first few releases, or was that naturally where your writing was going at that time?

KT: When writing “Wish It Was With Me” and “Slippin” there was no intended theme, it just worked out that way! They were both just how I was feeling at the time. Plus I figured many others could relate to the heartbreak in both songs, it happens to all of us at one point.

PC: “Drive” is a great southern-rocker featuring Marcella. Was it important for you to showcase that versatility in your sound with “Drive”? How did Marcella get involved with the recording?

KT: Thank you! And yes after releasing my sad songs, I figured it was the perfect time to switch it up! I had actually started writing “Drive” about a year before at a songwriting camp that my vocal coach, who Marcella and I share, puts on annually. Then last summer, Marcella and I attended the camp again where we teamed up along with another talented musician and friend, Jimmy Marshall; finished up the song, revamped it a little, and ended up recording it out in Nashville in March of this year! Marcella and I have been friends for years, so it was a super fun experience to be able to work with her.

PC: On your newest single “Can’t Remember Growing Up,” you open up about abuse you suffered from your mother and being raised by a single father. What is it about you that allows yourself to open up and put that part of your life out for the world to hear?

KT: Showing such vulnerability to the world with releasing “Can’t Remember Growing Up” was a bit tough for me at first since it discusses one of the most personal issues in my life. I even had second thoughts about releasing it, but then I realized that this is such a common situation nowadays that it would be crazy not to. I remember feeling so alone sometimes, and since music was what helped me cope, I hoped that this song would help others do the same.

PC: “Can’t Remember Growing Up” has been out for less than a month, and is already your highest streamed song on Spotify and is connecting with people all over the world. Given the song’s deeply personal nature, what has that success meant to you?

KT: Yes! It’s still crazy to me to believe so many people have heard and are continuing to listen to my personal story. A story that I hadn’t even told all of my friends and that shaped me into the person I am, is now being streamed all over the world. Getting it out there has almost felt like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders that I’ve been carrying around. The response has been incredible and that means more to me than I can explain!

PC: You released a short documentary-style clip about the inspiration behind “Can’t Remember Growing Up,” and you received several messages from people who have shared similar situations. What has it meant to you to see people connecting with the song and how people are relating to it and being healed by it?

KT: My goal was to help others by releasing the song, but little did I know how much the documentary-style clip just explaining my life would help as well. The responses I got hit me right in the heart, and honestly the people who took the time to reach out, I cannot thank enough because they really helped me as well. Just getting that reassurance that you made a difference in someone’s life is the most fulfilling thing ever. It was definitely a full circle result.

PC: You won first and second place at the North American Country Music Association’s Songwriter of the Year contest, and you’re currently nominated for two Josie Music Awards. What kind of validation does being recognized in that way give you at this early stage of your career?

KT: I’m so grateful to have had the opportunities I’ve been given at such a young age. I stay full of faith, passion, and hard work and pray that it takes me towards my goals, so being recognized is definitely validation that I may be doing something right. This is what I love to do, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds.

PC: You shared the stage with Honey County at the Women in Country event in Anaheim, CA. What can you take away from that kind of experience that can help you in your own career?

KT: Meeting and performing with Honey County at such a great event was an incredible experience. All three of them were so generous, and I feel lucky to have met them. They’re on their way to the top and they still made a stop to help other women who are also trying to grow in the country music industry and I think it’s so important to give back like that. They’re awesome!

PC: What are your plans for the rest of 2019 and beyond?

KT: For the rest of 2019, there’ll be lots of shows, writing, and recording new music! I’m excited to say I plan on dropping an EP before the end of the year, so stay tuned!