Kayla DiVenere – Date Myself

By: Malasha Parker

Q) Your newest single “Date Myself” is about self-love. How did the idea for this song come about?

A) “I kinda wanna date myself” blurted out of my mouth while ranting to my mom about all the horrible dates I’ve been on. I knew from the moment I said it out loud that it could be turned into an anthem for everyone going through the endless, treacherous dating cycle of constantly being let down. Writing “Date Myself” reminded me of how beautiful it is to spend time by yourself and how important it is to be comfortable owning yourself love and high standards. Being able to hear it back after writing it and to scream it at the top of my lungs has comforted me more than any guy has, and I hope it can comfort people too in any way they can relate to it.

Q) You have said that you hope “Date Myself” is a song that comforts and relates to people. Was it hard for you to find the self-love that you are hoping others feel from this song?

A) I think it’s so important to spend quality time with yourself, to get to know yourself better and understand who you really are. We are constantly growing and changing, experiencing new things and evolving into new versions of ourselves. Being comfortable with being alone, bettering yourself as a person and practicing self-love is honestly one of the bigger lessons that I’ve learned this year. YOU are the only person you will be with forever, so building that relationship with yourself is crucial and honestly really beautiful. I’ve definitely found a lot of self-love this past year, but it’s really a never-ending journey that will continue throughout the rest of my life.

Q) You write your own music. Was the writing process for “Date Myself” different from your other songs? If so, in what ways?

A) I have a note page on my phone specifically designed to be used anytime I get a song idea. I usually get most of my song concepts from observing myself and the world around me. If I hear a conversation next to me in line at a coffee shop that sparks inspiration, I’ll add it to my list of concepts. Same goes for any conversations I have with my friends. “Date Myself” happened to derive from a conversation with my mom, so not so different. After I have my concept, I try to find chords that make sense for the idea, and then I basically black out until I write the last word of the song. [laughs]

Q) You are fairly new to the music scene, so what do you think your music brings to the industry and how do you hope it grows?

A) I think my music brings a relatable anthemic feeling to the music industry. I hope it grows into songs that anyone of any age can relate to and help.

Q) With “Date Myself” released, will there be a full album or EP coming in the near future?

A) “Date Myself” is the first of many songs to come out in my project that has a nostalgic, anthemic feel to it. I’ll be releasing a ton of new singles in the new year and I’m also released a stripped-down version of “Date Myself” on November 30th. The stripped version puts the song in a more vulnerable light which I can’t wait for!!

Q) You are also an actress who has been in both TV shows and movies. What have been some of your favorite roles you’ve done?

A) My favorite acting experience has been on set for “Love Victor” on HULU. The cast and crew were so incredibly welcoming and shooting a party scene late at night crafted for the best deep conversations and grilled cheese at 3am. Basically a sleepover with good food and the best people.

Q) Now that the strike has ended, what can you tease about some of the new shows and films you will be starring in?

A) Well, acting has pretty much been on hold for such a long time so in that time I’ve been solely focusing on music. But I’m so happy the strike is over and so happy to get back into it.

Q) When we last spoke, you said your dream music collab would be Tate McRae or Olivia Rodrigo. Do you have any new artists you have added to your list for artists you’d love to work with?

A) I would love to collaborate with Dominic Fike. I think he really pushes the envelope and has so many creative sounds and concepts I’ve never heard before.

Q) Will fans be able to check out any upcoming live performances in the new year?

A) I will definitely be doing shows all around LA next year. [winks]

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

A) Thank you SO much. I still can’t wrap my head around the fact that people actually listen to my music. So just a big, big thank you for supporting me in any way and vibing with what I make.