Diana Reviews Kayla Lynn McKinney

Long time guest blogger, Diana (attractive picture at left), is here to review 3 videos from young YouTube Star Kayla Lynn McKinney and her friends at Stages Music School! Read what Diana says about this girl who has been making music for years but just turned 14, and three of her popular music videos. Watch the professional videos created for Kayla's Original and Cover songs, starring talented singer songwriter Kayla and her friends!

Kayla Lynn McKinney, young and so talented!

YouTube channel http://www.youtube.com/user/KaylaLynnRocks

Its time to meet Kayla Lynn McKinney, born and raised in Princeton, West Virginia. This beautiful girl, who at the age of 13 can play guitar, bass and drums. Kayla also says she can play a little piano and stand up bass. Well that sounds pretty amazing to me. Kayla is in an a-Capella group called Distraction. ( Great name BTW )

Kayla likes to edit her music videos with the use of Final Cut Pro X. SO much talent, and I am like you, just learning about this girl. Kayla states, "I have dreams!" She has been the victim of bullying and feels it's her mission to use her music to help put an end to it. Well Kayla I agree with you; this is indeed a beautiful mission!

Kayla's mother, Melissa McKinney, https://www.facebook.com/melissa.mckinney.750 owns a music school called Stages Music School. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Stages-Music-School/197202786958192?ref=br_rs This is where the a-Capella group Distraction first got started just this past fall.

Distraction is made up of 5 girls, with Kayla being the youngest. It should also be noted that Distraction is heavily influenced by Delta Rae.

Kayla McKinney, age 13 ( NOW 14 as of Feb 9th 2014 )
Jenna Arthur, age 14
Jedah Palmer, age 14
Ary'an Graham, age 15
Kaylee Meadows, age 15


OK so let's get on with the videos...

Born This Way Lady Gaga Cover by Miss Behavin Filmed by KQllFILMS



Miss Behavin got together to perform "Born this way" for The Mercer County Parents and Students Coalition against bullying. Kayla starts this song out and remember it was in 2012 so she was only 12 years old. Still young yet powerful, these children got together and used their raw talent to put together a music video. I think it's amazing when young people want to make a change in this world, but not only want to, try to.

To put yourself out there to be judged is a scary and powerful feeling. These girls should feel proud. To stand up for what you believe in and use your talents as a way to get the world to see and hear you is admirable to say the least. Way to go girls, way to go.... More videos by Miss Behaving can be found here http://www.youtube.com/user/stagesmusicschool/videos


Invisible Scars by Kayla Lynn Filmed by KQllFILMS



Staying with the topic of bullying, Kayla wrote a song called Invisible Scars in honor of a classmate named Dalton Walker age 12 who was a victim of bullying and took his own life. Kayla, also 12 at this time, says she wrote this song not only in honor of Dalton Walker, but because she became severely depressed as a result of being bullied herself before she got the help she needed to get past it. Kayla wants kids of all ages to know there are people who care about you and want to help! You may not know them yet, but they exist, and I am one of them! If you have been bullied or you are depressed, please seek Help and don't wait until its too late. All profits from this song went to MCPASCAB, a group that is determined to put an end to bullying in her community and beyond!

A 12 year old wrote and sang this song! Seeing her walking with her skin marked in hateful words brings tears to my eyes, I sometimes can't understand why there has to be hate, but then have to remember with out hate and pain, we would not see the beauty that can follow. Beautifully written, sang and acted. Very powerful and again at only 12 years old. This is a girl I am sure we will be seeing a lot more of!


Distraction singing Detla Rea cover Bottom of the River.



This video is Produced, Directed, and Editing by Kayla McKinney. Talk about talent and then some from this girl. The song and its performance lends themselves to a broad range of interpretation by each listener. This video is the newest from Kayla, Its dark and beautiful. The message to me again feels along the lines of bullying. One minute you have all the friends in the world, and before you know it you are alone. ( This song is up for interpretation, from the original to Kayla's version. The one with Delta Rea has to me a Salem witch trial feel and this one more along the lines of bullying? What do you think? ) Kayla starts this out with a grunge/punk look. This has a dark somewhat disturbing feel to it. Very well sung and acted. The video was given a new look with some homage paid to the original video by Delta Rea.

I love their harmony and these girls have great chemistry and play off each other very well. The editing was very well done, and very professional. The scenery was beautiful and perfect for this song, as it invoked images specific for the lyrics. All in all, I would have to say that the only way for Kayla McKinney to go is UP!

Writer's side note (by Diana):

I am with Kayla 100% on this. Bullying is wrong, but you are not alone. If you are a victim of bullying and need help, please don't be afraid to tell someone, a parent, teacher, counselor, or anyone you trust. GET HELP NOW!

Bullying can affect you in many ways. You may lose sleep or feel sick. You may want to skip school. You may even be thinking about suicide. If you are feeling hopeless or helpless or know someone that is, please call the LIFELINE at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). They are there to help, not judge.

If you need someone to talk to and just listen, that is what they are there for. Don't be afraid to help yourself, there is NO one more important than YOU!