Kayla DiVenere x Fresh Off The Scene
Interview by Jordyn Ward and photos by Lili Skyler
Walk me through your upbringing in music and the moment that made you realize that this is what you wanted to do in life?
Growing up in Montreal, I was never really involved in the famous music scene there. My father was actually the one who introduced me to music at a really young age. He played drums in his teen rock band growing up, and always promised himself he would pass on the joy of music to his kids. So one random night, he surprised me with a piano at just 5 years old. I had no idea what it was, only that it made cool sounds. He continued to culture me through classic rock bands like Queen, Led Zeppelin, AC/DC, The Police and there was no, absolutely no, turning back after that...
What are the moments in the creation of a new song that brings you the most joy?
The best feeling ever is listening back to a song I spent hours on, pouring my heart out, and then finally being able to take a step back and look at what I just created. It’s the craziest thing to just acknowledge that this piece of art didn’t exist earlier that day and that I just created something and put it into this world.
Where do you look to for most of your inspiration in your musical career, ranging from fashion to the actual musicality of your work?
Honestly, 99% of my song concepts come from conversations I have. I often have so many emotions and thoughts bundled up in my body that I don't even know what I'm feeling until I find myself word-vomiting to a friend. Usually, some magical line will come out of me, and I'll be like: "wait... that's kind of cool" and immediately rush to write it down in my notes. It also goes both ways where I get so inspired by my friend's word vomit or even a stranger's conversation with another stranger that I happen to overhear. I think translating personal experiences into music is one of the most authentic and easiest ways to make art and personally, my favorite. The same thing goes for my fashion, I take inspiration from literally everywhere in every environment with anybody, and try to turn it into something that feels true to me.
Is there a safe place or certain place you tend to go to that encourages the most creativity?
I love a good bedroom writing session. I feel so safe in those 4 walls that I grew up in, and I feel like that space understands me the best. It’s seen EVERYTHING!
When it comes to collaborations, a safe place is anywhere my collaborator is. As long as we understand each other and help with the creation of this art, it’s going to be safe.
You just released a song called “Small Talk” what was the intention/ purpose behind the making of this song?
I've had a secret crush on my brother's best friend ever since I was 14, and "Small Talk" was created in my longing to have more than 5-minute fleeting conversations with him every time he would come over. My imagination ran wild and I found myself aching for something like a John Hughes romance movie with a secret love, a boombox at my window, playing his favorite mixtape type of love. After rewatching every romance movie to exist, it was absolute torture to continue entertaining meaningless small talk with my brother’s best friend, so I decided to write "Small Talk" in attempt to pour my heart out and make sense of my craving for wanting something more.
Are there any projects or singles that we can look forward to in the near future?
Totally, so many more singles to come this year, and definitely an EP in the future! Lots of shows will be played this year too. New single out March 1 :)
