#POPULARPLAY: KAYA STEWART
Sep 15, 2020
Born in London but raised by the LA music scene, Kaya Stewart grew up surrounded by music. Her latest single ‘California’ in collaboration with Childish Major carries the coming-of-age theme portraying what it’s like growing up in the industry, handling relationships and facing the world head-on often met by the glass mirrors of reality.
This latest single follows her self-titled debut album in 2016 that has been streamed over 6 million times on Spotify alone. Upon release in the album, Kaya joined the infamous Vans Warped Tour and traveled across the country and making history is the youngest female artists to participate in the tour.
In between making music Kaya sat with us to chat about her new single, participating in Warped Tour, and a look into her writing process.
1. Tell us about your new single, ‘California’ and how this song came to be?
California was a song I kind of wrote on accident. It started out as me just getting what I was feeling off my chest and just putting some chords to it… and it eventually turned into what it is now! I was in Nashville at the time and feeling really out of place in every aspect of my life. Writing California was kind of like therapy.
2. Where did the inspiration behind your ‘California’ music video stem from?
Me and my best friend Tyler just shot it at her house! We were in quarantine and instead of using that as a disadvantage, we tried to incorporate that ‘stir crazy’ feeling into the video. Me and Tyler have been shooting together for years so it was super fun to start from having nothing and coming out with such a cool and complete video.
3. You were the youngest female artist to participate in Warped Tour! How did the opportunity come about?
I was so nervous when the idea was first proposed to me but I’m so glad I did it!! It was an incredible experience and I honestly miss it! There was such a sense of community on that tour and I learned a lot.
4. Give us a glimpse into your musical upbringing. Who or what initially influenced your passion for music?
My dad has definitely been my biggest influence. He was always playing great music around the house and was always encouraging me to write. I just became obsessed with it.
5. Since you’ve been writing music, how has the style or genre in which you create changed?
It changes every day!! I was raised listening to all different types and styles of music and I’m always finding new inspiration. I wouldn’t say I’m ever trying to stick to a genre. I just write and see what happens!
6. Shuffle all of your music. What are the first five songs that come up?
Cruel- St. Vincent, Tears Dry On Their Own- Amy Winehouse, Sunday Morning- No Doubt, Doo Wop- Lauryn Hill and as of right now Glitter- Benee!