Tell us a little about you, what is your background & where do you come from?
I’m from San Diego, CA and spent most of my childhood there, although I lived briefly in Connecticut.
Even though I stayed in one city for most of my childhood my parents traveled a lot for work when I was young, so I had been to seven countries and seen most of the Unites States by the time I was 12. I am and always have been very close with my family, and those relationships influence me greatly.
Where can people find more information about you & your music online?
You can visit my website, www.aprilkae.com. You can also find me on Facebook and follow me on twitter @april_kae.
Which came first, music or horses?
They actually came at the same time. I started taking riding lessons around the same time I started taking singing lessons, when I was seven years old. However, I started competing with my horses right away, and I didn’t really start pursuing music as a career until a couple years ago.
Recently you released your debut single, The Writings on the Wall. Tell us a little about it.
The Writings on the Wall is about getting out of a relationship and moving on. I really like the message because it conveys strength and even a little playfulness.
The song is about a serious subject, but it deals with it lightheartedly. I think that having a sense of humor is so important, especially when times are tough.
Have you ever written a song about horses? (If you have, we’d love to hear it).
I have not! That will have to be my next project.
Do you have another single (or even an album) in the works?
Yes I do! I have a new single set to be released by the beginning of next year. I have also been writing a lot so I’m sure you can expect to see an album in the near future!
You were a contestant on season 10 of American Idol. What was the experience like, wonderful? Terrifying? Or both?
It was wonderful. Of course it was a little nerve-wracking to be judged by such music industry legends, but they were all so nice and supportive! It was an honor to get to meet and work with some of the best people in the business.
Would you do it all over again if you had the chance?
Absolutely. I really feel like I learned so much. Having an experience like that makes you more aware of yourself and a better performer.
Who is your musical muse?
There are so many to choose from! I have always been greatly influenced by the great R&B singers like Aretha Franklin, Luther Vandross, and Mariah Carey.
You also ride, train & show Saddlebred horses. This is a relatively new discipline in the span of equestrian sport, what inspired you to choose it?
I actually chose the discipline by accident. I started riding because one of my very good childhood friends rode Saddlebreds and I accompanied her to some of her lessons.
When I started lessons at her barn I rode Saddlebreds too. But I ended up really falling in love with the breed.
The Saddlebred is a unique & handsome breed. What do you like the most about them & do you prefer them to other breeds?
The thing I like most about Saddlebreds other than their incredible beauty is their versatility. My horse Silver, for instance, can win a championship at a national horse show one day and then take the barn kids for trail rides the next. There are very few breeds who excel at all disciplines-Western, Jumping, Dressage, and Saddleseat and the American Saddlebred is one of them.
You’ve won various awards in the horse world, will you continue to compete or focus on music exclusively?
Things are very busy with my career right now but I have managed to continue to show when I can- I am actually showing in Las Vegas next week!
Riding is such a big part of who I am that I can not imagine my life without it, so I’m sure I won’t be out of the show ring anytime soon.
What else gets you out of bed in the morning?
My wonderful family and friends and my dog Penny. I am so lucky to have them all in my life!
Many Thanks
Thanks to April for taking time from her busy schedule to answer our questions and share more about herself. Be sure to check out her website to find out what she’ll be up to next & download The Writings On the Wall today. Stay tuned for more interviews with horse artists, photographers, authors & other fab members of the equine industry.