Inspired by artists spanning several generations and genres, Dela Kay has, since first making her mark on the music world almost a decade ago, always wanted her music to represent who she is authentically – and her latest single, “Anybody Else”, is a strong testament to that.
It might only be February, but “Anybody Else” is her second release of the year – to say she’s an ambitious and hard-working woman is quite the understatement. Here, Dela tells XSNoize about how her new single came together, shares her thoughts on the boom in social media, and reveals what she wants to do and who she wants to be this year.
How would you sum up your sound and style in several words?
Authentic, energetic and sincere.
Which band or artist would you say you’re most influenced by, musically, creatively and personally?
I have so many, but I would say Avril Lavigne, Paramore, and Green Day would probably be my top three. I’m also influenced by older rock legends like Stevie Nicks and Heart.
You released your first single as Dela Kay back in 2016. How would you say you’ve grown and developed as an artist during that time, and which songs most highlight said growth?
I’ve grown immensely as an artist and a human being since 2016. I began doing deep house/dance-pop, and through my growth as a writer and gaining more life experience, I realized it wasn’t feeling authentic to me anymore. Being able to take the time to explore writing new things and broadening my sound helped me really hone in on what felt the most real and true to me. The alt scene definitely has felt the most like home so far to me, and I think “Let You Down” was my first song that solidified this new journey for me. All of my singles leading up to my last EP “Falling Into Place” really paved the way for me sonically moving forward.
You’ve just released your 2nd single of 2025, “Anybody Else.” How easily did this song come together? Can you talk me through the writing and recording process?
“Anybody Else” was definitely a song that came very naturally and from the heart, and being able to write with two good friends made it that much easier. I was going through the healing process after a painful breakup, and being able to walk through my emotions at the time and make something that felt so sincere was an experience that was so needed. I knew what I wanted to write about when I came over to Nick’s east Nashville studio, and Whitney and Nick quickly hopped on the same page with melodies and chords. Nick had sung the hook “anyanybody else but you” and it immediately stuck. The rest was really easy to write. We actually loved my vocal so much from the day of session we kept it and it’s the vocal you hear in the song today.
I’d also love to hear about your previous release, “Remedy.” Why did you think this track in particular was the right one to kick 2025 off with?
This was another song I wrote with Nick and Whitney. Ever since we wrote it, I loved the hook and the feel of the song. I grew up listening to a lot of classic rock and felt like it had the perfect blend of alt-pop and rock, and knew it’d be the perfect song to start the new year with. It has elements of my sound I’ve already introduced to my fans, but thought it’d be fun to do something a little different.
Have you lined up your next release yet? If so, what can you say/tease about it?
I actually have a few different songs I’m trying to choose from, but I will say the sounds you’ve been getting from my new singles this year are definitely paving the way for the new ones. Lots of energy but also a lot more vibey sincere songs as well.
How has the boom in social media over the years impacted you and your career? You have a considerable following across several platforms – how do you handle all the positive and negative attention that can come from being so ‘connected’?
You know, it’s taken me a long time to build the following that I currently have and even still in my mind, I know I have lots more to do to even reach more potential fans. So even though to some people it may seem like I’ve boomed overnight, it’s definitely been a slow burn for me. I think I’ve learned that there will always be people who don’t like me for whatever their reasons may be, and/or may perceive me to be a certain way by just looking at my social media. But at the end of the day, I always choose to stay confident in knowing my heart and who I am, and I will always choose to lead with love and kindness. I think my calling with music and beyond music is to be a healer to people, and that’s what I will always continue the hard work of doing. And by staying true to who I am, it has bred so many wonderful and positive experiences and connections.
With “Anybody Else” out now, are there any other plans and projects for the year you can tease? Will you be hitting the road anytime soon?
I have lots of singles coming and potentially another EP on the way as well. As far as touring, I’m trying to get a band together now and start arranging my live show. So hopefully I will be out and about soon :)
Finally, what are your main goals for this year? Come December 31st, 2025, what do you want to have seen, done, and accomplished?
This year I want to say “yes” a lot more, take risks, push myself out of my comfort zone and make as many connections as I can, in my personal and business life. And, of course, connecting to more fans. I want to be the strongest I’ve ever been and I also want to be better about allowing myself to take time resting as well. I know as independent artists we run ourselves into the ground trying to keep everything afloat, but sometimes it’s so crucial to take that time to pause and recoup, and allow that space and rest to fuel our creativity.
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