Rhythm & Riffs
Interview of Jayla King
by Miles Townsend
SEVENTEEN-YEAR-OLD Jayla King, daughter of the late Marcus King, also known as “Jaybird,” and the title of the latest Royal Mayhem album, expected to release May of next year.
How are you, Jayla?
Jayla: I’m okay. Just taking it one day at a time.
Is it true Royal Mayhem’s latest album, Jaybird, was named after you and that you co-wrote the album with your father, Marcus King?
Jayla: Yes. It was a side project my dad and I had been working on for a year or so before he decided he wanted to turn it into an album.
What’s the significance of Jaybird? Is it a nickname?
Jayla: Jayla is derived from Jay Bird. It also means “one who is special.” My mom fell in love with the name Jayla, and my dad loved the idea of calling me Jaybird. It was a win-win, I guess.
Will there be a tour?
Jayla: Yes. Tour dates will be announced before the end of the year.
Will the album be different from Royal Mayhem music?
Jayla: No. Royal Mayhem is devoted to their fans. However, you can expect several covers of songs from some of our favorite bands.
Tell me about your father’s charity, the Mayhem Foundation.
Jayla: The Mayhem Foundation focuses on putting music and performing arts back into schools. It works mostly with private and charter schools because public schools are run by the state where funding is only accepted through fundraisers and budget approvals. That could take years and in the meantime, kids are missing out. The foundation provides scholarships to kids who can’t afford the hefty private school tuitions. It also provides each school with instruments and the necessities to teach students about music and performance. To quote my dad: “Music has come a long way since high school band class and a five-dollar recorder.”
Have you or the band chosen a new lead singer for Royal Mayhem?
Jayla: I appreciate you not using the term “frontman” because Marcus King will always be the frontman of Royal Mayhem. The band was his and Andrew’s. I don’t think there’s anyone who can ever replace him, but as they say in this business, the show must go on. I do have someone in mind. Someone I feel would be a perfect fit. I’ve discussed my choice with the other members of the band. I expect that once a decision is made, we’ll make an announcement sometime before the tour. So, stay tuned.
I have a few “getting to know Jayla King” questions. Would you mind?
Jayla: No. Ask away.
Favorite color?
Jayla: Any shade of blue. Preferably lighter blues.
Guilty pleasures?
Jayla: Oh, um, I have a few. Okay, don’t laugh. Chocolate, of course. Fruit, romance books, T-shirts with funny quotes—sometimes I even design them myself—and Pinterest.
You recently did a photo shoot with fashion photographer and designer Anna Sizemore’s “Girl Next Door” campaign, correct? It appears you might have a knack for fashion modeling. Ever thought about a career in fashion or modeling?
Jayla: Thank you and no. I’ll leave the designing to Anna and the modeling to the professionals. I loved working with Anna and I love the photography. It’s the perfect combination of innocent, flirty, and sexy. She’s a friend of a friend, so when she asked, I was happy to do it. It was fun and someday I can look back and say, “Hey, I did that,” but it’s not something I’m interested in pursuing. I would like to add that the Mayhem Foundation has teamed up with Anna Sizemore for a special Project Mayhem clothing line, consisting of T-shirts, tank tops, and hats, which are for sale on the foundation’s website. All proceeds will go to the foundation.
How old were you when you wrote your first song?
Jayla: Six.
What instruments do you play, and what is your favorite?
Jayla: I play a little of everything. I’m okay on the drums, better on the guitar, but the piano is my favorite.
What’s your favorite type of music?
Jayla: I don’t have a favorite type of music or a favorite song. There are too many great songs out there to pick from. I grew up listening to everything. My dad liked classic rock and hip-hop. My mom likes anything from the eighties, classic rock, and hip-hop. I do have a preference in my workout routines. Like when I go running, I listen to hip-hop and rap, and when I work out in the gym, I listen to rock. So, there’s that.
Have you ever been in love?
Jayla: Yes.
Boyfriend?
Jayla: No.
Hobbies?
Jayla: Songwriting. Reading. I love watching YouTube videos. There’s a lot of undiscovered talent on YouTube. Designing my own T-shirts and, of course, whatever cool ideas I find on Pinterest. I love arts and crafts. If my music career doesn’t work out, I could always teach arts and crafts.
Tell me something random about yourself.
Jayla: Hmm… oh, I know. I’m addicted to my iPad. It’s always in my purse unless I’m at an event. I don’t do social media. And one time when I was bored, I nicknamed everyone in my contacts.
Last question, and it’s a two-part one. What are your plans? Will you continue making music?
Jayla: Music has always been a part of my life. It’s shaped who I am, but, honestly, I don’t know what I want to be when I grow up. Like I said before, I’m taking things day by day. I love writing music and I think no matter what I do in my life, I’ll continue to write. As far as my plans, the only ones I have are to finish high school and the tour next year. After that, we’ll just have to see.
“WHAT’S IT SAY?” Brad whispers over my shoulder, causing me to nearly jump out of my skin and almost piss my pants.
I slap a hand against my chest over my racing heart. “Holy shit, dude, you scared the hell out of me.”
Brad laughs. “You didn’t think I’d recognize the cartoon version of the goddess, did you?” He smirks. “I knew your ass would be down here reading that article. So, what’s it say?”
“Nothing really. It’s mostly about the new Royal Mayhem album, Jaybird, and her dad’s charity. There’re some personal questions, but nothing too personal. She did some modeling recently.”
“That’s it?”
I shrug. “Yeah, pretty much.”
“You know, the rumor is that Emerson Mackenzie ran off and eloped with a rock star. I always thought it was just a bullshit rumor.”
“It’s not but you can’t say anything to anyone, Brad.”
“Bro, I won’t. I swear.”