The thing I’ve always loved about the Las Vegas Music Scene is how incredibly supportive all of the bands and artists are of each other. I’m proud to say that Singer-Songwriters Rhaina Yasmin and Maybe Katie are definitely good examples of that!
They have put together a wonderful showcase called “Fig Jam Fest” that will be taking place on Friday, May 17th at Taverna Costera, which will feature other wonderful performances by other wonderful Singer-Songwriters around the Las Vegas Valley!
Here’s the Fig Jam Fest Lineup:
I wanted to to talk to them about their thoughts on the vegas scene, their love for music and what they think the future holds for The music community.
Enjoy! 🙂
VMS: “So tell me a little about everyone’s backstory and what brought you to Vegas.”
Rhaina Yasmin: “I grew up up in upstate new york and always shared an affinity for music! after moving with my family to las vegas when i was fifteen, I began performing at local venues and open mics!”
Maybe Katie: “I was born and raised here in Vegas! Growing up, I spent a lot of time surrounded by music and art and I started writing music when I was 14. I also began playing at open mics and house shows where I met many amazingly talented people throughout the community!”
VMS: “What inspired you to become Singer-Songwriters.”
Rhaina Yasmin: “I remember listening to the cranberries as a kid, feeling so moved by the emotional integrity and lyricism. the music I heard growing up inspired me to form my own outlet of expression, and still does now. songwriting feels like sharing a piece of myself and it can be really cathartic. it’s come very organically to create music as my own journal of emotions and stream of consciousness.”
Maybe Katie: “Around the time I started writing music, I was just starting to discover myself and the kind of music I liked. I grew up with my dad listening to Creedence Clearwater Revival and the Eagles, my mom listening to all the great music from the 80’s. Once I began branching out and discovering artists like Daughter, Florence + the Machine, Aurora, etc. all I wanted was to create music just like that. The more I wrote, the more I wanted to keep writing because I suddenly had this outlet that I never had before.”
VMS: “Tell me in more detail about the amazing show you guys are going to be doing at Taverna Costera, and how did this partnership come into fruition.”
Rhaina Yasmin: “I’ve felt so much admiration for the local songwriters in las vegas and really just wanted to put together a beautiful event where we can support Indie and Folk artists. fig jam fest embraces the idea of gathering together in fruitful music and art. I later planned this idea with Katie Taylor who helped organize the event and also created the flyer graphic!”
Maybe Katie: “We wanted to put on a music festival to highlight some of the amazing indie and folk artists out here in the valley. Alongside the artists we will also have vendors and of course, fig treats! We are excited that Fig Jam Fest gets to take place at Taverna Costera! Taverna has been such a welcoming place for me. I started playing shows there around this time last year and I’ve really fell in love with the space and the community that they encourage!”
VMS: “What are the pros and cons you have all run into about being a musician and songwriter in Las Vegas.”
Rhaina Yasmin: “I love how much support there is for musicians in las vegas! It can be a very accessible place starting out, there are always shows and open mics happening throughout the city. It can be challenging to navigate networking with others but showing up to local shows and introducing yourself to other artists can open more opportunities and collaborations!”
Maybe Katie: “I think the music community here is remarkably strong and I’ve only seen it continue to grow over the last few years! Being able to share my art with others and have it received with open arms in the community I grew up in is so wonderful. I will say, summer shows can be pretty brutal!”
VMS: “I love how supportive the music scene is here for all of you and it really does have a wonderful sense of community. But, if there could be any improvements you would personally make for artists here in town, what would it be and why.”
Rhaina Yasmin: “If there could be any improvements I would say to just continue creating more inclusivity and uplifting spaces!”
Maybe Katie: “I think just continuing the direction the scene has already been going in! Seeing a more diverse genre pool and inclusion of the community is really beautiful! I’ve seen more open mics popping up too which I think is a wonderful way to meet new musicians and open up the community to more people!”
VMS: “What do you want your audience to feel or experience at your live shows.”
Rhaina Yasmin: “I intend for my audience to connect emotionally with my music and feel less alone when dealing with themes of grief, mental health, and nostalgia.”
Maybe Katie: “Connection. I write a lot about things I struggle talking about. So if someone listened to my music and felt connected and understood that would be everything to me. Because that’s what music is to me. To be understood. To go “oh, so I’m not alone in this?” “
VMS: “Any new songs, album releases, or any other projects you have coming up for any of you.”
Rhaina Yasmin: “I plan to have new music out this summer <3”
Maybe Katie: “I will be releasing my next upcoming singles “I’ll Be Okay” and “Accident” later this summer! I also have 2 songs currently out on all streaming platforms called “Get Out” and “Science Fiction”.”
Listen to Rhaina Yasmin on Spotify:
Listen to Maybe Katie on Spotify:
VMS: “Is there anything specific that you would like the reader to know about any of you.”
Rhaina Yasmin: “I’d love my readers to know that i’m always looking to create more meaningful connections and build stronger relationships in the las vegas music community, come say hi!”
VMS: “What are your hopes and dreams for the future of Las Vegas and the local music scene here.”
Rhaina Yasmin: “My dream for the las vegas music scene is to continue growing! I hope to see more communal events, festivals, and even venues for local musicians!”
Maybe Katie: “The scene here is already on such a wonderful projection. I just love seeing how creative everyone is and I want to see it continue to grow!”
—-Vegas Music Scene.