Kayla Wright confronts an uncommitted cowboy in ‘Settle Down’
Photographer: Sam Navarro, Image courtesy of Playlists & Polaroids
Kayla Wright bursts onto the country-pop scene with “Settle Down,” a charming, haunting masterpiece that looks back on a failed relationship. Inspired in part by Kayla’s long-time fascination with cowboys, “Settle Down” contains compelling, wistful imagery and resembles a Western romance film told in hindsight. The singer expresses hope in becoming her partner’s first permanent “home” after hearing about how he’s always been on the run, then grapples with the tumultuous, gut-wrenching heartbreak following his abrupt departure.
“I feel like the concept of falling in love with a cowboy is always explored, but we never really talk about what happens after a cowboy does what’s in his nature - leaving,” she explains.
At first, Kayla didn’t plan on developing and putting out this song, but when her own romantic experiences eerily mirrored the narrative of “Settle Down,” she allowed its creative process to help her convey and cope with her emotions.
“It was very cathartic to record and truly describes such a universal experience, so I hope it can resonate with others the same way it does with me,” she reflects. “Settle Down” began with just Kayla and her guitar on her bedroom floor, but thanks to Carson Ripley’s production, it evolved into a dynamic track with layered harmonies, steel guitars, and a steady buildup culminating in a crescendo and a climactic release.
“Settle Down” serves as Kayla’s debut single, as well as the predecessor to her debut album, currently scheduled for 2026.
Listen here now: Settle Down - song and lyrics by Kayla Wright | Spotify
MEET KAYLA WRIGHT
Kayla grew up in a small town outside of Chicago, Illinois, where her musically inclined father’s early influence and exposure to a diverse array of music heavily shaped her artistry. Since the age of six, Kayla has utilized songwriting to help her process her personal experiences, as well as those of the people close to her. Her work stems from equal parts real life and fiction. As a current music industry student at the prestigious USC Thornton pursuing a career in the music business, starting an artist project helped Kayla Wright reclaim her creativity.
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