When you have a musical style that is said to fall somewhere between Shania Twain and Brittany Spears, you have Skyla Spencer. Skyla was born and raised in West Virginia. She was encouraged to believe that love is the food for all who wish to grow, family is the foundation for all who aspire to be, and music is the medicine for all who desire to express their hearts. This is the philosophy that has driven Skyla to pursue her dream to share her music with the world as a country music entertainer.

Growing up in a musical family, Skyla spent countless summer evenings by fire light, surrounded by her parents, her brother, aunts, uncles and cousins, singing to the sounds of guitars, banjos and mandolins. Hearing Patsy Cline, Hank Williams, George Jones, Loretta Lynn, and Johnny Cash songs from an early age, struck a chord within Skyla and there was no question that she was hooked from the first time she heard these songs. Skyla says “I will never forget how powerful the music was on those hot nights. It was almost like a bonding agent among my family members. The more we sang together, the more we embraced each other”. For this reason, Skyla continues to rely on her families love and support to guide her as she writes and performs, even though today they are separated by many miles.

By age five, Skyla was performing for the congregation at her church on Sunday mornings, and at age 13, she started singing with her cousins country band at local festivals, weddings and other social events. It was also during this time that Skyla took dance lessons, ice-skating lessons, cheerleading, and gymnastics. Little did Skyla know that all of these components would mold her into the high energy performer she is on stage today. Her influences are –Faith Hill, Shania Twain, Martina McBride, Patsy Cline, and Reba McIntire’s,  Allison Krauss, and Britney Spears.  Music instilled in her the drive and determination to take the leap of faith. The stage befriended Skyla and through this growing process of performing on stages as a dancer and singer was what inevitably lead Skyla to Nashville to search for her life long dream. To be Nashville’s next country star.

Prior to her move to Tennessee Skyla earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in both Dance and Psychology from West Virginia University. While in college, she took voice lessons, acting classes, and was a member of the Orchesis Dance Ensemble and Mountain State Jazz Ensemble. It was during this time that Skyla started writing her own music and choreographing dance routines for state fairs, festivals and talent shows where she was invited to perform.

Once Skyla arrived in Nashville, she began honing her crafts as a songwriter, singer, and musician. She enrolled in guitar and voice lessons and attended songwriter workshops, seminars, and artist workshops affiliated with NSAI and BMI. She became a member of CMA and BMI, and is presently represented by the Sharon Smith Talent Agency.

Skyla’s first album recorded in Nashville was titled “You Said You’d Call Me” and was released in summer 2005. This album features songs that she wrote, many of which were from real life experiences. This album was dedicated to all the people she has lost in her life, and to all the troops who have died fighting for our country. The song "If I Were Rain" was a song dedication to the troops, and was also used in the 9/11 documentary, Beyond 911.

Skyla traveled summer 2005-and 2006 promoting her album at various fairs and festivals around the United States. She spent time talking with people, and made many new fans and friends. Skyla says “it is a phenomenal feeling when someone tells you that a song you wrote and sang touched them deeply.” One of many Skyla’s missions in life is to touch people from all over the world with her music. “Music is great therapy, she says, “it can make you laugh, cry, dance, etc. Music helps a person express the emotions they are feeling at any given time. It really is therapeutic. “

She also has international recognition. She headlined an Armed Forces Tour in Nov./Dec.2006 and traveled to Guam, Singapore, Japan, and Diego Garcia to sing for the United States Troops. In December 2008, Skyla scored her first commercial, shot in Nashville, with Korean movie star, Ha Suk Jin, for a Korean airline. She also sang, danced, choreographed and acted in the documentary, “Road Trip USA’ with Ha Suk Jin. A video of his trip to the US and the cities he visited. Both are slated for release Spring 2009. Skyla recently participated in a 5k walk on Feb. 21st , sponsored by WSM Radio that benefited the Nashville Humane Society. Skyla’s new single, “This Girl” is currently at radio. When not traveling, Skyla is busy hosting, entertaining, and teaching dance at one of the world famous tourist attractions in Nashville, The Wildhorse Saloon.

Did you know....

Skyla collects hats and has over 82. Wow!