Actress, singer, songwriter, Kayden Muller-Janssen does it all. Currently starring in the new Disney series, The Villains of Valley View, Muller-Janssen is quickly making a name for herself in the midst of #younghollywood. As a singer/songwriter, this unique musician has landed in the #1 spot on Radio Disney and was a top 5 most requested video on Music Choice along with her song “Walk”. Want to know more? Well, here is your chance to get to know actress and singer Kayden Muller-Janssen in our exclusive BCKOnline interview.
BCKOnline: What made you want to start acting?
Kayden Muller-Janssen: As a child I liked watching TV and movies; I loved watching actors take on different characters and become someone else. I wanted to be able to do that too.
BCKOnline: What is the most difficult thing about being an actor?
Kayden Muller-Janssen: For me the most difficult thing about being an actor is that I am a perfectionist and I get frustrated with myself when I make mistakes. I am learning not to be too hard on myself but it’s not easy.
BCKOnline: You are in the new Disney series, The Villains of Valley View. Give us a synopsis of the project.
Kayden Muller-Janssen: VOVV is about Amy Madden and her villain family who are on the run and settle in a small town in Texas, named Valley View. They meet Hartley and her grandmother, who is their landlord, and Hartley and Amy befriend each other. Hartley finds out early on in the series that the Madden family are super villains in hiding and Hartley helps them keep this secret throughout many adventures and situations the Maddens get themselves into.
BCKOnline: For your role in the new series, tell us about your character.
Kayden Muller-Janssen: Hartley has a very outgoing personality, is very optimistic and a people pleaser. With befriending the Maddens she is put outside of her comfort zone, is forced to lie and learns to stand up more for herself while at the same time she teaches Amy about the goodness in people.
BCKOnline: How similar and/or different is she to your real personality?
Kayden Muller-Janssen: Hartley reminds me of my younger self. Bubbly, happy, big personality and somewhat naive. I still display these characteristics but I have grown to recognize when people take advantage of me, something Hartley is learning also throughout the season.
BCKOnline: What has been your favorite moment on the set The Villains of Valley View?
Kayden Muller-Janssen: My favorite moment on The Villains of Valley View set would have been when I had to do some stunt work- that was a lot of fun and a lot of laughter!
BCKOnline: Who would be your dream on screen collaboration and why?
Kayden Muller-Janssen: My dream collaboration onscreen would be with Charlize Theron; I find her to be an amazing actress. I have been a fan of hers for years.
BCKOnline: People may not know that you are also a singer/songwriter. What made you want to start singing?
Kayden Muller-Janssen: I was just drawn to music and learned that singing gave me a sense of an outlet when I was insecure or frustrated. From there it became more serious when my friends and family pushed me to explore my vocals.
BCKOnline: Where do you find inspiration for your music?
Kayden Muller-Janssen: Inspiration for my music comes solely from my own life experiences. I write down my emotions and thoughts onto paper and they turn into songs
BCKOnline: In one word, how would you describe your sound?
Kayden Muller-Janssen: Unique. My sound is mine and even though I like singing different genres, I think my sound is distinctive of me and recognizable.
BCKOnline: You have two new singles out, “No Maybe” and “Crave”. Tell us about the projects.
Kayden Muller-Janssen: “No Maybe” was my very first song I ever produced in a studio and therefore it means a lot to me; it is about a relationship I had where I was getting mixed signals from a boy and in my frustration, I wrote about it. “Crave” came about after the end of a relationship where I was still having feelings for someone.
BCKOnline: A fun fact about you is that you are a skilled equestrian and have competed in horse shows. Tell us about that unique part of your world.
Kayden Muller-Janssen: Horses have always been a big part of my life as both my parents are professional equestrians. We still live on a horse farm close to Wellington, Florida, the winter horse Mecca of the world. I am the only one in my family who chose a different career path; I think they already knew because I loved racing my ponies along the canal banks instead of practicing in the ring. Right now, I have a one-eyed horse, but he will stay at home in Florida and be trained by my mom.
BCKOnline: What is one thing that you want our readers to know about you?
Kayden Muller-Janssen: What I like my readers to know about me is that I am real. What you see is what you get. I don’t like to hide behind a different persona.
BCKOnline: What advice would you give other kids that want to break into acting?
Kayden Muller-Janssen: If acting is your passion, go for it and don’t give up. Find out if this is what you are meant to be doing and really try to enjoy the journey…..I had to learn not to take it personal if I didn’t get the role; it was not about me: the producers were looking for a specific type for the role and I did not fit that box. It took many auditions and many “no’s” before I landed this Disney role.
BCKOnline: What is next for you?
Kayden Muller-Janssen: I just finished shooting a movie directed by Danielle Fishel that comes out March 17, 2023. My very first EP was released on Oct 21 and we are about to start season 2 of The Villains of Valley View. It is an exciting time for me.
We have not doubt that the future is truly bright for this incredibly talented young lady. And we cannot wait to see what is next!
Credits:
- Photographer:
- Tim Schaeffer Photography @timschaefferphoto
- Hair: Matilde Campos @tildebymatilde
- Makeup: Anton Khachaturian @antonmakeup
- Stylist: Honey Ayala @everybodywantshoney
