Dela Kay – The Worst Part

By starrymag | February 16, 2022

By: Alejandra Gil M.

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

 

A) Energetic, authentic/sincere, vibrant

 

Q) Your first single of 2021 “The Worst Part” is out now. What has your song writing process been like? Did you have the lyrics or the music first? 

 

A) For this song it started as a chorus idea with lyrics and melody first. Then, I sat down with my friend Rikki Randall and we wrote the rest of the song together adding chords on guitar. The rest took off from there!

 

Q) “The Worst Part” was inspired by fears regarding vulnerability after a series of toxic relationships, the single is about allowing yourself to be vulnerable in love and overcoming fears of potential rejection and abandonment no matter how many times you have been burned in the past. Have you received any specific feedback that has stayed with you?

 

A) There hasn’t been anything specific that has stayed with me, but I have found overall that the more real and honest I decide to be with my writing, the more relatable it becomes. So, I’m practicing abandoning my fears of writing more vulnerably, and I guess in some ways I’m becoming more vulnerable in my personal relationships as well.

 

Q) How is “The Worst Part” different from your other releases?

 

A) I took two years to really focus on myself before this release so in a sense it is a restart almost for me in many ways. It’s a different style (away from my previous deep house/pop vibe) and it’s probably the most lyrically honest thing I’ve put out in a long time. Setting the tone for more releases this year and becoming the most authentic me possible as an artist.

 

Q) Do you have a favorite lyric from the song and what makes it so significant to you?

 

A) “If you knew how much I cared would you lose the feelin’ knowing I’m right there…” in previous relationships I have felt very taken advantage of and taken for granted. So, a fear of mine I’m overcoming now is knowing how to be vulnerable again, allowing myself to fully open up and knowing I’ll be ok if they leave. It’s hard to open up on how I feel after being burned but I’m very hopeful for where I’m at now and for the future.

 

Q) The single debuts a new, darker sound. What do you hope people take away from it?

 

A) I want to be the most authentic version of myself moving forward into this year with my music. I feel like this new sound takes it back to more of my roots with having more organic elements instrumentally and definitely feel it’s the most lyrically authentic song I’ve put out in a long time. I really want to be honest with my emotions and hope that my fans can relate.

 

Q) You were previously covered by Earmilk, Parade and Paste for your song “Make You Mine” with Chicago-based DJ Goldhouse. What was it like working with them?

 

A) Grant (a/k/a Goldhouse) is dope! Working with him is super fun. We both share a love for that deep house/dance pop and so it’s always fun collaborating and creating together.

 

Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that an important way for you to connect with your fans?

 

A) I feel like nowadays I’m always on Instagram more than anything else but have gotten into the TikTok game recently as well. It’s harder now than ever to truly maintain a real connection with fans because people’s attention spans are growing shorter and shorter with the mass amounts of people accessing social media platforms as well as how often everything is changing. I find it super important to stay consistent in order to maintain that relationship with fans but also think it’s important to be real with them. I’m a big advocate of mental health so I find it almost just as important to connect with my fans when I am burnt out and struggling as well as when I’m actively doing things/ putting out more music. People just want to know you and truly be a part of your journey. I think we’ve lost a sense of that authenticity nowadays and I want to keep that present with me and my music as much as possible.

 

Q) Drawing inspiration from a number of female artists, including Lady Gaga, Ellie Goulding, Audrey Hepburn and Stevie Nicks. Is there anyone you would like to collaborate with on a song in the future?

 

A) Billie Eilish, Finneas, Holly Humberstone, Del Water Gap, girl in red, Julia Michaels, Sasha Sloan and many many more.

 

Q) Do you have any future plans of a tour or any upcoming concerts?

 

A) Focusing on booking shows this spring/summer around the west.

 

Q) What would you like to say to fans and supporters of you and your music?

 

A) Thank you for believing in me. Your constant love and support means more to me than you know. Life has been really hard for all of us in so many ways these past few years – know you’re not alone. You always have a home with me. I hope my music can give you some much needed joy as we all recover from this pandemic and finding our new normals.