In the vast realm of music, there are those whose stories intertwine with their melodies, creating a symphony of life experiences and artistic expression. Kayla DiVenere, a rising star in the music industry, shares her journey, inspirations, and the creative process behind her latest single, “Small Talk,” in an exclusive interview.
Kayla’s love affair with music ignited at a tender age, fueled by her father’s passion for rock and roll. Introduced to the classics of Queen, Led Zeppelin, and The Police, Kayla’s curiosity blossomed into an unyielding obsession with the art form. Her journey into music creation began at the age of 13, spurred by sibling rivalry turned collaboration with her brother, leading her to discover the boundless possibilities of songwriting.
“Small Talk,” Kayla’s latest single, delves into the depths of secret crushes and unspoken desires, echoing the sentiments of yearning familiar to many. Inspired by her own experiences, the song narrates the longing for meaningful connection amidst mundane conversations. With its nostalgic allure reminiscent of 80s romcoms, “Small Talk” invites listeners into a world of wistful dreams and untold confessions.
Drawing from personal experiences, Kayla infuses her music with authenticity and relatability. Through “Small Talk,” she bares her soul, inviting listeners to delve into the depths of human emotion and shared experiences.
Kayla’s bond with her fans transcends mere admiration, evolving into a symbiotic relationship where feedback fuels her creative endeavors. Memorable interactions with fans serve as constant reminders of the profound impact of her art on others’ lives.
In the tapestry of Kayla DiVenere’s musical journey, each note resonates with the echoes of her past, the dreams of the future, and the vibrant hues of the present. With “Small Talk” as her latest opus, Kayla invites listeners to embark on a timeless voyage through the corridors of human emotion, where every melody is a testament to the power of shared experiences and the beauty of musical expression.
In the ever-evolving landscape of the music industry, Kayla DiVenere emerges as a beacon of authenticity, creativity, and boundless passion, captivating hearts and souls with her enchanting melodies and soul-stirring lyrics. As her journey unfolds, one thing remains certain – the world will continue to resonate with the harmonies of Kayla’s music, echoing across generations and touching lives with each resounding chord.
Discover the secrets behind Kayla DiVenere’s latest hit ‘Small Talk’ below and delve into her journey as a rising star in an exclusive interview packed with inspiration and behind-the-scenes insights.
Introduction and Background:
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how you got started in the music industry?
My obsession with music started at a young age. My father was the one who first introduced me to music. He’d played drums in a rock band as a teen and promised himself he would pass on the joy of music to his kids. When I was just 5 years old, he surprised me by bringing home a piano! I had no idea what a piano was, to be honest, but I knew it made cool sounds! He continued to educate me about music by introducing me to all the great classic rock bands like Queen, Led Zeppelin, AC/DC, The Police, etc. I was hooked after that and there was absolutely no turning back.
What inspired you to pursue a career as a singer, songwriter, and artist?
I first started making music when I was 13. My brother was already making music at that time, but for some reason it had never occurred to me that I could do it too and that writing music wasn’t just for the Taylor Swifts of the world. Anybody can write songs! Music belongs to everybody, and that’s a beautiful thing to realize. Soon after that, my brother and I started a sibling battle of songs where we would see who could write the best song every week. It really helped me fine-tune my songwriting skills!
Congratulations on your new single “Small Talk”! Can you share with us the inspiration behind this song?
“Small Talk” is about a secret crush I’ve had on my brother’s best friend ever since I was 14. I created the song in my longing to have more than 5-minute fleeting conversations with him every time he would come over to our house. I let my imagination run wild and I found myself aching for the kind of love from a John Hughes romance movie… the boombox at the window, playing his favorite mixtape, that kind of secret love. After rewatching every romance movie to exist, it was absolute torture to continue entertaining meaningless small talk with my brother’s best friend, so I decided to write “Small Talk” in an attempt to pour my heart out and make sense of my desire for something more.
How did the collaboration with producer/songwriter Jordan Witzigreuter and songwriters Maia Kelly and Zach DeGaetano come about?
The songwriting circle in LA is surprisingly small. Everyone knows everyone and, because of that, I’ve been able to meet so many talented people through word of mouth and through Tony Moras and my supportive team at Sound Factory. I love working with Jordan, Maia and Zach! We probably spend 2 hours at the beginning of every studio session talking about conspiracy theories and falling into black holes of deep conversations. They’re all SO TALENTED and it’s such an honor to be able to make music with them!
What do you hope listeners will take away from “Small Talk”?
I hope that when they listen to “Small Talk,” they’re transported to this 80s romcom fantasy where their crush serenades them with a boombox outside their bedroom window. I hope they take away that it’s okay to have romantic fantasies and to not settle for anything less than their storybook ending.
Could you walk us through your creative process when writing and producing a song like “Small Talk”?
I have an endless notes page on my phone of little idea snippets, concepts, or lyric ideas I get from just living everyday life. I get most of my concepts from ranting to my friends, dialogue from TV shows or movies, or even overhearing someone’s conversation in line at a coffee shop. When I actually sit down with the intention to write a song, I start with a concept that feels right to me in the moment, pick a couple chords that feel cohesive, and start spitballing melodies. Then, I pretty much fall into a creative hole and black out until the sun goes down and the song is fully written!
Do you draw inspiration from personal experiences when writing your music?
Literally 99% of my songs are from personal experiences!
You’ve had success in both acting and music. How do you balance these two creative pursuits?
It can be hard sometimes to balance, but I love them both so much, it never feels like work, it always feels like play.
Are there any similarities or differences in your approach to acting and making music?
Being involved with both acting and music is definitely a really cool crossover, they’re both so similar yet so opposite. The main takeaway I’ve gotten by doing both is honoring my vulnerability, which acting has taught me from a really young age.
You’ve already achieved so much at a young age. What are your long-term goals in the music industry?
I would love to go on tour! I think it would be a dream.
Are there any specific milestones or achievements you’re aiming for in your career?
I think that performing at Coachella would be an INSANE achievement!
How do you connect with your fans, and what role do they play in your creative process?
The one beautiful thing about social media is how easily I can connect and interact with my fans! I love reading all their comments, DMs, and feedback on any songs I tease or release. It really helps me understand what impacts people the most.
Have you had any memorable interactions with fans that have left a lasting impact on you?
A fan once told me that I was the reason they started songwriting and making music. It was absolutely insane to me that I could be that inspiration for someone just like how my Dad was for me. As long as I’m inspiring or impacting people in some way through my art, I’m happy:)
If you could collaborate with any artist, living or deceased, who would it be and why?
I’m obsessed with Dominic Fike’s music, and it would be a dream to collaborate with him in the future. His melodies are so sticky and his flow is crazy.
What’s your favorite part about performing live?
There’s something so special about the energy during live performances. I can feel the love so deeply, the adrenaline, and the support, and it’s like nothing I’ve felt before.
If you weren’t pursuing a career in music and acting, what other profession do you think you’d be passionate about?
I think I would love to open up a fashion line or something along with that trade. I’m obsessed with thrifting and making all my pieces my own. It would be the coolest thing to sell clothes that I made.
What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?
I crashed a 1980 high school reunion once, LOL.
What’s your go-to guilty pleasure song to listen to when nobody’s around?
I do love blasting “Teenage Dream” by Katy Perry.
Until next time, keep grooving to the beat and spreading the love.
Rock on! 🎶
The Hollywood Six 