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2013 – Kira Taylor

 

Kira Taylor is a thirteen year old country musician from Florida. She writes her own music taking inspiration from life experiences she sees around her, and recently appeared on the Upbeat Dancer Show. Kira also actively works to raise awareness for cystic fibrosis and anti-bullying, and will be performing at the Coastal Carolina Fair in Ladson, S.C. on Nov. 9 at 12pm! Make sure to like her page on Facebook!

1. How did your love of music begin?

I can honestly say my love of music began when I was very young. My parents tell me that I have always loved music. Also, I started dancing when I was 3, and was dancing competitively by the age of six. In third grade, I performed in my school’s chorus productions and being part of a musical production class.

 

2. What inspires you for your songs?

I remember always singing songs with my mom, dad, and sisters because my dad has a good voice. I guess he gets it honest because of one of my great-great uncles was a singer for a gospel group named ‘The Gospel Seven’. I haven’t really met him yet, but I have been told that he has a great voice.

 

3. What obstacles have you had to overcome in order to pursue your dream of music?

I have had a lot of obstacles to overcome in order to pursue my dream of singing country music. Since I have cystic fibrosis and hydrocephalus I have been blessed that I can sing at all. The Cystic Fibrosis can affect my voice, health, and my ability to breathe. Moreover, I have really been blessed that my C.F. has not affected my singing up to this point.

 

4. Do you have a favorite song that you’ve written?

All of my songs are unique in their own way, but there is a song that I am writing about my hometown Charleston, S.C., which I hope to perform at the Coastal Carolina Fair in Ladson, S.C. on Nov. 9 at 12pm. Charleston is a very beautiful historical city, and I hope my song can give it more positive press because it deserves it. Still, ‘Friends’ is very special because it is about helping others know you aren’t alone.

 

5. Can you tell us about your work with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation?

My first original song ‘Country Girl Things’ was inspired by a horse rescue that my sister and I have been blessed to be able to go to for the past 2 years. I dedicated this song to Miss Beverly Levitt, the person who runs and takes care of the horses at ‘Healing Horses One Child At a Time, Inc.’, which is located in Wesley Chapel. She is like a grandmother to both of us and we miss going their due to the weather damage. When we are there I forgot that I even have Cystic Fibrosis, and feel so loved by all. My second song ‘Friends’ was inspired by a close friend of mine, who is a very special young lady in her own way that contends with bullying like me.

 

6. Do you get nervous at all about performing in front of a live audience?

So far I haven’t gotten nervous because I enjoy interacting with the crowd. I love it when I can dance and move around the stage. When I get up on the stage, I feel like that I am part of the audience. I enjoy seeing there smiles and their interaction.

 

7. What has your favorite performance been so far?

My favorite performance been so far has been at the Sonshine Opry located at the Plant City Strawberry Festival fairground. I got to sing 5 songs, which included my first 2 original songs as well as three cover songs. This show was fun because kids actually came up and danced with me while I was singing; even my sister was able to dance with me while I was singing. It was a very interactive show with a family oriented theme. Moreover, I was able to discuss how and why my song ‘Friends’ helps know that they aren’t alone Finally, I got to meet Dennis Lee and Renee Riddle who were very kind to me and my family.

 

8. What message would you give to today’s youth about anti-bullying?

The message that I would give to today’s youth about anti-bullying is that bullying somebody hurts them not only through their feelings, but it hurts them in a lot of other ways. People say most bullies have been bullied in their life. Thus, I want to be able to stop the cycle of bullying. I want to educate people about children and individuals with disabilities who are not able to defend themselves against a bully.

 

9. What are your musical goals for the future? Your goals outside of music?

My goals for the future are to write music that inspires, educates, and entertains in order to reach people and give them a sense of purpose. Also, I would like to perform at the Grand Ole Opry one day or at least get to visit Nashville. My goals outside of music are to continue to assist people and animals that need help as well as supporting cystic fibrosis research. Additionally, I would to continue being an ambassador at our local Shriner’s Hospital. I hope to use my music to spread awareness for these charities that I support.

 

10. What advice would you give to other kids who want to pursue their dreams?

I would tell them not to give up on themselves and if someone is negative to not listen to them. Do what you want to do because you have to be happy in your life. Do what makes you happy, and do follow your dreams because if you stick with what you enjoy then your dreams will come true one day.

 

11. Is there anything else you would like to add?

Yes, I would love to thank Star Kidz for giving me this amazing opportunity to be interviewed. If you would have asked me 3 years ago where I’d be, I’d never have thought I would be singing. After I watched America’s Got Talent with the sisters who had Cystic Fibrosis, I was inspired to not give up. Though I take treatments for my lungs three times a day for CF it has not slowed me down nor my dream. It has actually helped me look forward to my future.

We’d like to thank Kira for participating in this year’s November Q&A series!