LA based powerhouse Dela Kay has found her voice, and is poised to make her mark on the pop punk scene. With a string of new singles leading up to her upcoming EP, this era of her career is her most authentic yet. With her lyricism and storytelling taking center stage, supplemented by gritty guitar lines and driving drum beats, she has crafted an empowering, energetic sonic space.
Following the release of her latest single “Saving Face,” I got a chance to catch up with Dela Kay and chat about her latest music, the upcoming EP, and reflect on how she got to where she is now.
Brigid: Congratulations on the release of your latest single, “Saving Face!” How have you felt about the response so far?
Dela Kay: Thank you! It’s been incredible. The love I’ve received from this song has been amazing so far. Especially seeing it on Shazam Apple Music’s The Best New Music playlist upon release, alongside so many artists I admire like Billie Eilish, Doja Cat, Miley Cyrus to name a few, was crazy.
B: I love how the song starts off with a more acoustic, demo sound before bursting into the full track. Can you tell me about the creative decision to include that intro?
DK: Genuinely, during our write I accidentally had too much coffee and was on the verge of a panic attack haha. We needed an intro and wanted it to explode into the song, so funny enough Nick picked up the guitar and Stef tracked me singing the demo you all have now heard, mid panic attack, and it has become the intro. For the sake of funny memories, I’m really glad it’s in there, but also makes it feel a bit more me, and genuine, too.
B: What did the writing process for “Saving Face” look like?
DK: Pretty much the same as all my songs. We come in kinda knowing what type of vibe we are feeling that day and focus in on creating a solid base track and then start doing melody passes. Once we have a strong melody locked in, the lyrics pretty easily start coming out.
B: This is the fourth single from your upcoming EP, what can you share about the project? What can listeners expect in terms of sound & themes?
DK: This EP means so much to me. For so long I’ve been trying to find my sound and my voice again as an artist and I have finally locked it in and in a big way. The EP will be named after one of the newer singles, and it’s all about overcoming adversity and looking towards the light. I think it encompasses all of these newer songs and gives a taste of what kind of songs to expect from me moving forward.
B: Can you tell me a bit about the visuals for this era? I love that each single has sort of had its own color/theme!
DK: Thank you! Jacqueline Day, who’s done all my visuals, is amazing! We’ve been able to hone in on what kind of vibe each song gives off and have been able to kind of compliment each one with a color scheme and vibe we feel like fits best. At first it was somewhat unintentional, but has become something we factor in when working on upcoming releases.
B: Can you tell me a bit about your sonic journey? You’ve evolved from a more pop leaning sound to now the more pop punk sphere, what was that journey like for you?
DK: It’s been a long process. I was with old management trying to sell me on the dream I’d make it big with a famous DJ, and in turn wasn’t the best management for me nor was it really what my heart felt like it wanted to be doing. I have always loved indie, folk and alt music and it was only a matter of time before I linked up with the right people, and now feels the most authentic to date. I’m happy to be at home in the alt scene.
B: In the same vein, how has your songwriting process evolved over time?
DK: I feel like it’s gotten a lot stronger by being able to go deeper into the things I’ve written about. I’ve been through a lot more trauma and hardship in the past few years as well as high highs. It’s pushed me past the limits of EDM toplining and into a place that feels more real and authentic. Not being afraid of the world seeing the real me has been a freeing experience.
B: Do you feel that your relationship with songwriting has changed, too?
DK: Absolutely. Much like I just said above, I’ve gone a lot deeper and I feel like although my lyrics may be simple in some cases, they are effective and go deeper into interpretation for my fans.
B: When it comes to the creative process of the EP, do you have a favorite memory? Is there a specific moment or session that stands out?
DK: The title track for the EP (which will remain a secret), was my favorite session. It was with Nick Cozine and Stefano Pigliapoco. It was such an encompassing song for everything I had been going through and where I’m at now, in hopes to encourage others to press onward too. I’m super excited for my fans to hear it. I get emotional every time I hear it.
B: These singles and this upcoming EP signify a new era for you as an artist, what energy are you bringing to this era? What are you most looking forward to?
DK: The energy I’m bringing to this era is one of authenticity and fierceness. Unafraid to be bold and piercing with my lyrics, be vulnerable and allow my fans in on the deeper parts of me. This EP will be the perfect chapter of my start as this newly rebranded artist and can’t wait to show my fans how I plan to let it propel me forward into my next projects.
Listen to Dela Kay here!
