Kayla DiVenere
Interview by Breanne Gill and Photos by Lilli Skyler.
Your music, especially your new single "Date Yourself," seems to derive from intimate and authentic personal experiences. In your view, how has writing music acted as an outlet for self-expression and introspection?
Writing music is literally my source of free therapy. My thoughts and emotions tend to always get really jumbled up in my body, and I tend to get really confused by them most of the time. I always feel so much better after writing whatever I’m feeling into a song. It quite literally feels like I’ve plucked any thought or emotion out of my body and threw it off a cliff. Turning my feelings into something tangible and being able to yell my song out in my car has always lifted so much weight off my shoulders.
Your newest single explores the complicated topic of self-love and confidence. If you could give advice to anyone out there grappling with these feelings, what would you say?
Self-love/confidence is a very tricky thing to approach, especially growing up with social media. The best advice I could give is to remember that social media is a highlight reel with lots and lots of filters and unattainable beauty standards. It’s honestly all so fake LOL.
Are there any particular artists, genres, or eras of music that influence your distinctive musical style and inspire your creative process?
I really think I have a solid mixture of genres boiled into me. I grew up listening to Classic Rock (introduced to me by my dad), and then lots of Pop, and throughout my teen years, I fell in love with Indie. I think you can definitely see a mix of all of them in my music, it’s my blueprint at this point LOL. At the moment though, I find myself really inspired by The 1975’s classic feel and Olivia Rodrigo’s relatable concepts.
Are there any particular artists, bands, or genres that have had a profound impact on your musical development and contributed to your distinctive style?
Most of my inspirations are honestly so random! I get most of my ideas from lines in TV shows/ movies, conversations with friends, or eavesdropping on strangers' conversations. Inspiration and art are everywhere, you just have to be observant enough to notice them.
In a recent interview, you described your music as anthemic. What is your personal anthem as of right now? Aside from your new single of course!
My current anthem is “All We Ever Do Is Talk” by Del Water Gap!!
You've been involved with the arts since you started your acting career at six years old. Do you think this long history in the entertainment industry has impacted how you approach creating music and connecting to your audience?
I definitely think that growing up in the entertainment industry showed me how powerful of a tool vulnerability and honesty can be in such a fake world. I try to keep this value with me while creating music, making it as raw and relatable as possible, no matter how scary that can be.
What has been the highlight of your 2023 year so far? Whether it be musically, artistically, or in your personal life!
I always get so happy reading messages from people who tell me my music has inspired them or impacted them in any way. I know music has helped me so much through growing up, and to be able to repay that is an amazing feeling.
Since your new single is titled "Date Yourself" what would your ideal solo date night be?
It’s been a journey, but I can confidently say I love spending time with myself. I’ve taken myself on so many awesome solo dates, but my favorite solo day would include grabbing matcha, thrifting, journaling, and ending the night with a cozy oldies movie marathon.
As you progress through your growing music career, what are your aspirations for the future? Anything we should be keeping an eye out for in the coming months?
I’m so excited to finally be releasing music!! I’ve written so many songs and I’m constantly adding to my library that I sometimes forget that most of my music lives on my computer lol. Starting next year, I’m going to release a single every month and I’m so ecstatic for all my hard work to finally be out for everyone to hear! Make sure to follow me on tik tok to see all the demos I’ll be teasing ;)
