Meet Kerri Layton - the Humble Diva!

I have a special guest on the podcast this week!

A fellow Fearless Singer who has followed her passion for performing, jazz and education has created a thriving music and coaching business.

Kerri Layton is a UK-based jazz singer and a business coach who helps female musicians create more balance, joy, abundance, and creative impact.

Growing up, Kerri identified herself as introverted and wasn’t a stage kid by any stretch; she says she would only sing by herself, which she found was a form of healing.

After being given opportunities to travel as a youth ambassador as a teenager, she pursued a career as a youth
worker and drama teacher for many years.

She says she came to love jazz after discovering old jazz books, LPs, and records in a northern city she lived in her early 20s. She says she was drawn to the melodies and structures of jazz, which she found rebellious and exciting.

And at 28, she decided to pursue jazz singing as a career, which she says happened after a life-changing jazz boot camp and an encounter with her neighbour, whom she lovingly refers to as “Dixie Bird”, who gave her the confidence to pursue singing.

Kerri's unconventional path into music is a testament to the power of following your passions, even if it means taking a different route from the norm. And she says that wherever on your journey in life, it’s never too late to embark on those dreams.

She says it helps to have a guide to help navigate the music industry. Whether through formal education, hiring a mentor, or joining a program, having someone to guide and support you is crucial.

Kerri did this by immersing herself into her local jazz scene and learnt on the bandstand, touring multiple times throughout Europe.  

In the interview, Kerri discusses the importance of knowing your worth as a performer, especially in a male-dominated industry. She encourages women musicians to own their diva energy and says you can still do this while being respectful and humble.

She adds that by owning your diva energy, you are giving very clear direction to the Universe as to what you want.

What's truly inspiring about Kerri is her passion for working with young people.

She witnessed firsthand the transformations that music and performing arts can bring in the lives of young people who have had a challenging start in life. Her experiences as a youth worker and drama teacher have never left her, and she continues to incorporate that passion into her work as a business coach.

You will hear that Kerri's journey into music involved self-discovery and growth; however, throughout her career, she has always been authentically herself.

She's an example of someone who followed her passions, took risks, and pursued a career that fulfilled her.

As always, I’d love to hear what resonates with you in this podcast; please reply and let me know. I love hearing from you!

I’m sure you will find Kerri as inspiring as I do.
Love from your Fearless Singer mate,
Mel X ❤️‍🔥🎵