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!