Interview by Carol Wright
We got to chat with singer/songwriter Tessa Kaye about the message behind her song “Smile More” and what it felt like to have her song feature on Spotify’s New Music Friday Playlist.
Growing up did you use music as a way to express yourself?
I honestly cannot remember a time in my life where I wasn’t obsessed with music, so I know the passion has always been a part of me. I’m sure my family wouldn’t even be able to count the number of performances I did for them as a little girl haha. I’ve been singing since I started talking. I’ve always used music to express myself. I would like to think that most people do. It’s so powerful, there’s always a song to show what you’re feeling or be your words when you have none. Singing has been my comfort and safe space since I can remember. I’m so grateful for music!
It’s a big step to decide to become a musician full-time. Were you ever nervous to take that leap?
Ahh, yeah it’s huge. It’s kinda terrifying at moments, but I also know in my soul this is who I am, so there’s no stopping! I also applaud every single full time musician and can’t wait to get there, but living in LA is expensive as hell too haha so I’m still hustling alongside creating my music. I’ve most definitely been nervous. It’s taken me some serious time to get to where I am now. There were years where I had stopped believing in myself completely, decided this wasn’t for me and I wasn’t going to take the leap. Thankfully, I was able to get those lies out of my head, remember who I am and that I can do this, so leap: taken.
Tell our readers about the story behind “Smile More.” What inspired the lyrics?
There’s always been such a huge double standard when it comes down to how men and women have been allowed to act, or express themselves in society. Every woman I know has stories of times they’ve been told to smile from mostly men and ones who are often complete strangers. I’ve also experienced this myself since childhood, and it happens in so many scenarios. When a man has a straight face he’s usually perceived as strong, powerful, stern, deep in thought. For women, we’re said to be harsh, emotional, “bitchy,” cold or just “not nice to look at.” As if the reason we exist is to be pretty objects for someone else’s viewing pleasure. It’s completely bizarre. It’s been a conversation since I can remember, and I just needed to get it in a song for my own sanity haha.
Your song was featured on Spotify’s New Music Friday playlist. How did it feel to be recognized in that way?
It felt so damn incredible! It was a pretty surreal experience for me. Taking into account it was my first song I’d ever released, I just wasn’t really sure what to expect. I had a tiny budget, couldn’t afford PR or anything like that, but knew I wanted to start getting my music out, so I was just hoping for the very best. I seriously couldn’t believe what was happening when my friends, who are also my co-writers and producer LaFrantz called to tell me because I hadn’t seen it yet. I cried haha. It was a really long time coming for me writing and releasing that song. It took a lot for me to believe in myself and get there so having that happen made me feel so good and really proud of the work I had put in.
Who are some of your music inspirations?
Some of my forever OG inspirations are Whitney Houston, Beyonce, Rihanna and Jessie J. In addition to those it’s constantly switching up. I’m always finding new sounds and artists to be obsessed with. For this moment, I would say: Tayla Parx, Astrid S, Jon Bellion, Doja Cat, Tierra Whack and Jessie Reyez.
What advice do you have for aspiring singers?
The biggest challenge I’ve faced in this industry is just feeling overwhelmed by it being such a massive world. There are so many incredible artists, and it can be tricky to not compare, but comparison will rob you in the long run. It’ll drain your confidence and leave you uninspired. My advice is to believe in yourself and remember your own magic whilst simultaneously recognizing someone else’s. It sounds a bit mundane maybe, but it took me quite some time to really believe in myself and once I truly did is when things started to change.
