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1.) We’re excited to be speaking today with acclaimed musical chanteuse Kaya Stewart; greetings and salutations Kaya! Before we meander down the proverbial Q&A Christmas pathway, how has the last couple of months of 2022 been treating you?
So far so good!! Been writing lots of music and promoting my new album which has been incredible. I’m so excited to have it out in the world.
2.) Congratulations on the recent release of your latest album If Things Go South and your incredible short film which is also entitled If Things Go South and which was just released! Starting from the top, what was the genesis of the new album, how did it come into being?
Thank you! Well, I actually wasn’t plan on writing an album at all… let alone make a film. In 2020 I decided to go back home to Nashville and write some music with my Dad. The songs started pouring out one after another and I ended up leaving the trip with a whole album! I had so many pent up feelings I was dying to get out and I really found the perfect outlet.
3.) How is your If Things Go South album different than much of the music on the 2022 landscape?
I think the album is different because it is so raw and totally me. I was truly speaking from my experiences and perspective and I think that really shows.
It’s been incredible to see people relate to it so much.
4.) You integrated the new album brilliantly into your new short film If Things Go South. How did you hit upon the idea of the short film?
I’ve always wanted to make a film and I’d had the idea in my head for years. After writing the album is just felt like the perfect opportunity. My director Paul Boyd was totally on board and we really honed in on this idea together. Having such a strong visual to bring the songs to life has been so amazing to watch.
5.) If Things Go South won the Los Angeles International Film Festival award for “Best Music Video.” Have you been surprised by how well-received not only the new album has been, but also the short film?
Yes!! I really wasn’t expecting the album or the film to do as well as it has! For me, it was so therapeutic to write this album and make this film that I wasn’t really thinking about what other people would think of it until it finally came out. It’s been a rollercoaster and I’m so glad that people are loving it as much as I do.
6.) Was it difficult to visually open yourself up on a very personal level in the If Things Go South short film?
I think more than anything, the film really helped pull me out of a dark place. I put all my cards on the table and truly shared what I’d been feeling. I knew that I wasn’t alone in all of that so sharing it was really to help myself but also help other people who have been in the same position.
7.) If Things Go South is your second album. How is this sophomore endeavor similar to your first album? How is it different?
It couldn’t be more different!! I was so young when my first album came out and the music has changed so much. I think now, I am in complete control and haveso much fun playing with my creative freedom. Each album feels like a little time capsule of my life which is always changing.
8.) Can you introduce our readers to some of the other talented musicians who lent their musical alchemy to If Things Go South?
Absolutely! The album was really just me and my Dad which couldn’t have been more special… but there were so many talented and amazing people who worked on this film asl well. Like I said earlier, Paul was such a huge part of putting the pieces together. I’m so lucky to have so many great people who believed in this project!
9.) Who was your producer on If Things Go South and what did collaboration between artist and producer look like in the studio?
My Dad produced the whole album! It was such a fun process. I think not having the pressure of a deadline or even just not knowing that we were making an album is a huge reason the album is so honest. It felt like a safe space to just let it all out.
10.) Who inspires you musically?
I’m so inspired by strong female singer songwriters. Like Alanis Morissette, Carly Simon, Debbie Harry… the list goes on.
They really paved the way for young female artist like me to be able to do what we do!
11.) Any final thoughts on both your album If Things Go South and your lovely short film?
Thank you to everyone who has watched and listened! It means the world to me <3
