“Lately” incorporates smooth soul-inspired and R&B-infused beats. 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.
LISTEN HEREhttps://ffm.to/kailaya
What inspired your debut release, “Lately”?
“Lately” was inspired by my emotions towards a person in my life. I grew up under the impression that I was not enough to keep them around. The emotions that built up over the years were devastating and hurt me more than anyone else. It took me quite a bit of time to learn what I like to call “the art of letting go”. That is what I based this single on. The ability to let go off the emotions we’ve carried with us through life. The ones that do not benefit us and hold us back. “Lately” was written in one night and was not intended to be shared with anyone. It was therapy to me and part of my healing.
What is something you can’t live without?
I can’t live without my sister. She and I have gotten exceptionally close this year after her cancer diagnosis. I always say, if we could choose our family, I would choose her. She is the strongest person I have ever met, besides maybe my mom. I admire her and adore her with my whole heart. I cannot live without my sister.
Any funny anecdotes from the time you were recording and/or writing this?
Not sure about funny, but my favorite line is “all of this hurts me so bad cause I love you so much”. That one is so on point for me. I can’t be angry at myself for hurting, it means I have a lot of love to give.
What’s your favorite thing to do besides music?
Dancing. I cannot stop. Seriously, it is not even that I want to dance, it is that I need to. It is my form of meditation. I try and incorporate some sort of dance into all my music videos. I also have a pole in my studio apartment, and this is the best decision I have made so far.
What’s a record or artist that shaped your creativity?
I would say Snoh Aalegra was circulating my mind, as well as Daniel Caesar. I love the melodic structure of their music. The drums in Japanese Denim are the sweetest ear candy, for real.
Who is an artist or band you look up to today?
I admire Sabrina Claudio and her angelic vocals. I also listen to a lot of Jorja Smith. James Vickery is also a vocalist I can listen to daily. His track “Until Morning” is addictive.
What excites you the most about what you do?
Oh gosh, everything. I love the idea of my vulnerability making others feel safe to be vulnerable too. I am very sensitive and have always been told to toughen up, but finally I realized this made my art more powerful and close to heart. I want to connect to people through my music and I hope people can see that I really do have a lot to say and love to give!
