Having already established herself with a wealth of glittering delights these last few years, Ukrainian-American artist Kailaya is back once again to deliver her breezy new single 'Sweet Remedy'.
Honing more of that warm and sultry aesthetic she has been building for herself since she first emerged, 'Sweet Remedy' makes for a wonderfully rich and inviting listen. With her captivating vocals spread across a smooth and alluring production throughout, she returns to the fold with one of her most emotive efforts to date here.
So with the new single available to stream now, we sat down with her to find out more about her origins and what has been inspiring her most lately.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
The first instrument I played was the piano, which I also love, especially since my grandma was an insanely talented pianist in Russia, but the first instrument I fell in love with was the guitar and also the bass. Those two are my kryptonite. I usually start with guitar when I write new material.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
I actually listened to a lot of rap/hip-hop when I was in my teens. To this day I am just obsessed with the flow. I started to listen to more indie/alt music in college and now it is a mix of everything. Lately, I’ve been pulled more towards rock actually.
What was the first album you remember owning?
I think the first album I purchased was 'Songs in the Key of Life' by Stevie Wonder. My girlfriend at the time gifted me a record player (so cute I know), and we went out and bought a bunch of albums but that one stood out to me first.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
I have to pick Valerie by Amy Winehouse. I mean come on… iconic. Everyone that knows me knows that it is my go to cover song/karaoke song. All her other ones too. Stronger than me is a close second.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
I have the luxury right now as an independent artist to not be in a rush to write more. I have so many songs that I want to release so at this point I write when I feel a pull to do so. My ritual is just to tap into what I feel and go from there. Sometimes it is super hard to do that and my mind is blank so I will accept that and put down the pen.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
Right now it is Al Green, KIRBY, and Cleo Sol. The list is so long but those three have been part of my morning ritual for sure.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
I gotta open for some queer artists for sure. I would be grateful to open for Fletcher, Renee Rap, and G Flip. I also could see myself opening for Sabrina Claudio and Alina Baraz.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
The fact that my words and stories can reach so many people in the world. As many differences as I may have with a person, we may feel the same way about something and it may be really healing to both of us. That is a superpower; writing music that connects people to themselves and also to others.
And what is the most frustrating part?
Everything. All the time. I’m half-joking. I think caring deeply about your art makes it nearly impossible to also not get frustrated. It honestly lights a brighter fire sometimes to keep growing my skills and writing more.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
Okay, I have two for you:
"You learn the most when you are quiet.” I guess that is kinda just life advice but it helped me with my art. The more I listen and pay attention to life the better stories I write."
"People will often forget what you say to them but they will always remember how you make them feel.” This. THIS. I could say one line over and over again but it’s how I say it that makes you understand not only what I am talking about but how it makes me feel. I love this advice/quote and it was actually my dad who said it to me for the first time."
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Kailaya's new single 'Sweet Remedy' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.