Kaylene Peoples, a true Renaissance woman whose work spans across music, film, and publishing, is now the latest cover star of Cosmopolitan UAE. In the feature article titled “Kaylene Peoples: A Creative Force Redefining Music, Film, and Publishing Across Decades”, Cosmopolitan UAE spotlights Peoples’s illustrious career that continues to inspire and influence across industries.
From her early days as a chart-topping jazz and Bossa-Nova artist to her celebrated work as a filmmaker and the visionary behind AGENDA Magazine, Kaylene Peoples is a creative force that has left an indelible mark on every field she touches. Her versatility shines through as a composer and orchestrator, having worked on blockbuster films like American Pie 2 and Serendipity, while her string arrangements for the post-grunge band Oleander are considered groundbreaking in the rock genre.
Peoples’s Cosmopolitan UAE feature delves into her passion for genre-blending music, with special attention given to her upcoming projects, including the highly anticipated Romantic Bossa-Nova 2 and Doppelganger, which promises to push boundaries with its fusion of spy jazz, fusion, and lounge music.
In the article, Peoples reflects on her legacy: “Art is an evolving conversation with time, and my goal has always been to contribute something meaningful—whether through sound, visuals, or the written word—across every medium I engage with.”
This latest cover feature not only highlights her incredible accomplishments but also sets the stage for the future, with Peoples’s projects continuing to break new ground in both the creative and publishing spheres. Her trailblazing work with AGENDA Magazine, a top publication in Los Angeles, along with her endeavors to support emerging female composers through her initiative Bella Composers, demonstrates her dedication to nurturing the next generation of talent.
Kaylene Peoples’s feature on Cosmopolitan UAE is a testament to her far-reaching influence, showcasing her as a multi-dimensional artist who continues to redefine creativity across music, film, and publishing.
For more on Kaylene Peoples and her cover feature, visit Cosmopolitan UAE.
Los Angeles, CA – September 2024 – Multifaceted artist and entrepreneur Kaylene Peoples continues to make waves in 2024, solidifying her status as a true Renaissance Woman. Known for her extraordinary talents as a jazz and Bossa-nova musician, award-winning filmmaker, and pioneering publisher, Peoples has achieved a series of notable accomplishments this year across various creative fields.
Peoples was recently featured on the cover of Essence Weekly Magazine, marking her latest appearance on prestigious magazine covers. This year alone, she has graced the covers of Your Spirit, The Hollywood Magazine, Maxim Fashions, and Essence Weekly, further underscoring her influence in the entertainment industry.
Reflecting on her journey, Peoples shared: “This year has been an incredible ride! From creating new music to seeing my vision for AGENDA Magazine come to life, I feel blessed to be able to share my passions with the world. Being the cover story of four esteemed magazines has been a career highlight, and it’s a reminder that as artists, we’re always evolving and pushing boundaries. I hope to inspire others through my personal story and successes.”
Peoples’s latest album, Vampire Odyssey, was released just a few months ago and showcases her ever-evolving artistry. The project takes listeners on a captivating musical journey, blending gothic themes with classical influences. Vampire Odyssey has already garnered significant attention for its originality and depth.
Her other upcoming album, Romantic Bossa-Nova 2, features original compositions that continue the legacy of her critically acclaimed Romantic Bossa-Nova, which earned international praise, including being named Album of the Week by Smooth FM in Portugal.
Peoples is also working on Doppelganger, an experimental album blending spy jazz, fusion, and lounge music with her group Peoples Republic. Her ongoing role as the flutist for the Grammy-nominated fusion band CAB remains a cornerstone of her career, showcasing her versatility and technical mastery.
As the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of AGENDA Magazine, Peoples is celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2024. Recently recognized as one of the “Top 20 Best Magazines in Los Angeles” by Feedspot, AGENDA continues to be a trendsetting voice in fashion, lifestyle, and culture. Peoples’s leadership has also expanded through KL Publishing Group, where she has published a diverse array of books, art collections, and other literary works.
“AGENDA has always been more than a magazine to me,” Peoples said. “It’s a platform to elevate voices, tell unique stories, and create a space where fashion, culture, and art can thrive together. Reaching 20 years and being named a top magazine in LA is truly humbling. This news precedes the awards gala and 20-year celebration of AGENDA, which will be on December 10th, 2024, at my favorite jazz venue, Catalina Jazz Club! I am thrilled to be able to recognize all the contributors who helped to make this magazine great!”
In addition to her music and publishing achievements, Peoples’s work in film scoring continues to shine. Her award-winning film Redemption demonstrated her ability to seamlessly blend her skills as a composer, director, and storyteller. Her contributions as a string arranger for Hollywood films and major record labels remain timeless, with notable works like her string arrangements for Oleander’s Unwind, recognized as one of the best post-grunge albums.
With the recent release of Vampire Odyssey, upcoming music projects, a thriving magazine, and her ongoing success in film and publishing, Kaylene Peoples continues to redefine what it means to be a modern Renaissance Woman.
For interviews, bookings, or more information about Kaylene Peoples, please contact:
Press Contact:
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About Kaylene Peoples
Kaylene Peoples is an award-winning jazz and Bossa-nova artist, flutist, vocalist, and renowned publisher. Just this year alone, she has been featured on the covers of Your Spirit, The Hollywood Magazine, Maxim Fashions, and Essence Weekly. As the founder of AGENDA Magazine and KL Publishing Group, Peoples continues to make significant contributions to fashion, music, and culture. (To stay up to date with everything Kaylene, visit: kaylenepeoples.com)
During these uncertain times and the unpredictability of opening and closing of concert venues, in between a bit of calm was a concert to be remembered with heartfelt romantic music, equipped with LA’s top musicians. Leading the way was the dynamic Kaylene Peoples with her show titled “Romantic Bossa-Nova” – a breathtaking concert that has found its way into the hearts of serious Bossa-nova enthusiasts on July 17, 2021. For starters, guest performer Larry Dunn, a 7-time Grammy-winning artist and original member/songwriter/keyboardist (formerly) of Earth Wind & Fire opened with a gripping performance of his composition “Runnin’.”
(Gallery Photos by Alex Kluft Photography)
Larry Dunn Performs “Runnin'”
Larry Dunn and Bunny Brunel
Chad Wackerman
Kaylene Peoples & Bunny Brunel
Bunny Brunel (who became famous from his nine-year stint with Chick Corea), the 2-time Grammy-nominated bassist performed on fretless and (his BBEUB) upright bass; and probably wore the most hats that evening (at the Catalina Jazz Club) as musical director. The French-born American sang in Brazilian Portuguese and soloed on his fretless bass on Kaylene Peoples’s intriguing arrangement of “Aguas de Março” (Waters of March) from her Romantic Bossa-Nova 2020 release. With Chad Wackerman (Frank Zappa) on drums and Grammy-nominated Dennis Hamm (Thundercat) on the 9-foot grand piano at the revered Catalina Jazz Club, the musical score was beyond dynamic. Joined by Guitarist Joe Calderon (Dianne Reeves) and percussionist Jon Brooks (Macy Gray), the performers laid the foundation for an evening of “soulful” Bossa-nova, as described by Levy Lee Simon, who was in attendance that night.
“I am a big fan of Bossa-nova, and it was my first time seeing Kaylene Peoples perform her show; I was blown away by it. Her voice magically elevated and took me on a ride to another place and time. I don’t know many artists—male or female—that can sing and play the flute equally well. And to top it off, the show is so damn s**y. Peoples exudes sensuality with every move, with every sound, with every note. Kaylene’s band with Bunny Brunel and guest artist Larry Dunn is exceptional. I had a great time—I believe a great time was had by all.” –Levy Lee Simon, Multi-Award Winning Writer/Actor/Director/Producer
Dennis Hamm & Larry Dunn (Photo: Alex Kluft )
There have been many incarnations of Bossa-nova since the style took off in America with “Desafinado” from Stan Getz and Charlie Byrd’s Jazz Samba in 1962; Dave Brubeck Quartet in January 1962, recording “Vento Fresco” from Bossa Nova USA; and Herbie Mann’s “One Note Samba” from his Brazil, Bossa Nova & Blues in late 1961 or early ’62. (Referenced from Jazz.FM 91 “How Brazil’s Bossa-nova Became All the Rage in ‘60s America,” by Marc Myers.) What Kaylene Peoples brings to the genre is a mix of American soulful tradition, jazz improvisation, and instrumental virtuosity, making “Romantic Bossa-nova” an original embodiment of the style. Kaylene’s love for music started as a child as she learned to solo on the flute while her father, who was a self-taught musician, would play the blues on the piano.
Kaylene Peoples on Flute (Photo: Alex Kluft)
“I always love to talk about how I got started improvising. Sometimes my dad and I would be up at 3am just jamming, playing my flute until my mom would cut it off! I was just a kid. I had to get up in the morning and go to school! Those are fond memories for me. I thank my dad for pushing me. I loved it! And to this day, I incorporate my flute in my compositions and my performances.”—Kaylene Peoples
These early musical experiences inspired Kaylene to compose and arrange music. She went on to study composition with Academy Award-winners Walter Scharf, David Raksin, and Henry Mancini. She’s written symphonies, a ballet, and countless string arrangements throughout her career. This education comes through as a recording artist and can be heard in her jazz albums off of her Boogsey Music label: All Jazzed Up! (2005), The Meaning of Christmas (2013), My Man (2015), Carol of the Bells (2017), and Romantic Bossa-Nova (2020).
Chad Wackerman (Drums), Jon Brooks (Percussion), Nina Harris (BG Vocals), Joe Calderon (Guitar), Larry Dunn (Guest Artist) (Photo: Sheryl Aronson, SasaPhotos.com)
“Music speaks to our souls. I can change a scene or change a MOOD. Creating something from nothing, and watching how it affects others is what moves me. Whether it is a standalone composition or a new arrangement on a well-loved song, I love to watch people’s faces when they hear my compositions and arrangements. And countless people have told me that they were blessed by my music. Those testimonies are what moves me the most!” Formidable Women’s Magazine, “Kaylene Peoples – The Renaissance Woman” Interview by Jules Lavallee
Joe Calderon (Photo: Alex Kluft)
Kaylene Peoples Romantic Bossa-Nova was inspired by a private concert that featured singer/actress Chase Masterson (Star Trek: Deep Space 9, Leeta) with guest performer Dave Pell (Saxophonist & Founder of West Coast Jazz). Sadly only a few months after that first “Romantic Bossa-Nova” show, Dave Pell passed away. Kaylene Peoples in collaboration with Chase Masterson, and co-composer Bunny Brunel wrote “Dave Pell-Just for Fun.” The song is featured on the Romantic Bossa-Nova CD. So what can one expect from Peoples’s show: “So Nice” and “Spain” off of My Man CD; “Once I Loved,” “How Insensitive,” “One Note Samba,” and “Girl from Ipanema” from All Jazzed Up! Then from Romantic Bossa-Nova, “Berimbau,” “Telephone Song,” “Agua de Beber,” “Corcovado,” “Waters of March,” “Bésame Mucho,” and “Dindi.” Every Kaylene Peoples concert comes with an element of mystique. Whether it’s a surprise giveaway, or a heart-to-heart with an audience member during a set, or maybe even a surprise celebrity guest performer.
Designer Kevan Hall, Luisa Dunn, and Larry Dunn (Photo: Sheryl Aronson, SasaPhotos.com)
“I was so very blessed to sit in on a couple of songs during this beautiful concert with the extremely talented and beautiful Kaylene whose vocals and flute performance was off the chain, which also featured my buddy, world-renowned bassist Bunny Brunel, along with the other unbelievably top notch musicians! It was truly an honor playing with these extremely talented “peoples”, no pun intended! And I am such a lover of Brazilian music, at any rate, all I can say is I had a ball and y’all should’ve been there!” – Larry Dunn
“I enjoyed this concert immensely. The ambiance and atmosphere was so relaxing, and seeing happy faces, it was so nice to get out and hear some real live music. The performance was wonderful and dreamy, and being of Latin decent, it was so refreshing to hear the hypnotic Brazilian rhythms. Kaylene’s vocals AND flute interpretations were awesome. Both original compositions and classics are so beautiful. I have the CD, and I love it; it was so wonderful to hear it live. And Bunny Brunel—everybody knows him as a bass giant; so many were surprised to hear him sing. What a treat. And Larry Dunn always brings some fire by playing those beautiful melodic solos. All the band members were on point and beyond! Great concert. So glad I was there.” Luisa Dunn, Vocalist/Producer/Composer, and Award-Winning Recording Artist
Kaylene Peoples Romantic-Bossa Nova
Kaylene Peoples will be performing “Romantic Bossa-Nova” with opening performer Gary Stockdale on Sunday, September 26, 2021, at 8:00 pm at Feinstein’s at Vitello’s, located at 4349 Tujunga Ave., Studio City, CA, 91604.
“I like to keep people guessing. I’ll change up my material and even introduce a new flavor to the set. I just love observing the reactions of the audience. And as long as those beautiful souls are smiling and dancing in their seats, I’m happy. With my next Romantic Bossa-Nova concert, there just might be a surprise guest performance. You’ll just have to buy a ticket to find out!” –Kaylene Peoples, Multi-Award Winning Recording Artist & Producer
About Kaylene Peoples: L.A. Music Awards-winning Producer Kaylene’s first jazz CD All Jazzed Up! (2005) made a splash across the nation when her single “Do You Remember” was played across the country. The single climbed to the top of the independent charts (AC40/NMW! Top 100 Chart/FMQB & ACQB! and Indie 100 chart). Her 2015 release, My Man, blew up the airwaves and impressed concertgoers. Her song “Giant Steps” is an (Akademia) award-winner, featuring Hubert Laws, Bunny Brunel, and Bobby Lyle. And her CD Romantic Bossa-Nova (2020) is a smash hit amongst Bossa-nova fans. This former model and two-time State Beauty Pageant winner boast a rare 5-octave vocal range, is a multi-instrumentalist, and is a composer/arranger/conductor. Kaylene’s soloing instrument of choice is the flute. In honor of her father, she incorporates it heavily into her music. Peoples has performed/recorded with Bunny Brunel, Bobby Lyle, Hubert Laws, Stanley Clarke, Patrice Rushen, Jeff Goldblum, Larry Dunn, and others. Kaylene Peoples continues to blow her audiences away with her incredible vocal performances and equally impressive instrumental virtuosity! Visit: https://www.kaylenepeoples.com
The Romantic Bossa-Nova CD: Romantic Bossa-Nova is a breathtaking musical performance with a uniquely heart-warming interpretation of Bossa-nova at its best. Antonio Carlos Jobim, Cole Porter, Norman Gimbel, Vinicius de Moraes, and others with the songs “Night & Day,” “Corcovado,” “Waters of March,” “Dindi,” “Berimbau,” “Besame Mucho,” and more sung in Portuguese, English, and French by award-winning recording artist/producer/musician Kaylene Peoples. The CD features internationally acclaimed and 2-time Grammy-nominated bassist Bunny Brunel with a special treat on “Waters of March” (Aguas de Marços), where Bunny sings a duet in Brazilian Portuguese with Kaylene, and Bunny plays a “mean” Brazilian rhythm guitar the entire album while soloing and grooving on fretless and upright bass in the traditional Latin style! Since the first Romantic Bossa-Nova concert in 2016, Kaylene Peoples has been performing this show and touching the hearts of romantics, leading up to the release of the album in 2020. Romantic Bossa-Nova is touted as the most romantic show in town, and growing in popularity with every performance!
