APRIL KAE
“Growing up, I was surrounded by the rich, musical heritage of Motown legends, which ignited my love for bass guitar and soulful expression,” April Kae says. “As I ventured into the punk scene as a young activist, I realized the power of music to drive social change. My identity as a queer, Black artist became the driving force behind my commitment to making a difference through my music.” Originally from Austin, Texas, the Los Angeles based musician and activist has been featured in Vogue, Nylon, Guitar World, She Shreds, It Gets Better, and other publications, and has graced the covers of Bass Player, Guitar Girl, and NYC Pride. The secret to her success? Hard work and a desire to shake up the status quo. “From the age of 12, I dedicated myself to honing my craft, embracing my unique bass-forward, edgy funkpop style,” Kae says. “However, what truly led me to my current career is the desire to uplift marginalized voices and create a platform for change.” Kae has spoken at events like Bass Bash and the Fender Panel, and collaborated with major artists and brands, using her increasingly public platform to empower and uplift marginalized voices. Rather than let the challenges of a competitive industry get her down, Kae turns obstacles into opportunities. “Through self-reflection and perseverance, setbacks have become catalysts for creativity, pushing me to create music that resonates deeply,” she says. “Adversity only fuels my fire, reminding me of the importance of my message and inspiring others to rise above challenges in their own lives.”