Album Release Showcase – Kayla Mahon – Right On The Money.

Riversdale

Review by Olivia Mathieson

A sparkling night of talent with Kayla sharing the stage with friends and family, impressive vocals from all of those that showcased their appreciation for Kayla via performing together.

Kayla Mahon with a copy of her new album 'Right On The Money'. Photo: Southland App

Walking into the hall from the cold winter night as a gentle mist fills the air, we were greeted with a warmth that really does come from being with close friends and family.

The dim lit hall was rather cosey and as the venue filled up with a sold-out crowd coming to be entertained from all over Southland and Otago it was starting to feel like ‘Home On The Vinyl’.

The stage was that of a country dream dance where the backdrop of scrim covered in fairy lights lit up the stage like a star-studded night.

The stage in fact was well dressed, over and above what would seem to be the norm with an array of guitars like wings ready to whisk you away to a night of magic and warm embraces.

The whole atmosphere of the hall was alight with excitement and love for Kayla that you could hear it bouncing back off Kayla and back into the crowd at the Riversdale Community Centre.

Presentation of the hall was perfect with tables to gather round for a toe tap and plenty room to dance while retaining that hometown hall feel, big plus supper provided by Kayla’s supportive family.

The night started with a warm welcome from Chitty (Hokonui 94.8fm), absolutely fantastic to see local radio personalities supporting local artists.

Throughout the night she kept us entertained in her own unique way and quite possibly the one meant for this particular album release sharing childhood stories of herself and Kayla.

I was not expecting to be blown away by the talent that was the opening acts, in true Kayla style we were introduced to a wide variety of music and performers, with so many youngsters from Kaylas nieces, daughter and cousins we were set to be entertained.

Georgia (Kayla's daughter) will be one to watch over the years especially after one of the biggest performances of the night with her rendition of ‘Show Me’.

Keep an eye and ear out for an album soon!

Another highlight for me from the youngest performer of the show being only 3 years old.

Charlotte Coughlan performing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star with her wee ukulele was just amazing and a bit humbling as well.

Harmonicist Brendon Fairbairn. Photo: Southland App

My toes were definitely tapping as Brendon Fairbairn took the stage with his harmonica, I’ve never heard a harmonica do the things that he made it do before!

Melia was a standout with a presence on stage that some can only dream of having and backing it up with fantastic vocals, guitar and dance moves.

All of the supporting performers shined and complimented Kayla’s passion.

All that being said, the opening acts for the album release of ‘Right On The Money’ was, well, right on the money!

Kayla Mahon, her support band Triple Shot and Sound Engineer Tom Moana were ’Right on the Money’ the entire night, sounding incredible not just because of their phenomenal music talents but due to them all working cohesively as a solid unit of entertainment.

Keeping the timing just right was Jacob Hewton on the skins and I must say he is up there with some of the best for the facials, the grooves and the personality, it can't have been easy to keep the volume of those drums down with some of the little lungs powering out their best vocals.

As always, keeping that solid rhythm section in check, showing us the funk on stage as he dances along with every track was Chris Chilton and his unmistakable bass tones.

Lastly on the guitar Simon Thompson.

What a perfect match for Kayla’s unique sound and vibe.

Simon’s skill set embraces and enriches every moment.

Before I continue to the main event, Kayla Mahon and Simon did a gorgeous acoustic set that even though the venue was getting pretty warm already, they filled our hearts once again with a few extra covers and originals that ware shared with some amazing memories from a recent tour together solidifying them as a dynamic duo, make sure to hear them perform ‘Wish For Rain’ in the future, this powerhouse duo reaches for the stars in perfect harmony, complementing each other from vocals to guitar arrangements and banter. 

What a performance from Kayla, one thing I really appreciated is the way Kayla presented each new song with a unique experience of how that song came to be, for example, ‘Man That Doesn’t Like Country’ a tale of the man she married, and its all in the title.

This show was a great representation of the album which I was fortunate enough to get a sneak peek of.

‘Angels biding time’ comes with gentle and bittersweet memories and I a lot of way this track resonated with me, offering a tight embrace and remembrance of those who have passed in our lives.

Bombshell Bobby a dynamic ear worm that doesn’t let go, even a day later the chorus sings through. Each song in the new album offering a new perspective into the lyrical and musical brilliance of Kayla Mahon.

Finishing the night with the album title track was a treat, and as I said a few times it was ‘Right On The Money’.

What Kayla has done with this album has been nothing short of brilliant.

The release show captured everything you could have wanted from the album.

Proof that small town country has what it takes to make it big, reach new heights and perform with the best and that Kayla Mahon is a rising star in country music.

The show was full of laughs, musical brilliance and excitement.

You can find the album out soon.

For those who missed the event, keep an eye out for "Right On The Money" on streaming platforms to experience the magic of Kayla Mahon’s music for yourself.