This week on Mic Drop, we feature Kaitlyn Roybal, a sophomore majoring in political science. Roybal grew up in Denver, Colo., and says she has always been passionate about singing.
Stella Fanega: Why did you start singing and playing?
Kaitlyn Roybal: The way I got into music was sort of natural. My mom had been involved in music for a long time and I think she actually started to major in it until she gave that up and changed her major back in the day. I started playing piano long before I started doing anything else. My parents put me in lessons around the age of 4 and I’ve been playing ever since. Which I think would make it about 15 years going on 16 this August. I don’t really remember when I started singing but it was never really much until middle school and I got involved in my church’s band and I got involved in musicals. It went from there and then I dropped it for a few years until I began to get more involved recently in college.
SF: Have you faced hardships in your music career? If yes, tell me one situation and how you overcame it.
KR: Yes. I think to make a musician you have to have some sort of hardship. My biggest hardship has always been confidence. I grew up knowing that I always wanted to have music in my life and I wanted to keep singing. Growing up my passion for music wasn’t very much encouraged unless it was in a certain set of expectations. I was encouraged to sing ONLY if it’s for certain things and I was discouraged to audition for other things because I was always told I wasn’t as good as everyone else. There were a lot of ‘just give up’s’ growing up not only from friends and peers, but from family as well. (I) was encouraged to chase after things that could support yourself. Don’t be a musician, be a doctor.
SF: Who inspires you?
KR: My biggest inspiration has always and forever will be Alicia Keys. The first time I remember really connecting with the music was when I was in my mom’s car with her and we were listening to her “As I Am” album. I was around the age of 9 or 10 and I absolutely fell in love with the way she played and sang at the same time. It encouraged me by showing me that I could maybe do it too. I LOVED that album. As I grew older that passion for music she sparked just kept growing and growing inside of me. Music is my life force now and I honestly owe all of that to her.
SF: How was “The Voice” audition experience and what did you learn?
KR: Oh man, that was honestly really crazy. I felt like a cow herded into some corral. There were SOOO many people. We were packed into lines and then sent here and there to sing for one minute in front of one guy who would tell us to come back in a few days for another round of auditions. It was super stressful but I wouldn’t change anything about it honestly. I signed up on a whim but it definitely kind of opened up a new side of ambition in me. I had always felt like I needed other people to validate my ability. I think this experience really kind of opened my eyes to the fact that you don’t need other people to validate your ability. I didn’t make it into the next round of auditions I but I was able to see where my music career could actually go. Because of that audition I decided to start really getting into music a lot more. I have a unique story that needs to be told and a unique sound that I want to share and if no one listens that is still fine. At least I’m doing what I love.
SF: How would you define music and what is does to you?
KR: I would define music as (and I know this is corny), as my life. Like I can honestly say that I would not be here today if it was not for the music. It has helped me so much. The way I can connect with music is something spiritual. It has kept me going through a lot of tough times in my life. It’s kept me balanced and it’s kept me together. I think if I didn’t have music influence as such a big part of my life I wouldn’t be alive today and I certainly would not be even remotely similar to the person I am today.
Tune in Thursday at 8 p.m. on The Chronicle/NCCLinked Facebook page to hear Roybal cover Arlissa’s “Hearts Ain’t Gonna Lie,” Chance the Rapper’s “Sunday Candy” and a mashup of “The Hills” and “Crazy in Love.”
