Kaya Stewart on Making Music with Her Dad and Finding Self-Discovery Through 'If Things Go South'

May 2024 · 3 minute read

Los Angeles-based musician Kaya Stewart is known for her fiery, sultry pop-rock sound, and her latest album “If Things Go South” is no exception. The 10-track album is a reflection of Kaya’s personal experiences and emotions during a transitional time in her life. With her father by her side, Kaya crafted each track to give listeners a glimpse into her soul and remind them that they are not alone in their struggles.

The album was created during the COVID-19 pandemic, a time when many of us were forced to slow down and reflect on our lives. For Kaya, this experience was a turning point. “I learned a lot about myself,” she reflects. “The album really shares what I learned.”

Kaya sees her albums as a personal diary, a reflection of her emotions and experiences at that moment in time. With “If Things Go South”, Kaya was in a place of turmoil, feeling as though everything was going wrong. However, looking back on the album now, Kaya feels a sense of hope. “It makes me feel that I can always come out on the other side,” she says.

The album title “If Things Go South” speaks to the uncertainty of the times, but Kaya wants listeners to know that it’s okay to not always feel confident. “This album is just a moment. Just do your best even if you don’t feel confident,” she encourages.

Making the album with her father was a personal and meaningful experience for Kaya. “More than anything being able to write with my dad gave me the chance to discover more about myself as a songwriter,” she explains. “The experience reminded me of how similar we are. I think more than anything we are basically the same person.”

One of Kaya’s favourite tracks on the album is “Honey”, a fun rock-inspired song. “I was writing a song a day and every song went on the album,” she recalls. Kaya’s songwriting process is a spontaneous and intuitive one, with each song taking on its own life.

Kaya wants listeners to take away a sense of comfort and understanding from her album. “I want listeners to take away that so many people are feeling the same way you are feeling. I think that more than anything is what I personally took away from the record,” she says.

Kaya’s signature style is a fusion of pop, rock, and soul, with an emphasis on strong vocals and a powerful message. Her music is meant to inspire and uplift, reminding us that we are not alone in our struggles.

When it comes to her creative process, Kaya relies on her intuition and allows each song to take on its own life. She doesn’t overthink the process, letting the music flow from her naturally. Kaya’s songwriting is a true reflection of her authentic self, unencumbered by the expectations of the music industry.

Kaya’s “If Things Go South” is a powerful and personal album, offering a glimpse into the struggles and triumphs of one young artist. With its mix of pop, rock, and soul, the album is a testament to Kaya’s unique sound and style, and a reminder that we are all in this together.

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