Independent Music Spotlight
Kayla Storlid – Went on an Airplane
Artist: Kayla Storlid
Track: Went on an Airplane
Style: Children's
About The Artist
Kayla Storlid is an independent artist with a wonderful ability to capture childhood wonder through timeless songwriting. Blending vintage big band influences with heartfelt storytelling, she creates music that entertains young listeners without ever compromising on musical quality. Her latest single, I Went on an Airplane, is a perfect example of how thoughtful songwriting and authentic experiences can become memorable songs that connect with children and adults alike.
I Went on an Airplane is a joyful new music discovery that proves children’s music can be every bit as creative as music for adults
One of the things I enjoy most about discovering emerging music through Groover is finding artists who challenge expectations. Kayla Storlid has done exactly that with her delightful new single, I Went on an Airplane.
At first listen, this didn’t immediately strike me as a children’s song. Instead, I was greeted by a wonderfully crafted vintage swing arrangement, full of personality, warmth and musical charm. It is only as the story unfolds that you realise just how perfectly this song captures childhood curiosity while remaining genuinely enjoyable for listeners of every age.
Inspired by a real conversation with a nervous young traveller at an airport, Kayla has transformed a moment of fear into one of excitement, wonder and possibility. That authenticity shines through every second of the track.
"I Went on an Airplane" embraces the timeless sound of classic big band swing while telling a story that feels completely fresh. Playful horn arrangements, memorable woodwind melodies and an effortless rhythmic groove create a musical world that immediately feels inviting.
Track Spotlight
The songwriting deserves particular praise. Rather than relying on repetitive hooks or exaggerated performances that often dominate children’s music, Kayla trusts the strength of the composition itself. The arrangement continually introduces new musical ideas that keep young ears engaged while giving adults plenty to appreciate too.
Her vocal performance is another standout feature. It feels conversational, warm and completely natural, drawing listeners into the excitement of the journey. As the melody gradually climbs throughout the song, it subtly mirrors the experience of taking off into the sky. Whether intentional or instinctive, it is a lovely piece of musical storytelling that adds another layer of emotional connection.
The production also deserves recognition. There is a gentle vintage character throughout the recording that feels refreshing in today’s polished musical landscape. The slightly nostalgic sound complements the storytelling beautifully, making the song feel timeless rather than tied to current trends.
Perhaps most importantly, the emotional message lands perfectly. What begins with uncertainty gradually becomes confidence, ending with imagination taking over as the child dreams of one day flying a plane. It is a wonderful reminder of music’s ability to help children navigate unfamiliar experiences through creativity rather than fear.
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My Curator Notes
One point I often make when reviewing children’s music through Groover is that young listeners deserve great songs just as much as adults do. Children know when music feels genuine and when it feels as though it is talking down to them. Kayla completely avoids that trap.
This is simply a well written song. The musicality comes first, the storytelling feels honest and the educational element grows naturally from the narrative rather than being forced into it. That balance is surprisingly difficult to achieve, yet it feels effortless here.
I also admire the confidence to lean into such a distinctive musical identity. The vintage influences immediately separate Kayla from much of today’s children’s music, giving her work its own recognisable voice. In a crowded independent artist landscape, developing a sound that people instantly associate with you is incredibly valuable.
What impressed me equally was the real life inspiration behind the song. Music often connects most deeply when it grows from authentic human experiences. Taking a simple conversation with a nervous child and transforming it into something that may now comfort countless families demonstrates thoughtful songwriting with genuine purpose.
Artist Takeaways and Mentor Insight
There are several valuable lessons fellow independent artists can take from this release.
The first is that originality does not always mean inventing something completely new. Kayla combines classic swing influences with modern storytelling, creating music that feels both nostalgic and fresh. Looking backwards can sometimes be the best way to create something that stands apart today.
Another important takeaway is the strength of writing from real experiences. Audiences connect with authenticity. Whether you write children’s music, folk, pop or rock, the emotional truth behind a song often matters far more than the complexity of its lyrics or production.
Arrangement is another area where this release excels. New musical ideas appear regularly without overwhelming the listener. Each section introduces something different, keeping attention naturally engaged. That is an approach songwriters in every genre can learn from.
Finally, I encourage artists to remember that your story is every bit as valuable as your music. The inspiration behind this release makes the song even more meaningful. Share those moments through interviews, social media and behind the scenes content. In a world increasingly filled with AI generated content, genuine human stories and authentic artistic voices are becoming one of the most valuable ways to build lasting connections with listeners.
Kayla Storlid has created something that succeeds on multiple levels. It is imaginative children’s music, thoughtful songwriting, beautifully produced independent music and an excellent example of how timeless influences can feel completely relevant today.
If you are looking for a refreshing new music discovery that brings a smile while showcasing genuine musical craftsmanship, I highly recommend spending a few minutes with I Went on an Airplane.
This is exactly the kind of emerging music I love discovering through Groover, and it is a pleasure to feature it here.
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