About Kayla

Kayla Williams is making waves in the world of yacht-pop. Based in Calgary, Alberta, she brings a modern twist to the glitter-drenched grooves of the ’70s and ’80s, fusing soulful vocals with slick retro-funk swagger. Think Hall & Oates meets HAIM, with a little Huey Lewis charm and a splash of Lake Street Dive.

Her debut EP RETRODELIA (2024) – a bold, vibrant collection – earned her multiple accolades, including Pop Artist of the Year at the 2024 Western Canadian Music Awards, Pop Recording of the Year at the 2024 YYC Music Awards for her single “Come Close,” and most recently, Pop Recording of the Year at the 2025 YYC Music Awards for RETRODELIA itself.

Now, Williams is back with a fresh chapter. Her sophomore EP, POPSTALGIA, is out now, showcasing an even more colourful, playful, and groove-forward sound. The 4-song EP feels like a summer night – with iridescent beach waves lapping the shore while soft ’70s/early ’80s melodies drift in on the breeze. Steeped in nostalgia yet framed through a fresh pop lens, POPSTALGIA is equal parts retro and modern.

The four tracks explore everything from playful crushes to craving human connection, a classic heartbreak tune, and a dreamy ballad about life being so good, that it must be a dream. Each song offers its own flavour: danceable, sexy grooves; feel-good retro funk; and soft, shimmering dream pop – something for every mood!

“POPSTALGIA is the full realization of my yacht-pop vision – the tracks are unified in feel, yet each song shines in its own way,” says Williams. “The music of the ’70s has always spoken to me; even though I didn’t grow up in that era, it feels like I was there in another life. I wanted to capture that yacht-rock, feel-good vibe in a way that’s almost cheesy, a little comedic, and with a lot of levity because even though I’m serious about my music it should simply be fun! POPSTALGIA is exactly that: light, breezy, and full of sunny, summery energy and I hope people can feel that the moment they hear these songs.“ - Kayla

The EP’s focus track, “Is It Really True?,” channels the spirit of ’80s icon Huey Lewis with a classic rock edge and rich, sax-heavy instrumentation. Instead of leaning into heartbreak’s tears, it flips a breakup song into a sexy yacht-rock jam you can dance and sing to. With its powerful vocals, vintage-style harmonies, and an old-school 6/8 sway, it’s the most throwback moment on the record – and one of the strongest ear worms.

When she’s not in the studio or vocal coaching, you’ll find Williams onstage with her powerhouse band, The Yacht Daddies, lighting up dance floors across Western Canada. Their live show is part concert, part escape and all good vibes. With POPSTALGIA on deck, Kayla Williams is cruising full speed ahead into a bright, bold, retro-inspired future.