Following the release of her single “Smile More,” Tessa Kaye is tackling more societal expectations with her song “Sunshine & Rainbows.”
The indie pop track addresses the Philadelphia born artist’s frustrations with “toxic positivity” “Don’t tell me not to cry” Tessa defiantly sings encouraging authentic expression.
We chatted with Tessa Kaye about the single, what fans can look forward to next, and more!
For people who are not familiar with your music, how would you describe your sound?
I’m a genre bendy, alt-pop/r&b-pop artist and would describe my sound as authentic, breathy & twinkling with dreamy soundscapes and lots of stacked harmonies
What inspired your new song “Sunshine & Rainbows”?
I wrote this song because so many times I’ve found myself in situations where I was trying to mask my authenticity to not come off as “negative.” I’ve swallowed my own hurt in order to keep a happy, positive disposition for others, and that shit’s dead now! life isn’t always sunshine & rainbows…and i’d say that’s kinda the whole point. balance baby. contrast. Bad times just make the good ones feel that much better.
What was the writing process like?
The very first time I got an idea in my head for this song, it was October 2020 haha, so forever ago!!! After getting all my initial ideas out of me, I wrote the song with LaFrantz around the beginning of 2021. Even though the song is about a frustrating topic to me, I wanted to get it out in an energetic, feel good way. My producer Jaxon Garrick did the damn thing… I think the song really does feel like sunshine and I love that contrast to the subject matter.
Many of your songs encourage living authentically despite what other people think or try to impose on you. Why is it important to you that your lyrics share that message?
I spent a lot of my life living for others approval, praise etc., and the more self work I do- I continue realizing how important it is to live a life of authenticity. The more I lean into my truth and away from what other people expect or want from me, the happier I become. It’s a key message I want to share with my listeners.
If you could set fans up in the perfect environment to listen to your music, what do you imagine it looking like?
This completely depends on the song, but I think two of the best places are the comfort of your own bedroom or car – always the vibe.
What can fans look forward to next?
More music is coming super soon, I’m so excited to keep releasing singles and connecting with people. You can follow all my socials @tessa_kaye to keep up with me and find out what’s to come and when!
What is one quote that you have heard or that you go by that you want to ECHO out to the world?
“when it comes to art, it’s important not to hide the madness.” -atticus