Jessica Kaela – Collateral Damage

By starrymag | September 17, 2024

By: Lisa Steinberg

 

 

Q) You have gone in a different direction with your new music. What inspired this change?

 

A) This transition came very naturally to me and felt most true to who I am in a personal way and as an artist. When I was about sixteen years old my dad and I would sit by the piano and create songs from scratch. My dad would play the piano and I would sing. We both came up with the lyrics. We would write about my high school crushes and experiences. From a young age I used music in a way to talk about my big emotions. I also grew up classically trained, so it felt natural to bring my music back to the core of what my songwriting is about – being my most vulnerable self, while showcasing my story and emotions.

 

Q) Please talk about the story behind your new single “Collateral Damage.”

 

A) “Collateral Damage” is about a toxic relationship I was in, when I was cheated on and made to feel invisible, confused and constantly gaslit. As heart-wrenching and draining as this situation was for me, I decided to pour my emotion into my music as I always do. This song is co-written by Melanie Fontana and Lindgren Schulz.

 

Q) Where did the idea for the track come from?

 

A) I, unfortunately, have been through a lot of heartbreak in my life, which is the inspiration for most of my music and sometimes my music feels like the only outlet to release my heartbreak and pain.

 

Q) The song “Collateral Damage” released on June 28th. What kind of fan response have you been receiving to it?

 

A) My fans really resonate with the single because, unfortunately, heartbreak and toxic relationships are so common and by sharing my dating struggles and journey lets people know that they are not alone. When I posted a video of the worst date I have ever been on, this received 2M collective views on Instagram alone.

 

Q) How does the video for “Collateral Damage” play into the message behind it?

 

A) I really wanted the music video to show the amount of heartbreak, emptiness and pain that went into this song. This is most easy to see in the scenes where I am alone on the floor in an empty room, and at the table. I started crying while filming this, as the pain started to pour out of me. You can really see it in my face and body language.

 

Q) With this new single out, will there be a full album or EP coming in the near future?

 

A) Yes! I have been working hard on new music all year and I plan on releasing an EP soon, but I want to release a few more singles first. [winks] So, be on the lookout for “Heart Stopped” coming soon!

 

Q) Who would you love to collaborate with on a song in the future?

 

A) I get inspired by different artists every day, but an artist that has really stood out is Jessie Murph. I admire and relate to the way she pours her pain into her music, and I would love to collaborate with her someday soon. [smiles]

 

Q) Who are some artists you are currently listening to?

 

A) I am currently listening to a lot of Rihanna, Frank Ocean, Mariah Carey, and queen Whitney Houston.

 

Q) What advice would you give to up and coming artists who are starting young – like you did?

 

A) It’s a long road and the sooner you start the better it will be, as artist development takes time. It can take a while to find your place musically as an artist and songwriter (as it did me) so always follow your heart and never give up.

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who are fans and supporters of you and the music that you make? 

 

A) I see all your comments, DM’s and re-shares and I’m forever grateful for the time each and every one of you take out of your busy lives to listen to what I have to say through my music. Thank you for supporting my passion for so many years. We are on this journey together <3