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Kayleigh Powell

A songwriter for the end of the world

blue haired girl Kayleigh Powell sings and plays ukulele

Welcome,Wanderer

Rest your weary head, and curl up for a tale

Found at the end of the earth, beckoning you in to the huddled circle warming their hands around a trashcan bonfire, Kayleigh is a songwriter for the apocalypse. Songs that resonate with the urgency of our times paired with the melodic memory of a distant past. Her lyricism is a reflection of a world on fire, shining a light into darkness and dismantling stale systems and stagnant song structure.

Her commanding voice channels feminine rage, dark theatricality, classically trained precision, and poetic storytelling. She was born in the crucible of sacred hymns, raised on the creaking boards of the stage, and now finds her way here, drawn to the bacchanalian beauty and cathartic chaos of the underground.

Origin Story

How did our heroine become the scene-stealing, rock-screaming, heart-healing maverick we all know and love today? She was pulled on the stage at a panto as a child, and there was no looking back.


After attending the Florida State University's School of Theatre, Kayleigh moved to New York City to become a huge star. Instead, through the gauntlet of audition misery and regional theatre, she just got weirder. She found herself sailing the high seas, singing for her supper with companies like Royal Caribbean and MSC. 

Our heroine has now been fully nomadic since 2018, when she began funneling her rage, relish, and repentance into her ukulele in earnest. She writes songs about the end times with reckless abandon, as well as folk songs about legends she may have made up herself.  She can be found playing in venues around Dorset, on cruise ship stages, and maybe in a festival field near you.

Kayleigh Powell stands on stage on the MSC Meraviglia with one arm raised
4 piece band Kayleigh & the Tryhards pose for a photo at band rehearsal

What's Next?

At long last, camaraderie and collaboration has been sought and found. The band was finally born into this world in late 2024. Kayleigh is joined by the yearnful melodies of Shaun Gary Palmer on lead guitar, the driving punk sensibilities of Tom Jackson on bass, and the rhythmic heartbeat of Matt Miles on percussion. Together they are Kayleigh & the Tryhards

AND! Your cries and prayers have been answered- no longer are videos of live performances on Youtube sufficient. A proper recording is due. We will be heading into the studio in early April to work on our debut EP.

 

Thank you for your patience- it will be rewarded in abundance.

Original Music 

Stage, Screen, & Ship

Kayleigh has been lucky enough to enjoy working professionally on the stage and screen since 2012. Her experience ranges enormously, including regional theatre (most notably the Williamstown Theatre Festival), cruise ship production shows, Off-Broadway credits, commercials, music videos, and feature films. Please view her resume for details.

Kayleigh waves at curtain call on the Grand Classica Cruise Ship with the other singers behind her
Screengrab of Kayleigh Powell in Cheeyang Ng's mash up video of Heather's Candy Store and Maroon 5's Sugar
Kayleigh Powell stands on stage in dramatic lighting surrounded by masked dancers in a production of Sleepy Hollow
Kayleigh Powell with pink and green hair sings in a spotlight for Call Me, Mother Nature
Kayleigh Powell wears a sparkly purple costume while dancing on stage

Upcoming Performances

Taking bookings for summer/fall 2026 now!

March 13

Chaplins (Opening for Nulla Sallus + Dukes of Hades)

May 15

Private Event on the Isle of Purbeck

March 21

Chaplins (HEADLINE, support by Kanjo)

May ??

Small World Spring Festival

April 30

Chaplins (Opening for Rebel Pixes EP Launch)

July 31-Aug 2

Green Gathering, Bassie Gracie's Speakeasy

May 4

Chaplins (Part of Mental Health Fundraiser)

Aug 21-23

Beautiful Days - Call Me, Mother Nature

Get In Touch!

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"...one of those actors who will rise to any occasion, can pivot on a dime and do it with grace, humor, and intelligence"

Randy Graff,

Tony Award Winner

"Wow! Great!"

Eric Bogosian,

Obie Award Winner, Pulitzer Prize Finalist

Kayleigh is honored to be a two-time winner of the Cruise Critic Cruiser's Choice Award for Best of Entertainment! (2019, 2017)

Cruiser's Choice Award, Cruise Critc

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