Check out our interview with talented Alt-Pop artist Dela Kay who just released her new hit single “Let You Down” today!
This release marks a significant milestone for Dela Kay, as it showcases her vulnerability and genuine storytelling abilities, offering listeners a glimpse into her personal journey and the complexities of modern dating. Inspired by artists such as The Maine, Maggie Lindemann, Paramore, and Avril Lavigne, Dela Kay is continuing to lean into her Alternative roots with the release of “Let You Down.”
Follow Dela @delakaymusic
Hi Dela Kay, please tell us a little about you?
Hi Naluda Mag! I’m an alt/pop artist originally from Nashville, TN, now living in LA. I grew up in a musical household and started writing and performing at a very young age. Initially, I studied acting and did musical theatre professionally until I was 23. It wasn’t until 2016, I decided to fully start putting all of my energy into my music career. I got my start doing dance music for a while, working with producers like Goldhouse and Loud Luxury. It wasn’t until 2021 I pivoted and started discovering my sound. Now, in 2023, I partnered with producers, Stefano Pigliapoco as well as Ryan Dulude, and locked in my sound, ready for my fans to hear my new project launching me forward into the new year! 🙂
Describe your sound in 3 words?
energetic, fierce, and sincere.
Who influenced you and why did you choose to make music?
I grew up listening to bands like Paramore, Green Day, Avril Lavigne and Blink182 (as many of us emo kids did). I loved the high energy that these types of bands/artists brought to the stage and knew I wanted to be on stage performing in any capacity. I also was really inspired by folk music growing up in Nashville and knew that songwriting was always going to be the foundation and main focus for anything I did. I think being authentic in this industry is underrated and I always do my best to be as true to myself as possible. And in being authentic to myself, in 2016 I realized acting wasn’t where my heart was and dove headfirst into being an artist. I love being able to create and relate to people in a way that I feel is so much more personal. As an actor I was always playing somebody else, but when it came to my music, it was putting my true feelings and thoughts out there to share with the world. I think it takes a lot of vulnerability to be an artist and I work hard to remain vulnerable in creating my music, so that I can find people who truly connect with me.
Do you play any instruments?
I play enough piano and guitar to songwrite, but by no means do I consider myself a guitarist or pianist. Definitely being a vocalist is where I feel the most at home.
Tell us about your new single “Let You Down?”
“Let You Down” is the first single I’m releasing off of my new project and one of the very first songs I wrote with my producer and co-writer, Stefano Pigliapoco. It’s a very upbeat song and one of the more pop driven songs I have. I’m so excited for my fans to hear it and think it’s one a lot of us can relate to.
What’s the story behind the song?
“Let You Down” originally began with me imagining the perspective of the other person in a previous relationship of mine, but quickly turned into a reflection of my own feelings. It’s about the trust, vulnerability and fear of self-sabotage that comes up when dating someone new and the process of navigating through that.
What is the most rewarding part of your work?
I honestly think being able to share my feelings in a way where I can connect with others, as an artist but also as a songwriter (for myself and others). It’s rewarding to be seen and to help others feel truly seen. Then the performing aspect on top of it all is just a bonus and so much fun.
What advice would you give to your younger self and why?
It sounds so cliche to say “don’t give up”, but I’ve honestly had a lot of hardship in the past 6 years, that at times it was hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel. It can become easy for anxiety and depression to take over your life, leaving you feeling insignificant. That the world would be better without you in it. But I would beg to remind myself how loved and significant I am. That I matter. And that there are people just like me who want to feel seen. And together we can create art to spread that love and hope 🙂
What’s next for Dela Kay in the last months of 2023 and for 2024?
After releasing “Let You Down” I plan to keep promoting it through the holiday season, and in 2024, starting in January I plan to keep releasing singles from this project through the summertime! Then hopefully touring later next year.
What is your own definition of happiness?
Being at peace with who you are, loving yourself, and finding gratitude in everything and everyone. Life is simple and happiness is a choice. It becomes easier and easier to be happy once you make the conscious effort to be.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
Oh this is honestly such a hard one. The first person who comes to mind is Stevie Nicks. I looked up to her a lot growing up and think she is just absolute magic.
Best advice ever given?
“Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.”- Dr. Seuss. Heard it when I was little and still rings true.
Where do you see yourself and your career in 5 years from now?
In 5 years from now, I see myself touring the world. I see myself being considered for awards amongst artists and songwriters I admire. I see myself living in a house in the valley hills with my sweet dog, Charlie. I would like to be signed by a label who will truly fight for me and believe in my vision. And I see myself being put in rooms with some of the biggest writers and artists in the music industry.
What is your favorite song to belt out in the car/for karaoke?
That’s a hard one… the first one that come to mind are “Claws” by Charli XCX for the car, and then karaoke “Sk8er Boi” by Avril Lavigne. But there are so many more for this question it’s hard to choose!
What do you think of Social Media?
I think it’s so useful for marketing ourselves and trying to find fans. But overall I think we have all become too addicted to it. I’ve been doing my best to post when I need to but then put my phone down and stay present in my day to day life. I don’t want to look back on my life and miss important moments because I was glued to a screen.
