Charlene Kaye biography
Date of birth : 1986-09-12
Date of death : -
Birthplace : Hawaii
Nationality : American
Category : Arts and Entertainment
Last modified : 2024-09-12
Credited as : indie rock singer, songwriter, San Fermin vocalist, one-woman comedy show, KAYE music career
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Charlene Kaye: A Multi-Talented Artist in Music and Comedy
Profession: Singer-Songwriter, Comedian, Actor
Notable Works: KAYE, Tiger Daughter: Or, How I Brought My Immigrant Mother Ultimate Shame, former lead vocalist of San Fermin
Early Career and Musical Beginnings
Charlene Kaye, known professionally as KAYE, is an acclaimed American singer-songwriter and performer. She first garnered attention in 2011 with her duet “Dress and Tie,” featuring Darren Criss. Kaye's unique blend of pop, glam rock, and classical influences is highlighted in her second full-length album, Animal Love, released in 2012. The album debuted at #15 on the iTunes pop charts and received glowing reviews from PopMatters and Glamour. VH1 praised it as “at once classic and contemporary,” while The New Yorker described it as “a richly orchestrated pop album.” Kaye showcased her talents at the SXSW Music Festival in Austin, Texas, in both 2011 and 2013.
Contributions to Miracle Musical
In 2012, Kaye collaborated on the project Miracle Musical, helmed by Joe Hawley of Tally Hall. She contributed vocals to the eighth track on the album Hawaii: Part II, which was released on December 12, 2012. Kaye’s artistry was further highlighted in the Labyrinth music video, released on December 14, 2014.
Tenure with San Fermin
In April 2014, Kaye joined the music collective San Fermin, stepping in as the lead vocalist after Rae Cassidy. During her time with the band, Kaye toured in support of their self-titled debut album and contributed to the subsequent albums Jackrabbit (2015) and Belong (2017). After five enriching years, she announced her departure from San Fermin in April 2019 to focus on her solo career, with her final performance on April 26, 2019, promoting the live record Live At The Fillmore.
Emergence as KAYE
While on tour with San Fermin, Kaye began her solo project under the name KAYE. In July 2016, she released two promotional singles—“Honey” and “UUU,” followed by the five-track EP Honey on September 29, 2016. Subsequent singles like “Parakeeter” and “Cheshire Kitten” further solidified her position in the music industry. As of April 2019, Kaye has been dedicated to writing and recording music full-time.
One-Woman Show: Tiger Daughter
In 2023, Kaye premiered her one-woman show, Tiger Daughter: Or, How I Brought My Immigrant Mother Ultimate Shame, at Ars Nova in New York City. The show received critical acclaim, with Joysauce calling it a clever twist on the “Tiger Mother” narrative and The Michigan Daily describing it as “a relatable, raw portrayal of mother-daughter relationships.” Kaye is set to perform this acclaimed show at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, further expanding her artistic repertoire.
Personal Life of Charlene Kaye:
Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, Kaye spent her childhood in Phoenix, Arizona, as well as in Singapore, Hong Kong, and Michigan. She began her musical journey early, learning to play multiple instruments, including violin, piano, guitar, ukulele, saxophone, and clarinet. Kaye pursued her education at the University of Michigan, majoring in English. There, she became involved with Team Starkid, which provided her with early performance opportunities that would contribute to her burgeoning career. Currently, Kaye resides in New York City, where she continues to create and perform.
Conscious Control (2020)
Animal Love (2012)
Dress and Tie (2011)
Charlene Kaye & The Brilliant Eyes (2010)
Things I Will Need in the Past (2008)
