Kailaya Lately Interview

Singer-songwriter Kailaya has released her debut single, "Lately." The soul and RnB-infused track blends with her angelic and soft vocals. As a Ukrainian-American, Kailaya will be donating proceeds of her new single to LifeLover, a charity that provides humanitarian aid and helps the elderly community affected by the war in Ukraine. "Lately" is now available on digital music platforms worldwide.

In her debut single, Kailaya explores her adverse emotions. "I wrote 'Lately' in a time of my life where I needed to practice the art of letting go," said Kailaya about the personal aspect of the track. The single talks about Kailaya's relationship with someone in her life and how she feels hurt by their actions. She wrote the song as a way to process the strong negative emotions she was feeling towards a past relationship. The track acted as a way for Kailaya to let go of the hurt and pain she was feeling, and slowly rebuild the experiences she felt so disconnected from. Produced by Aubren Elaine, the song highlights Kailaya's silky voice, incorporates harmonization and a jazz-inspired guitar. Influenced by Daniel Caesar, Snoh Aalegra, and Nina Simone, Kailaya creates her own soulful sound and vintage style.

Kailaya grew up heavily involved in the arts " from theatre performances, dancing, and singing, she found an outlet to express herself and grow as a person. As a toddler, Kailaya began taking dance classes and progressed rapidly in her talents throughout the years. She later discovered pole dancing as a way to embrace her sexuality and body. In school, Kailaya developed an interest in poetry, and eventually, that interest turned into songwriting. Utilizing her past experiences and talents, Kailaya is creating a platform where she can share her talents and feelings with others.

Born in Los Angeles into a Ukrainian family, Kailaya has spent a lot of time in Kyiv visiting friends and family and lived there for a time in college. Heartbroken by current events, Kailaya felt compelled to give back to those affected by the war, including her own family members. She will be donating a portion of the proceeds of "Lately" to LifeLover. "I chose this charity for a few important reasons. First, my family in Ukraine is close friends with the founder of LifeLover, which made me comfortable pushing it out to more people. Another reason is that it focuses on the elderly community that is impacted in Ukraine as well as all other refugees," Kailaya explains. "It has been heartbreaking to hear from my friends and family about the struggle to escape the country. I want to use my art to help spread legitimate resources and ways to help. Ukraine has become my second home, so working with this charity and others is important to me."

"I hope that my vulnerability creates a safe space for others to engage with their own," said Kailaya. Download or stream "Lately" on all music platforms now. To stay up to date on Kailaya's musical journey, follow her on social media @Kailaya.art

Interview with Kailaya

Question: How would you describe your music?

Kailaya: Each song of mine is so different! I would describe it as R&B soul, but there are so many different elements that are drawn from other genres and artists that inspire me. So therefore, I honestly would just describe my music as whatever inspires me the day I compose it.


Question: Can you tell us about your debut single 'Lately'?

Kailaya: "Lately" was written within four hours after a breakdown and was not intended to be shared with anyone. I was hurting from a situation in my life and although it may mean different things to different people, it was about a family member in my life. I began by journaling and writing out everything I wanted to say that I never have. The composition of this single was extremely therapeutic for me. It still is every time I sing/listen to it.


Question: Is there a particular message you hope listeners take from your music?

Kailaya: For "Lately," I do not have any specific message. I just want people to listen and feel whatever they want to feel. It makes me very emotional, and I think it is helping me to let go of pain I've carried for a while. I'm not forcing it to mean anything specific. I am open to letting it go and be whatever it will be for each person.


Question: Do you prefer performing live or recording?

Kailaya: I have yet to perform live! I've been writing behind the scenes for 3 years now and I absolutely love writing and recording. However, I am more than ready and excited to start performing live.


Question: What motivates you most when writing music?

Kailaya: My emotions and situations. I love to listen, people watch, and get into deep random conversations with as many different people as I can. Most of my ideas for stories and music comes from just being present and living.


Question: Which music/artists are you currently listening to?

Kailaya: I have been listening to a lot of Snoh Aalegra for years now, as well as Daniel Caesar. I'm super inspired by Jorja Smith and her visuals. I also have been watching and listening to Jessie Reyes. She is so raw and mesmerizing.


Question: What or who was your inspiration to go into the music industry?

Kailaya: My depression, haha joking, but not really. I was struggling with my emotions and decided to turn some of my poetry into music as a form of therapy. The real inspiration was/has been my mom. From the moment she heard my first original song, she has not let me even think about giving up. I cannot thank her enough for encouraging this passion of mine. I know I am lucky to have that kind of support.

Question: If you could collaborate with another artist, who would it be?

Kailaya: I would write with Victoria Monet. I know I would learn so much from that collaboration. I would be so grateful to work with Daniel Caesar. I also would love to collaborate with James Vickery, his vocals are ear-candy.


Question: What has been your favourite part of becoming a music artist?

Kailaya: Getting to know myself. I feel like every song I write and new experience I have as an artist, I have grown from and gotten to know a bit more about what I like and/or what I don't like. It's almost as if it is my way of being more myself than ever.


Question: What's a typical day like?

Kailaya: Every day is a bit different right now, depending on the project I am working on. Since I quit my part-time, I made myself a 9-5 schedule where I write, work on my projects, practice instruments, and do some research on music that inspires me. On my fun days, I have multiple trainings in either vocal, burlesque/pole/heels dance, and meetings! I am working on three projects at a time to always have some new art to share!


Question: Can you tell us about LifeLover Charity?

Kailaya: LifeLover was started by a family friend in Kyiv, Ukraine. My father has supported them for many years so I wanted to also show my support. They provide humanitarian aid to hot spots in Kyiv, Ukraine and to shelters. The goal changes based on the current events and needs of the country. Right now, they are working on raising money for a pasta machine because people of Ukraine are struggling to find resources for survival. LifeLover is targeting refugees, elderly, animals, and young children. I am so excited to attach my art to their organization. I know it will not be the last time we work together.


Question: What advice do you have for aspiring songwriters or artists?
Kailaya: Let's all help each other out! I want to support you and create beautiful art together. My advice is that art is subjective so write for yourself and then support those that give you good energy.


Question: What's next, for you?

Kailaya: After the release of "Lately," I have the music video coming on April 26th! I also am shooting for my next single's music video this upcoming week. At the same time, my third single is in production as we speak. In other words, I am about to be sharing so much of myself with everyone.


Question: Can you share your socials? (links please)

Kailaya: Instagram 
TikTok 
Website 


Interview by Gwen van Montfort