Kayden Muller is one of the stars of the new Disney show The Villains of Valley View which premiered June 3. The Villains of Valley View follows teenage supervillain Havoc who stands up to the head of the League of Villains. Her family, the Maddens, are forced to change their identities and relocate to a sleepy Texas suburb. With the help of her effervescent new neighbor Hartley (Kayden Muller-Janssen), Havoc – going incognito as “Amy” – must somehow hide her superpowers and quell her villainous nature in favor of something she and the rest of her family have fought against all their lives: being normal.
Kayden is also a singer, songwriter and performer, she will release an EP this October and recently released a new single on all streaming platforms “No Maybe,” written with Dustin Atlas about her biggest crush at age 13. Kayden also released the track “CRAVE” on July 22nd – you can check out the lyric video for “Crave” HERE.
Kayden grew up in Florida horse country and has been involved in the arts from a young age. While always acting, the multitalented performer continued making music, which she maintains is her utmost true love. Kayden landed a No. 1 spot with her hit “Kiss Kiss Baby” on the now defunct Radio Disney. She also scored a Top 5 most requested video on Music Choice with “Kiss Kiss Baby” and “Walk.”
Let’s find more about Kayden in her Q&A with TWK!
Hello Kayden, great to chat with you! For those unfamiliar with you, tell us a little bit about yourself and your background outside of the world of showbiz.
I grew up in Florida in the Equestrian Capital of the World. Both my parents are professional trainers so my childhood was always surrounded by horses. My grandmother would sing old soulful songs around the house, and I picked that up at a very young age. Growing up on a horse farm and being into music and acting, I was a bit of an oddball in the family.
You star as Hartley on the new Disney Show “The Villains of Valley View.” How did you find out you booked the role and what did you do to celebrate?
I found out I booked the role of Hartley when I received a group call from my agents and managers. When they told me the news on the phone, I fell to the floor and cried happy tears. It was one of the best days of my life! I went out to my favorite restaurant to celebrate with friends and family afterwards.
How are you and Hartley alike in real life? And how are you different?
I think Hartley and I are very similar in real life! We’re both very bubbly, kind and love to help others. Our one difference would probably have to be that I can tell when somebody’s trying to take advantage of my kindness, while Hartley might have a bit of a harder time seeing that sometimes.
What’s been the best part about being on the show?
Absolutely everything! I love working on the Villains of Valley View. Everyone from cast to crew, it all feels like one big family and we truly have so much fun every single day. Each week is different, based on the new episodes and I think this keeps it refreshing for us; we always have a blast on set!
And the most difficult?
The most difficult I would have to say is “keeping your head in the game.” Sometimes it can be hard to come to set every day with the same big, fun energy. Some days you just feel off and it’s difficult to be your utmost best. Luckily, the cast always has each other‘s back and uplifts one another. We take a breath, shake it off and continue on together!
Why do you think people are going to want to watch it?
I think people will want to watch our show because it’s a great show to watch with your whole family. Each character is just relatable in their own way, making decisions like us and bearing the consequences, whether good or bad. Every single episode has a lesson to be learned, while still giving that classic sitcom energy…with extra villainous, fun adventure!
Any funny or unusual moments on set you can tell us about?
One time during our rehearsal for episode 11, I tripped over my own feet during a scene and fell on my behind in front of everyone… I was definitely embarrassed at first but eventually just ended up laughing it off.
What has been your favorite moment in show biz so far?
There’s been so many amazing moments so far, it’s hard to choose one. But I would have to say just working on a set, being around such creative people and positive energy; it’s the best feeling ever and it will forever be my favorite part about working in the entertainment Industry!
You have an AMAZING voice (we watched ALL your Youtube vids)! Tell us about your upcoming music releases – we really want to know more about your upcoming EP, do tell!
First, thank you so much!! That means a lot to me 🙂
I don’t want to say too much because I don’t want to spoil anything, but the songs in the EP have been in the making for the past few years and I am beyond excited to share it with everyone! We have the EP title and cover art picked out. I think it really represents who I am as an artist and I hope others feel that they can relate to my songs or that they will help them in way that suits their needs. Also, my next single, “My Baby” will be releasing on October 21st (same day as the EP)!
Who are your inspirations, artistically?
I think I’ve pulled from a lot of different places throughout my life when it comes to my artistic inspirations. Musically, some of my all-time favorite artists are Amy Winehouse, Jessie Reyez, Sabrina Claudio, Whitney Houston, and Nina Simone. In the acting field, I’ve always looked up to Charlize Theron, Zendaya, Zoe Kravitz, Kristen Stewart and Tom Cruise.
If you could have one superpower in real life, what would it be and why?
If I could have one superpower, I would pick telekinetic powers because technically, I could fly since I can move anything with my mind AND I would never have to eat a burger or pizza with my hands again.
If we asked your friends what your best quality is, what would they say?
They would probably say loyalty and determination. I always have my friends’ back, they know that if they ever need me, I will be there for them! I am also very determined, I’m willing to do whatever it takes in order to succeed at something, and I never let someone’s doubt get in my way.
Favorite snack?
NERD CLUSTERS
Biggest pet peeve?
Hypocritical people. I am a very straight forward person. I say things the way I see them, maybe sometimes a little blunt but I feel you shouldn’t have to hide behind a facade. When people speak out against something, but then turn around and engage in that “something” after all , I just don’t understand why … you either stand for something or you don’t.
Secret fear?
I’m deathly terrified of heights. I always have been since I was a kid, going any higher than 10 stories just freaked me out sometimes.
Favorite holiday (and why)?
My favorite holiday is definitely Halloween because I’ve always loved dressing up in a costume or creating a weird or cool costume myself. And the fact that everything goes at Halloween. You can dress however you like and act however you want and no one is judgmental because it’s Halloween!
Tell me something people would be surprised to know about you.
I started as a competition baton twirler at the age of 5 and did it for 10 years and we became national champions.
Tell me ONE food you REFUSE to eat and why?
Fresh herring! It’s a common Dutch food that one buys at the fresh fish market on Wednesdays in Holland and my mom would always get it. I just cannot stand the smell of that fish soaked in onions!
What else are you working on or have coming up next?
I can’t say too much, but I have a very exciting project I will be working on next month, we start shooting season two of Villians of Valley View soon and of course, lots of more music coming! I’m looking forward to show everyone what we have been preparing.
Selfie!
https://www.instagram.com/kaydenmuller/