Electropop act Dela Kay — born Katie De La Torre — always knew she was made to be a songwriter, and a storyteller. Her mom, a musician, showed her the emotional connection a song could make with people, so she studied musical theater at The Chicago College of Performing Arts at the Theatre Conservatory of Roosevelt University. De La Torre made her pop music debut as Dela Kay with her first single, “9 Out Of 10,” which premiered with PopStar! Magazine. Today, Dela Kay’s sound draws from role models and inspirations as varied as Lady Gaga, Ellie Goulding, Judy Garland, Audrey Hepburn and Meryl Streep. One thing all these women have in common? Ambition. “Without ambition in my life, I would be lost. It keeps me moving and dreaming, always reaching for something more. One of my biggest successes in my life thus far, is keeping my ambition alive and well while staying rooted in my identity.”
A recent Los Angeles transplant, the Nashville and Chicago native wrote the first single, “Empty,” with her producer Femke, combining electropop influences with her songwriting roots.
“‘Empty’ is a very honest portrayal about me giving my all in a relationship that was extremely toxic and ultimately didn't work out. I feel like everyone can relate to this kind of heartbreak, where you try everything to make it work and yet, it just falls apart anyways, leaving you feeling empty.”
“Empty” will be featured off Dela Kay’s upcoming debut EP releasing this May. Watch the premiere of the video exclusively on Myspace and hop to the next page to learn a little more about the up-and-coming pop star!
Hometown: Chicago and Nashville, TN
Homebase: Los Angeles
Why do you call yourself Dela Kay?
My real name is Katie de la Torre. I wanted something that was very close to my real name. Most people don't know how to pronounce my Cuban last name, so I wanted something a little more simple and chill.
What's your background? Did you grow up around music?
My mom is a musician. I would grow up listening to her playing the piano in our Nashville home and was so inspired by her songwriting that I wanted to write myself. I began my artist process at the age of 12. At the age of 12 I was in my first musical, and I went on to do musical theater throughout high school and college. After college, I put acting on hold and explored more of my songwriting. I always had a love for the stage, and my theatrical background really carried over into my live show as I began performing as Dela Kay.
Do you remember the first song you ever wrote? What was it about?
Boys, of course! (Laughs) I'm pretty sure the first song I wrote was when I was 12 about a crush I had in my 6th grade science class. I guess some things never change.
Who are your musical heroes and why do they inspire you?
Stevie Nicks, Ellie Goulding, Julie Andrews, Lady Gaga to name a few. Whether these ladies are in the current mainstream flow of music today or if they are a theatrical performer, these strong women acquire what I like to call, "badassery". All of them are fearless, leaders, humble, and masters of storytelling. I strive to be someone who stays true to myself and makes music that can really connect with people.
What's your songwriting process?
I write on the piano so I usually come up with a melody or idea and start working it up from there. I like to make a drum beat and synth track on logic and start production from an early stage. I feel like starting to produce from the beginning when writing lyrics is where a lot of cool ideas come to surface.
What inspired your single "Empty"?
I was in a toxic relationship that I knew wasn't going to last, but I did everything in my power to try to keep holding onto it. In the end, I obviously had to let the relationship go. But like many of my songs, this one is about love and loss, which I feel like most people can really connect to.
Describe your music to people who haven't heard it before?
Youthful, quirky, edgey and has a sense of longing.
If you were a hashtag, what would you be?
#fierce (Laughs.)
What’s your big 2017 goal?
I am releasing my first EP in May which I have been working on for a while. So I'm very excited for that and mostly to start writing new music! I would love to get some more singles out before the year is over.
Do you have an interesting story about being on Myspace as a musician?
I actually haven't had a myspace since I was about 12 and I can't figure out how to delete it. So if you all want a good laugh, try and find me! I'm pretty sure it's a picture of me with a cast on my arm from when I broke it cheerleading and I have hot pink braces. Obviously, I was quite the heartbreaker. [Laughs]
For more profiles on up-and-coming artists, visit our Artist of the Day page.
from Myspace - Editorial http://ift.tt/2nTe9lV
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