Kailer, a 22-year-old artist from Los Angeles, has been creating for as long as he can remember. From an early age, he had a passion for making things, whether it was building concert stages out of Legos or drumming along to rock bands on his iPod using pillows. His desire to create has been constant, and that passion continues to drive him forward.
For Kailer, the journey into the arts wasn’t just about creativity—it was about following a path that felt true to who he is. “I’ve always wanted to make something, no matter the medium,” he shares. This drive has led him to explore various artistic avenues, and even when challenges came his way, his love for creating never faded. He credits much of his inspiration to his family, especially his mom. Her unwavering support, even when she didn’t always understand his direction, has been a crucial factor in his journey. “The fact that I have her support pushes me to do better every day,” he says. Kailer’s ultimate goal is to reach a point where he can take care of her financially, repaying her for all she’s done for him.
Like many artists, Kailer has faced the challenge of comparison. As he’s gotten older, he’s noticed that many younger artists are finding success early, and it’s been difficult at times not to compare himself to them. “There were times I’d compare my timeline to others,” he admits. However, he’s learned to embrace his unique process and trust in his own path. He’s come to accept that his individuality—his “swag”—sets him apart in a good way, even if it doesn’t always align with his peers. This year has been especially significant in helping him let go of stress and embrace his journey with more confidence.
Lately, Kailer has been drawing inspiration from artists like Lucy Bedroque and Prettifun. Lucy’s "Fête de la Vanille" has captivated him with their impressive production and songwriting, inspiring him to return to more experimental production in his own music. Prettifun’s recent work also resonates with him, offering a refreshing take on underground music. Kailer finds their creativity in lyrics, melodies, and production inspiring, noting that it fills a gap in the scene that’s been missing for a while.
For Kailer, staying creative is essential to his self-expression. Art is his way of processing life and emotions, offering him a space to express things he can’t always put into words. “There’s a lot of thoughts and ideas going through my head at all times, so creating is my way of decluttering my brain and finding peace of mind,” he explains. This need to create isn’t just a passing phase for him—it’s a core part of who he is. Despite the ups and downs, Kailer has remained committed to his art for nearly seven years. Only recently has he started to gain momentum, but he’s confident that his determination and patience are shaping him into one of the best artists out there.
Kailer’s advice to aspiring artists is to embrace discomfort and try new things. He believes that pushing yourself out of your comfort zone is key to growth. Whether it’s discovering new music or picking up a new hobby, keeping your mind sharp and fresh is essential for avoiding creative ruts. Recently, Kailer has found inspiration in his friends and their creative processes. He’s also been diving into anime, which has opened his eyes to new storytelling techniques and art styles that he’s started to incorporate into his own work.