“Kaylene Peoples’ remarkable journey began with classical training, where she mastered the flute, and developed a five-octave vocal range. Her early mastery of music propelled her into composing, conducting, and string arranging, which opened doors with major record labels like Warner Bros. and Capitol Records. Working on high-profile projects helped her carve out a unique niche in the industry.”
I’m over the moon to share that I’m on the cover of Monaco Muse this December! Honestly, I feel so blessed and honored. This marks my sixth cover in just four months, and I can’t believe how fast this whirlwind journey has unfolded.
For me, it’s always been about staying true to my craft—whether I’m in the studio recording, scoring a film, or pouring my heart into a publication. It’s all about making something meaningful and connecting with people. Being featured on a magazine like Monaco Muse is just one of those surreal moments that reminds me why I love what I do.
Kaylene Peoples Cover Story Monaco Muse December 2024
This past year has been nothing short of incredible. From producing my upcoming album Romantic Bossa-Nova 2 to diving into the exciting spy-jazz vibes of Doppelganger, I’ve been lucky to collaborate with some truly amazing talents. And now, seeing my work highlighted on this cover feels like the perfect way to end 2024.
“As a creative force, Kaylene Peoples is driven by a deep connection to the emotional core of music. From her early days as a ghostwriter for television to her current status as a global jazz icon, her journey is a testament to resilience, passion, and reinvention.” —Monaco Muse
I’m also thrilled to share that on November 10th, I was honored with two major awards at the 2024 Olympia Arts Awards. Receiving these accolades, along with medals and certificates signed by the State Legislature, was a monumental moment in my career.
Thank you to Monaco Muse for this feature and for celebrating my artistic journey. I’m so grateful to everyone who has supported me along the way—it’s been a dream year, and I’m looking forward to everything the new year will bring!
Here’s to making magic happen in 2025! 🌟
Link to article: https://monacomuse.com/entertainment/kaylene-peoples-a-life-in-harmony-with-music/
You know, life is funny. I’ve been on what seems like an incredible streak. In August 2024, I was the cover story for The Hollywood Magazine, which featured a beautifully captured moment from my 2023 concert at Catalina Jazz Club, photographed by Karim Saafir. I know Karim through Black Design Collective, and I want to thank him for that amazing shot.
September was equally memorable—I graced the covers of Essence Weekly and Your Spirit UK. If you want an in-depth look into my journey as an artist, musician, and composer, those interviews are must-reads; they’re a great deep dive into my story. Also, in September, I was featured in cover stories for Maxim Fashion.
October brought even more blessings as I was on the cover of another fantastic fashion magazine, Cosmopolitan UAE.
Kaylene Peoples honored with a medal and certificates, signed by State Legislature (State Assembly and State Treasurer) at the 2024 Olympia Arts Awards on November 10th, 2024.
Then, November 10th, 2024, turned out to be a monumental evening for me, as I was honored with two major awards at the 2024 Olympia Arts Awards (signed by state legislature)
- Excellence in Multi-Genre Musical Innovation Award
- Composer of the Year for (the neoclassical score) Vampire Odyssey.
2024 Olympia Arts Awards, Signed by State Legislature: Kaylene Peoples is honored for “Excellence in Multi-Genre Musical Innovation”
My post about the Composer of the Year award:
Composer of the Year for the score Vampire Odyssey – 2024 Olympia Arts Awards:
“It took me a while to post this, but I am overwhelmed with so many emotions. This award means so much to me—my entire music education, all the symphonies I’ve composed, the ballet I wrote and conducted early in my career, the countless string arrangements, and more. My recording of the neoclassical score Vampire Odyssey, which I composed and conducted early in my career and was finally released this year, was recognized.Kaylene Peoples, Honored at the 2024-Olympia-Arts-Awards for Composer of the Year for the Score VAMPIRE ODYSSEY
To have this special award presented to me last night makes the fight for women composers all worth it. I won’t bore you with the details, but I had to fight for that award last night. Afterward, I went to YouTube and listened to the entire score again.
Now, I know I have to continue fighting for the underserved demographic: women composers. It’s time. From Artemis Women Powered Music a few years ago to Bella Composers standing strong on its own—it’s time to take a stand.” – Facebook, November 2024
A while back, I made a Facebook post reflecting on how, through the magazines I publish—Agenda, Virtuoso Bass, Schmooze Jazz, and The Performing Artist—I’ve had the privilege of putting 84 incredible people on magazine covers. These include icons like Stanley Clarke, Carol Alt, Renauld White, and Ron Carter, as well as countless others. It’s always an honor, and quite a surprise, to be asked to grace the cover of any publication. I am deeply grateful.
It seems December will be yet another month of blessings. A few months ago, I was approached by the magazine Monaco Muse to feature me on their cover. This recognition is particularly close to my heart, as Monaco has always been a special place for me. I’ve had the privilege of visiting this magical city many times. My first visit was during an extended stay in Europe when I was just 20 years old, then thanks to Bernard Rosati, Monte Carlo’s top entertainment promoter and bassist with the renowned French group Magma, Monte Carlo became my favorite spot. To now be honored by a publication from this region feels like coming full circle.
I can’t wait to share this milestone with all of you!
Well, needless to say, I’m thrilled. It’s been an incredible few months of recognition. Starting in August 2024, I’ve been cover story for several publications, and now, in October, Cosmopolitan UAE reached out to do a story on my career journey. The article covers everything—from my music to publishing and filmmaking, as well as my upcoming projects. It’s such an honor to be on their cover.
As for recent projects, I just released Vampire Odyssey, my neoclassical album, which has been a significant milestone. And as always, there’s more in the works. A friend recently reminded me that I’ve been juggling multi-disciplines at a high level my entire life. I’ve been so immersed in doing what I love, I never stopped to think about how it looks from the outside. While I’ve been told more than once that I’m “doing too much,” I’ve never dropped a ball. Sure, I’ve faced my share of setbacks—who hasn’t? But those challenges make us stronger. If everything were easy, we wouldn’t have the drive to improve.
“Kaylene Peoples is a powerhouse in the worlds of music, film, and publishing. With a career that spans multiple decades, Peoples has not only garnered attention for her extraordinary talent but also her ability to innovate across several creative industries. From being an award-winning jazz and Bossa-nova artist to a filmmaker and publisher, Kaylene Peoples is, in every sense, a Renaissance woman who thrives in creativity and versatility.”
— Cosmopolitan UAE (United Arab Emirate)
But back to Cosmo! Their feature dives into my multifaceted career, and it’s exciting to see how it all comes together in one narrative. I’ve always believed in following my passions without letting others’ opinions hold me back. And this cover story feels like a reflection of that journey.
Shaping the Worlds of Music, Film & Publishing:
“A True Renaissance Woman Kaylene Peoples is a visionary whose career defies conventional boundaries. Whether through her award-winning music, film, or publishing endeavors, she continues to break new ground. Her relentless pursuit of artistic excellence and dedication to empowering others make her a true renaissance woman of the modern era.” – Adonis Harris, Essence Weekly Magazine
I’m thrilled to share that I’m on the cover of Essence Weekly Magazine! As an artist, I’ve been fortunate to explore so many creative paths, from jazz and Bossa-nova to publishing, film, and beyond. With every project—whether it’s releasing music, conducting symphonies, or working with my team at AGENDA Magazine—I aim to bring something fresh and meaningful to the table.
From my early days with All Jazzed Up! and the incredible journey that followed with albums like My Man (where I worked literally with music legends) to the Grammy ballot and international acclaim for Romantic Bossa-Nova, it’s been a wild ride. And being asked to perform with CAB in 2016, playing Chick Corea’s complex compositions, was one of the highlights of my career.
But my artistic vision has always stretched beyond just one medium. As a filmmaker, my film Redemption took home awards and proved to be a rewarding experience, blending my love for storytelling with music. Now, with AGENDA Magazine thriving after 20 years (thank you, Feedspot, for naming us a top magazine in LA!), and KL Publishing Group continuing to launch exciting literary works, it feels like everything is coming together.
I’m currently working on two albums, Doppelganger and Romantic Bossa-Nova 2, and I can’t wait for you to hear them. Being called a “Renaissance Woman” is such an honor, but at the heart of it all, I’m just doing what I love—and I hope to inspire others along the way. Thanks, Essence Weekly, for this incredible feature!
Read the article: https://essenceweekly.com/kaylene-peoples-a-modern-renaissance-artist-and-visionary/
Kaylene Peoples, Maxim Fashions Magazine, Issue #20
I am delighted to be the cover story for Maxim Fashions Magazine, Issue 20. You will discover my inspirations as a musical artist, and specifically what sets me apart from other artists. You will learn what inspires me, and the milestones I’ve achieved, as well as some surprises.
“What makes Peoples unique is her ability to wield both vocal and instrumental skills at an exceptional level. As a flutist and singer with a five-octave vocal range, she possesses a wide variety of tools for musical expression. Her background in composition and string arranging also adds a cinematic quality to her music, creating intricate, emotional arrangements.” – Maxim Fashions Magazine, Issue #20
Enjoy Issue #20: “Kaylene Peoples: A Journey from Classical Music to Jazz Stardom”
I was delighted to be asked to be the cover story for The Hollywood Magazine. A lot is happening this month. I discovered that Feedspot.com named AGENDA as one of the Top 20 Best Magazines in Los Angeles, ranking #10 out of thousands of magazines in LA.
(Feedspot.com recognizes AGENDA as the Top 20 Best Los Angeles Magazines for 2024.)
“The best Los Angeles magazines from thousands of magazines on the web ranked by relevancy, authority, social media followers & freshness.” – Feedspot
This recognition means so much. Ever since I published the first issue that year in June 2004. The timing was incredible; literally, June 2024, was when this prestigious list was announced. AGENDA has been around, putting out timeless content and raising the bar in 2014 when I took it to print. Available all over the world, the magazine has stood the test of time. I only just discovered that it had made the Feedspot list less than a week ago. Then, I was contacted by The Hollywood Magazine about being featured on their cover.
Kaylene Peoples in concert at Spaghettini “Romantic Bossa-Nova” (Photo: Sheryl Aronson)
I’m in good company with LA Weekly, LA Times, KTTV (Fox 11 Los Angeles), and others. AGENDA was the only fashion/lifestyle magazine in the list. Deemed a “Renaissance Woman” first by Apparel News, then by Formidable Woman’s Magazine, I was delighted to discover my cover story by The Hollywood Magazine shared that same sentiment, titling the article “The Renaissance Woman: Kaylene Peoples.” Check out the article here: The Renaissance Woman: Kaylene Peoples.
I’m anxious to see what other surprises this month has in store for me. I am grateful my hard work over the years is being recognized. Thank you Feedspot.com and The Hollywood Magazine.
A score I did years ago, “Vampire Odyssey,” I decided to finally release the recording, mastered by Brian Gardner (Bernie Grundman Mastering). I composed, conducted it; and played flute on some of the cues. It was a 32-piece ensemble with opera singer Althea Celeste Moultrie, Jon Brooks was the featured percussionist, with guest performance on guitar by Rich Mouser who also mixed the score. I recorded it in several studios, including my own living room! I was commissioned to score it first, and the picture would be cut to it. Sadly the film was never released, but owning the rights to my music, I decided to finally release and distribute it. Aside from my orchestral score, Ilio samples of Gregorian chant are peppered throughout.
“Vampire Odyssey” Composed/Conducted by Kaylene Peoples with full orchestra mastered by Brian Gardner/Bernie Grundman Hollywood
I just found my masters 3 weeks ago, and I am thrilled to be able to let the world hear this music. Saxon Hamilton hired me for this intense creation, titled “Vampire Odyssey.” Check it out. All 14 tracks are on YouTube. #bellacomposersphilharmonic #bellacomposers #womencomposers #vampireodysseybykaylenepeoples
YouTube Playlist “Vampire Odyssey” by Kaylene Peoples
“A Journey Through Jazz” featuring Bunny Brunel and guest performer Gwyn Foxx 2.0. Live & hosted by TV Writer & Comedian Kevin Foster happened at Catalina Jazz Club on August 11th, 2023. I am utterly blown away by the response of this show. I curated it with the intention of honoring the long-standing genre of jazz in all its forms, including a spin on James Brown’s legacy done in the “spirit” of jazz. Then Bunny Brunel played his upright bass on some straight-ahead tunes that included jazz staples like “Dolphin Dance” and “Someday My Prince Will Come” to a very appreciative audience that evening. He was backed by the all-star trio that included Land Richards on drums, Mahesh Balasooriya on the grand piano, Joe Calderon on guitar. Their set was amazing. These musicians are top LA players, and it showed with their intense round of improvisational solos. Bunny wielded his upright with the ease of his fretless and played intricately and melodically otherworldly soundscapes. The audience response is always the same … mouth open, eyes wide, shocked at his musical abilities, the same reaction by audiences around the world. Yes, Bunny Brunel is a marvel.
Bunny Brunel plays a set of straight ahead jazz standards on the upright bass at the Catalina Jazz Club for Kaylene Peoples: “A Journey Through Jazz” (Photo: Karim Saafir)
But let’s talk about Gwyn Foxx 2.0 Live’s show. Do you know that she had only 2 weeks to put her show together? Here’s the backstory:
I was approached by Catalina’s to perform in August, which at the time was less than three weeks notice. I hadn’t been doing my own show(s) as Kaylene Peoples and particularly my show “Romantic Bossa-Nova” which had been growing in popularity. I have been mostly a sideman (woman) playing flute and singing a couple of tunes in Bunny Brunel’s band CAB. But as Kaylene Peoples . . . not much this year at all. So I took this opportunity to get back on stage. Now mind you, I was planning to make my presence known next year, but I was still really just working out the details. Basically, I was on a break. Last year, I saw an amazing show with Gwyn Foxx. She was dynamic, doing a set of r&b hits, including a James Brown tune. The audience at that show was extremely attentive. You could tell they loved her performance, it was literally the first time I’d had the privilege, but there was something about that James Brown tune, and the response we all had in that room that night. I approached Gwyn about putting together a show and being my guest at Catalina Jazz Club. Well, she not only pulled it off, but was a smashing hit with the audience who really appreciated her “ode to old school” with the hits “Get Up Off of That Thing,” “Gonna Have a Funky Good Time,” and “Please, Please, Please.” Foxx’s singing was off the chain with the audience dancing in their seats to “I Feel Good”, “Papa Got a Brand New Bad,” “It’s A Man’s World,” and others, segueing into Al Green’s “Let’s Stay Together,” and performing her single “Never Gonna Leave Me.” What a powerful performance with background singers on-point and a five-piece horn section!
Gwyn Foxx performs her tribute to James Brown and Al Green at Catalina Jazz Club (Photo: Karim Saafir)
After Gwyn’s show and Kevin Foster’s riffing with the audience, I finally approached the stage, carrying a vodka martini, which I had never done before. I tend to have a martini before I go up on stage, meant only to cut the edge. There had been a slight hiccup in my show. I had advertised Dave Brubeck and had intended to play my arrangement of “Blue Rondo a la Turk” with the band. Unfortunately, my flute mic had other ideas; it wouldn’t stay on. Could have been the battery, but who had time to figure that out? I was up next.
HOLLYWOOD, CA – AUGUST 11: A Journey Through Jazz Starring Kaylene Peoples featuring Bunny Brunel and Gwyn Foxx hosted by Kevin Foster at Catalina Jazz Club in Hollywood, CA (Photo by Karim Saafir)
“Following Gwyn Foxx’s highly energetic performance and Bunny Brunel’s acoustic set with his exquisite musicianship, my show, “A Journey Through Jazz,” took a slight detour to a journey through my soul that evening. This year, I had taken a hiatus, rather a soul-searching sabbatical as an artist, pondering the meaning of it all as not only a musician but as an entertainer. Coming back fresh to Catalina’s stage, I found my sweet spot. And that evening I let loose, and enjoyed myself and the audience! I was able to engage, and it felt wonderful. It was a true celebration of the spontaneity of jazz!” –Kaylene Peoples
I had the harebrained idea to toss my setlist and use my martini as a prop! I led with “Girl from Ipanema” in a more mellow performance than the way I usually had sang the tune. But before doing that, I introduced my martini as part of the act, placed it on the stool next to me and did the song. After Ipanema, I called out Billy Strayhorn’s “Lush Life” and the band fell perfectly in step. that song was sublime. At least it felt like it was. By the sheer overview of the audience, they were with me on every lyric. At the end of the song, I drank my martini and bowed my head. Wow! That felt great. From there I was just randomly calling out tunes from my setlist and the band stayed in step with me on every song from “One Note Samba” to “Berimbau.” I completed my set with “Spain,” so I thought when during the round of solos, I had forgotten to do the Brubeck tune I promised. After ending “Spain,” I explained that I had promoted “Take Five” and wanted to keep my promise, so that became my encore, and the audience loved it. I was so glad. Joe Calderon and I share a complex unison guitar/vocal scat after his solo, and we nailed it. So that was the show. Here are some quotes from the evening:
“Many people don’t realize that I actually started playing the bass on the upright. This show made me bring out the old friend that started it all. One thing I have learned through my musical career is it doesn’t matter what kind of bass you play, what’s important is that you PLAY the bass. My set “Bunny Brunel Unplugged” gave me a chance to step away from fusion and my fretless, reminding me how it all started in the first place!” –Bunny Brunel, Founding Member of CAB & Grammy-Nominated Bassist
“I never thought in a million years that my singing one James Brown tune from my setlist would inspire talented Kaylene Peoples to approach me with the idea of performing an entire set of 90-percent James Brown songs. But it did… and so did I. I have to say, it was a funky and fun experience! I noticed that the audience really was into it as well as my 5-piece horn section, background singers, and myself! One of the audience members came over to me and said, ‘Thank you for taking me down memory lane.’ It was awesome. What a great experience for us all! The sound was incredible, the venue is well known, the band was amazing, and the feeling was fantastic!”–Gwyn Foxx 2.0 Live
HOLLYWOOD, CA – AUGUST 11: A Journey Through Jazz Starring Kaylene Peoples featuring Bunny Brunel and Gwyn Foxx hosted by Kevin Foster at Catalina Jazz Club in Hollywood, CA (Photo by Karim Saafir)
And here’s what Kevin Foster, our host had to say about me …
“Kaylene performs with such passion and energy (an audience consensus). The scat sequence on “Take Five” with guitarist Joe Calderon was very technical and precise. Nice new wrinkle. Kaylene has a powerful command of the stage, and ironically people are [still] surprised when she plays the flute like they still don’t expect women to do that!”–Kevin Foster, TV Writer & Comedian
Host for the Evening Kevin Foster at the Catalina Jazz Club for Kaylene Peoples: “A Journey Through Jazz” on August 11, 2023 (Photo: Karim Saafir)
Yeah… about that! So people, there are tons of women musicians, I’m just one of many. Interestingly, I play my flute in my shows as a soloing choice. Don’t let me break loose! lol! Anyway the show, in my humble opinion, was a moment in time that I feel will be a musical night to remember. I am extremely proud to have had the honor of curating this show, having the incredible musicians who were involved all with the backdrop of the premier jazz venue in Hollywood, the Catalina Jazz Club. Thank you Manny and Catalina for the opportunity to stretch my wings! Until the next time…
Check out the great press from this event: Daily music Roll; Agenda; Schmooze Jazz;Music Industry News
“Another great concert writeup! Congrats to the Journey Through Jazz team: Curator Kaylene Peoples Music, Bunny Brunel II, Gwyn Foxx 2.0 Live, and the all-star trio (Mahesh Balasooriya, Joe Calderon, and Land Richards) who performed at the Catalina Bar & Grill! Other notable mentions come from Associated Press, United Kingdom News (Incl. 3 more news sources in Great Britain), and 5 additional news sources in Canada, including Quebec News), Fox News in three states; Also a big mention in Google News (Digital Journal & Benzinga)!“ First Take PR
Visit The gallery to see more concert photos: https://kaylenepeoples.com/gallery/
#JazzPerformance #LiveMusic #MusicalCollaboration #ConcertReview #JamesBrownTribute #MusicEvent #UprightBass #FlutePerformance #MusicalDiversity #AudienceEngagement #MusicVenue #ImprovisationalSolos #KaylenePeoples #BunnyBrunel #GwynFoxx #CatalinaJazzClub #MusicalExcellence #FunkyPerformance #MusicianShowcase #JazzLegacy #MusicExperience
“Rite of Passage” on the Radio, the Release of BASS BALL 2, “Fusion Holidays,” and a Nod from Smooth FM Portugal!
THE LA LIM SHOW: What a thrill to hear my song “Rite of Passage” on the radio this year, not once but four times thanks to Davi Radio LA and Limuel Flowers, the host of the LA LIM show. I have been sitting on this single forever, waiting for just the right time, and Limuel offered me a spot and blessed me with massive exposure. This gave me a chance to test the waters. Was my song still relevant after all these years? And the answer is a resounding “yes!” I have to admit, there’s nothing like hearing one’s own music being played on the radio to an engaged audience. I was in great company at least twice (with a requested rebroadcast for those who missed it) as my friend and iconic musician Larry Dunn (original Earth Wind & Fire keyboardist and 7-time Grammy winner) was interviewed. Limuel gave Larry an amazing tribute to his music and to the Larry Dunn Orchestra with his wife Luisa. I was part of that show . . . and my song even followed Sting! It took some time, but I did finally come down from that high. Needless to say, there has been a lot going on with me musically from mid-2022 to present, and I’d like to share some of those highlights!
Davi Radio Los Angeles with the La Lim Show featured on multiple shows “Rite of Passage” BY Kaylene Peoples
BASS BALL 2 BY BUNNY BRUNEL & FRIENDS
I am playing flute on the newly released Bass Ball 2 by Bunny Brunel & Friends. I’m joined with an elite group of musicians that include Stanley Clarke, Patrice Rushen, Larry Dunn, Armand Sabal-Lecco, Virgil Donati, Jon Wackerman, Kyle Eastwood, Federico Malaman, and countless other prominent musicians on this groove-heavy album. I am featured on three of the tracks: “MAWU,” “Aquarelle,” and “No Such A Thing.”
Bunny Brunel & Friends “Bass Ball 2” Cover
I was part of the first Bass Ball CD, which was produced by Bunny Brunel and Stanley Clarke and released six years ago. Wow, how time flies. That CD was the first of its kind to feature a lineup of prominent bass players, which included Victor Wooten, Billy Sheehan, Hadrien Feraud, and so many others. I played on a track arranged by Larry Dunn and Luisa Dunn that Bunny Brunel titled “Lulu,” as well as being featured on “John’s Space,” and “Bay of the Angels” in 2017!
FUSION HOLIDAYS BY BUNNY BRUNEL LEADS TO A TOUR.
Bunny Brunel “Fusion Holidays” – Composer/Producer/Arr.: feat. Roman Miroshnichenko, Kaylene Peoples, Virgil Donati, & Mahesh Balasooriya
In Spring of 2022, I was on Bunny Brunel’s single “Fusion Holidays,” featuring Russian guitarist Roman Miroshnichenko, where we just returned from a music tour of Russia, titled “Fusion Holiday.” I was also featured along with power drummer and legendary Virgil Donati and keyboardist Mahesh Balasooriya. “Fusion Holiday” is a great composition with outstanding musical performances, starring, composed and produced by world-famous bassist Bunny Brunel! After waiting three years for this tour that was scheduled pre-covid, it kept getting pushed back due the the constant threats of the pandemic. I was finally able to go on as part of Bunny Brunel’s band that featured multi-award-winning Russian guitarist Roman Miroshnichenko. We performed in Kaluga, Vladimir, and ended our tour in Moscow. It was exciting with great audiences, and even greater people.
SMOOTH FM NAMES ROMANTIC BOSSA-NOVA ALBUM OF THE WEEK!
In the summer of 2022, “Corcovado” from my album Romantic Bossa-Nova was on the radio in Brazil and was “Album of the Week” on Smooth FM, a station located in Portugal that also broadcasts to Canada and Brazil. That was a huge surprise. I was beyond thrilled to be given that nod! I guess I nailed the accent!
Kaylene Peoples “Romantic Bossa-Nova” named Album of the Week July 2022 by Smooth FM Portugal
AND THERE’S MORE COMING!
So what’s next? I have a big concert at the celebrated Los Angeles jazz venue Catalina Jazz Club on Sunset Blvd. on Friday August 11th, 2023, featuring Bunny Brunel on upright and singer Gwyn Foxx with comedian Kevin Foster (Monogamy) hosting… ” That’s all I have to report on the music front, but I promise to keep you updated! There’s a lot brewing, too much to tell in this post. I’ll dish the juicy details when the time is right. You can wait a bit, can’t you?
