Dela Kay, who hails from the vibrant music scene of Nashville, TN, draws inspiration from artists such as The Maine, Maggie Lindemann, Paramore, and Avril Lavigne. “Nasty” follows the success of her previous singles, “IDWTAY” and “Let You Down,” which have amassed over 210K streams and secured a spot on Shazam’s Best New Music Apple Playlist. Dela Kay, who identifies as a songwriter first and foremost, believes that this phase of her career is her most authentic to date. With a commitment to releasing a series of singles throughout the rest of this year, she is determined to leave a lasting impression and make her mark on the music industry with her unique voice and perspective.

In this interview spotlight, we chat with Dela Kay about the new release, dream collabs, keeping the creativity flowing, and more.

Full Q&A along with links and music below.

Tell us about your newest single “Nasty,” what inspired you to release it and what was the process like?

It’s a song about being fearless and owning your fantasies. It’s also about feeling empowered sexually. I wanted to write a song that was a bit more bold and showing a different side of myself fans haven’t seen before. Ryan, Cas and I had a lot of fun writing this song. Initially, I didn’t even know if I was going to release it. We just wanted to write something that was a banger with high energy. We ended up getting such good feedback that I decided to release it myself instead of pitching it to another artist.

Were you trying to accomplish anything specific or different with this release?

I wanted to write something that would fit within my artist project I had started with Stefano, but I also wanted it to have a different feel. I wanted it to be more rock leaning and to have a bit of a shock factor and to show a different side of myself I haven’t shown with my other songs. My music has always been a bit more on the romantic side of things, so I wanted to showcase a different element of myself, being my more sexual/ bold side. I also find myself really leaning towards high energy, sounding music so I wanted this song to be very in your face.

Does this release mean there’s an album or EP on the horizon? If so, can you tell us a little about it?

Yes! I’ve already released three singles, and I have one more on the way leading up to an EP. It’s going to be great to be able to showcase everything I’ve been working on as a whole to my fans.

I know it’s hard…but what’s your favorite song and/or favorite artist of all time? If not favorite, in your top 3?

I would have to say Avril Lavigne, Green Day, and The Maine. I’ve always been a fan of Avril Lavigne and Green Day growing up and recently I feel like I’ve been listening to The Maine a lot as I’ve grown in the alt scene. There’s honestly so many artists and songs that I love and from totally different genres as well, but as far as artists in the same genre that I’ve maybe been influenced by, I would say those three.

What drives you to create? What keeps you going, especially on the bad days?

Making music to me is so therapeutic. Even on my bad days when I maybe don’t feel inspired, I always know that sitting down and writing something even if it’s total shit will make me feel better. I pull from my own personal experiences and it’s a way for me to get it all out on paper and to process things I’m currently going through and also things I’ve gone through in the past. It’s also fun to write about things that are totally fantasy as well. Knowing that this is something I love to do and I couldn’t see myself doing anything else always keeps me going.

If you could collaborate with anyone – dead or alive, famous or unknown – who would it be and why? Please plug them with a link so readers can check them out.

I would love to collaborate with Stevie Nicks. I grew up, loving Fleetwood Mac and listening to them a lot with my parents, and she’s an absolute queen. I feel like she has so much wisdom and I could learn so much from her. She’s just a bad ass. I would absolutely love to be able to write something with her.

Where is the best place to stay connected with You?

I’m more so on Instagram nowadays than anything else, but you can follow me on Facebook as well. I’m also on all streaming platforms. Please follow me on Spotify to keep up-to-date with all of my further releases!

I appreciate Your time. Want to say anything else before we sign off?

Thank you so much for having me! I just love to be able to share my music with as many people as possible and hope I can connect and give people a piece of something they can enjoy. Thank you for allowing me to spread my music to even more people.