Alt-Pop artist Dela Kay recently released her highly anticipated single “Saving Face” on the 17th. The track, which showcases Dela’s unique blend of infectious energy and in-your-face attitude, is a testament to her evolution as an artist and has already started resonating with fans.
Dela Kay describes “Saving Face” as a powerful anthem about karma and the inevitable consequences of deceit. “It’s about that person in your life getting their karma. Once they’ve dug their own grave of lies or BS, there’s no way they’re getting out of it—no way they’re ‘Saving Face,'” she explains. The song was crafted in collaboration with her trusted producer and co-writer Stefano Pigliapoco, along with co-writer Nick Cozine. The trio aimed to create a track that not only resonates with listeners but also captures the essence of Dela’s artistic vision.
The creation of “Saving Face” marks the second collaboration between Dela, Stefano, and Nick. Their first session together set the stage for this latest endeavor, blending their collective love for punk influences with Dela’s distinct alt-pop sound. “Nick and I really love that punk feel, and we wanted to write something more in line with that. As we started working on the music, the lyrics began to flow, and the chorus took shape naturally,” Dela recalls. “Stef is an incredible producer and absolutely nailed the sound we were going for.”
“Saving Face” is infused with pop-punk elements, drawing inspiration from iconic bands like The Story So Far, Avril Lavigne, and Blink-182. Dela aimed to evoke a sense of nostalgia while maintaining her signature edge. “We wanted that classic pop-punk feel, and I think it ended up coming across the way we envisioned it,” she says.
Hailing from the vibrant music scene of Nashville, TN, Dela Kay’s sound has evolved significantly over the years. Influenced by artists such as The Maine, Maggie Lindemann, Paramore, and Avril Lavigne, Dela has transitioned from EDM pop to a more authentic alt-pop style. “When I first started out, the EDM pop scene was booming, and I was pushed in that direction. But I soon realized it wasn’t what I wanted to do,” she shares. “After some self-discovery and meeting key collaborators like Ryan Dulude and Stefano Pigliapoco, I found my true lane in the alt-pop scene.”
“Saving Face” follows the success of previous singles like “Nasty,” “IDWTAY,” and “Let You Down,” which have collectively amassed over 210K streams and secured a spot on Shazam’s Best New Music Apple Playlist. Dela, who identifies as a songwriter first and foremost, believes this phase of her career is her most authentic to date. She is committed to releasing a series of singles throughout the rest of the year, determined to leave a lasting impression and make her mark on the music industry.
“Can you tell us more about the inspiration behind your new single ‘Saving Face’ and the story it tells?”
D: “Saving Face” is about letting karma do her job. It’s about letting someone’s lies and BS catch up with them, and at the end of the day if you’re a good person, everyone will know your truth. It’s letting them make a fool of you by really just making a fool of themselves— and not being able to eventually “save face”
“How did the collaboration with Stefano Pigliapoco and Nick Cozine come about for this track?”
D: It was our second write with each other, and since our first write went so well we were super excited to get together. Nick and I really love that punk feel, and wanted to write something more in line with that. And as we started messing with some music, we got the lyrics “guess i’m a psycho, guess i’m a b*tch” and eventually came around to the chorus. The rest kind of took over from there, but we had so much fun and were really happy with how it all turned out. Stef is an incredible producer and absolutely nailed the sound we were going for, as well.
“You mentioned that ‘Saving Face’ has a pop-punk influence. What elements from this genre did you incorporate into the song?”
D: We actually referenced bands like The Story So Far, Avril Lavigne, Blink182 and bands in that genre. We wanted that nostalgic classic pop-punk feel and I think it ended up coming across the way we envisioned it.
“Your music has evolved significantly over the years. How would you describe your current musical style compared to when you first started?”
D: I think when I first started out, the edm pop scene was booming, and a lot of singers were making their break toplining on major DJ tracks. I had management at the time that pushed me in that direction, but soon realized that my management wasn’t a good fit and edm pop wasn’t really what I wanted to do. I’ve always gravitated towards indie, folk, alt music, and after some discovery through meeting my friend Ryan Dulude (co-producer + co-writer of “Nasty”) and Stefano Pigliapoco, who’s been producing the majority of my new songs, I feel I’ve finally found my lane. The alt-pop scene is where I feel most at home and I’m happy to start my new journey here!
“As someone who identifies as a songwriter first, can you walk us through your typical songwriting process?”
D: I typically create music first and top line melody ideas. Once I feel like I have a strong melody, usually some lyrics start pouring out and it’s easy to write it all from there.
“Do you have any rituals or routines that help you get into the creative zone when writing new music?”
D: Good sleep, drinking copious amounts of cold brew and honestly just feeling out what music feels most authentic to listen to that day and go in trying to write something that feels good and real. I think a lot of times we get caught up trying to write a hit and we lose some of that authenticity, and I always just try to go with my gut in the moment. Being able to write about my personal experiences is a great form of therapy in and of itself too, which I feel like brings more realness to my music.
“Many of your songs, including ‘Saving Face,’ deal with personal and emotional themes. How important is it for you to convey these messages through your music?”
D: Extremely important. I feel like authenticity is everything as an artist, so staying true to yourself is the best thing you can do when creating.
“How do you balance vulnerability and strength in your songwriting?”
I think sometimes you have to separate your feelings a little bit from your writing in the sense that you can’t take things personally when finishing out a song. You may be hooked on a phrase emotionally but sometimes being more simple or changing it to something easier on the ear for your audience to listen to can be more helpful and stronger in the long run.
“Looking back, what do you consider some of the highlights of your music career so far?”
D: Charting on the Digital radio tracker charts along huge artists with my song “All My Love” was really cool when doing dance pop. And then being able to be put on Shazam/ Apple Music’s The Best New Music playlist with a few of my more recent songs has been amazing. Seeing my name next to artists I admire like Billie Eilish, Green Day, Doja Cat and more is just an indescribable feeling.
“What challenges have you faced along the way, and how have they shaped you as an artist?”
D: Unfortunately I’m someone who’s dealt with a lot of trauma especially in the last few years between a traumatic brain injury and then being SA’d a few months later.. mental health has been a struggle. But knowing there’s people who love and support me and want to see me win, all the while supporting my healing process has been so beautiful. I’m really thankful for the special people in my corner and for helping me become the person I am today. I still have lots of work to do but I’ve come a long way and that’s something to be proud of for sure.
“With ‘Saving Face’ set to release soon, what can fans expect next from you? Any upcoming projects or tours?”
D: I have an EP coming out this summer with some of the songs my fans have heard including a few new ones, and I couldn’t be more excited! I also plan to be playing out more soon.
“You’ve mentioned a commitment to releasing more singles this year. How do you maintain momentum and keep your music fresh for your audience?”
D: I just keep writing and put out my favorite songs that feel most real and authentic to me! I feel like maintaining a solid sense of who I am is the way my music will continue to be fresh for my fans.
“If you could give one piece of advice to your younger self, what would it be?”
D: Keep being persistent even when it feels like no one is listening. That’s when the true magic happens.
“What do you hope listeners take away from your music, especially with your latest releases?”
D: I hope it brings them a sense of excitement and hope they have fun listening! I want my listeners to feel like when they listen to my music it can be a healthy escape for them to feel whatever it is that they’re feeling and also just enjoy themselves.
Coming from Nashville, a city known for its rich musical heritage, how has the local music scene influenced your career and artistic development?”
D: I think it’s influenced me immensely. Really listening to the strongest songwriters and storytellers around helped me gain such an appreciation for the art of songwriting. I think it’s helped me to make that the foundation I focus on with all my music.
“How do you stay connected with your fans, and what role do they play in your creative process?”
D: I think when creating music, I’m truly doing it for myself, but it really excites me to think about all of the people who love the same kinds of music and artists i also love, and I hope to be able to share that joy with them through my songs, as a way to really connect us all.
“Can you share a memorable fan interaction that has left a lasting impact on you?”
D: I’ve had many loving friends and family reach out with kind words and stories regarding my music, and I’m so grateful for them. When it comes to my fans I’ve yet to meet, I had a young girl make a video with her dad, skating for the first time to my song “Daughter”, something my dad and I would always do.
Fans can look forward to more music from Dela Kay as she continues to explore her alt-pop roots. With “Saving Face” now available, Dela is excited about her upcoming projects and the opportunity to connect with her audience on a deeper level. Her commitment to authenticity and her unique voice promise to make a significant impact on the music scene.
Dela Kay’s journey is a testament to the power of staying true to oneself. As “Saving Face” gains traction, she invites listeners to join her in experiencing the raw, unapologetic energy that defines her music. Keep an eye out for this rising star as she continues to make waves in the industry.
The Hollywood Six 