Kayla Wruk (aka “Leaf”)

Bitter Jester Music Festival Verbal Commentary Judge

2017 Bitter Jester Grand Champion

Kayla Wruk, aka ”Leaf, began learning to play electric and upright bass at the age of 14 individually, then through Rock Central Music School. They then went on to join multiple bands and pursue classical music training at Music Performance at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. They also studied Graphic Design at Gateway Technical College.

Leaf formed their first band, Audiophilia, with several other fellow Rock Central students (and Bitter Jester Judges!), Lindsey Hayes and Chase Albrecht in 2014. Leaf was a member of the former metal band Audiophilia. Originating as a classic rock cover band, Audiophilia developed into a polished original Heavy Metal act over the years, playing venues such as Summerfest and Vans Warped Tour as well as winning numerous awards including taking the title of Bitter Jester Runner Up in 2016 followed by claiming the Grand Championship in 2017, before aging out.

Leaf is now excited to be returning to Bitter Jester for the very first time on “the other side” of the event, joining BJMF Director of Education Michael Tseitlin to provide verbal commentary for competition and showcase performers on one of the Preliminary Concerts this summer!

While in school for Upright Bass Performance, studying various different genres of music, Leaf also played bass in the Grunge/Rock-n-Roll band, Filthy Sweet. They soon returned to a career in Heavy Metal, however, upon leaving school and joining the Milwaukee-based 5-piece metal band H1Z1 in 2019.

The band has a wide range of influences, incorporating early 2000's nu-metal, thrash, & groove metal to create an exciting, high energy sound that’s a creation all their own. In addition to Leaf, H1Z1 is: Marq Pointer on lead vocals, Patrick Gunderson & Justin Mack on guitar, and Jake Fromkin on drums.

H1Z1 has stayed busy and has made a reputation for themselves built on the energy of their live performances, gracing the stage at well known venues in Wisconsin such as Madison's High Noon Saloon, The Rave, The Miramar Theater, & X-Ray Arcade in their hometown of Milwaukee. H1Z1 has also performed on the Rebel Music Stage at Summerfest.

To date, H1Z1 has released two projects. In 2015, the band entered the studio for the first time, and came out with a two song EP. In 2017, they returned to the studio to record their debut full length project, “Unbounded,” which included the two songs previously featured on the EP, and 9 new songs.

Their newest release, “haRd,” can be found on Spotify here!

Leaf’s experiences in school and in various bands over the years lead them to their current marketing occupation not only in H1Z1, but also acting as the Marketing Liaison at Lake Geneva Ziplines & Adventures in Wisconsin.