KUDZU : MUSIC

Kayla Von Der Heide, “Why Do These Roads Always Lead Me To You?” // GemsOnVHS™

GemsOnVHS | March 3, 2026

When we set out to create the Gems in the Rough contest (https://youtu.be/RXld_ZEtnfA), we had no idea what to expect. It really is a crazy thought; to put a video on the channel inviting the audience (y’all) to submit songs, and have the community (also y’all) vote on who they liked best. I honestly was worried no one would enter. In the end, over 500 people submitted songs. We tried hard to make it fair, to make it fun, to make it work. I sat through hours of footage, watching each and every submission. A few I had to disqualify because they didn’t follow the rules we set in place. We required participants say at the beginning that the video was specifically for “Gems in the Rough”. This was to prevent people from sending us some video they made a year ago, so everyone would have a chance on equal footing. Many people managed to mess this step up, including Kayla. She then sent us three more videos, each time trying to fix a mistake in the last one (https://youtu.be/9ARRA-fpFHc). The hard work payed off, because she was the most popular submission in each round of voting. That’s what determination will get you.

For good reason, too. Kayla is truly a gem in the rough. She is an incredible musician who lives in the desert somewhere in California. It isn’t her day job, but she does it because she loves it, and that’s what we’re all about. She writes songs that are personal and relatable, about love, loss and longing. Her voice has a easy going, natural vibrato that you rarely see so effortlessly applied. She is no slouch on the guitar playing either. Just to tie it all together, she’s an awesome person to boot. Kayla was incredibly chill despite the uncertainty of us having to schedule flying her to Nashville multiple times due to Coronavirus. Love her for being so laid back.

We will probably do another Gems in the Rough contest next year. It has been a huge learning experience, and a true pleasure to meet so many aspiring (and established) songwriters. We love y’all, this community and getting to know you. There are so many other artists that submitted, which you can easily view by searching “Gems in the Rough contest” here on YouTube. One of my other favorites was semi-finalist Kyle Brew (https://youtu.be/9a-a67DFFhY), and Hayden Karchmer’s favorite was Jon Dwyer (https://youtu.be/f_qBpI9hjuQ). I’m sorry it had to be a vote, I wish I could just have ALL OF YOU on here!!! Well, with enough time, we just might. See you next year.

Find more of Kayla here;
https://mojaveghost.bandcamp.com/

Big thanks to Edward Siple, Drew H, VJ Arizpe and Richard for making this episode possible. Couldn’t do it without y’all.

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