Interview with Alt Pop Artist Tessa Kaye

Check out our interview with alt pop artist Tessa Kaye who just released her new single “Sunshine & Rainbows”. The vibrant song is all about the frustrations that can arise from dealing with “toxic positivity”. Tessa confides, “so many times I’ve found myself in situations where I was trying to mask my authenticity to not come off as “negative.” 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.”

Her music is a stunning mix of contemporary R&B, indie pop and electronic.

Follow Tessa @tessa_kaye

Hi Tessa, please tell us a little about you?

I’m Tessa Kaye! I’m a black, queer, genre-bendy, alt-pop/r&b-pop artist born in Philadelphia, raised in Utah and currently based in Los Angeles! I have four singles out currently: “Fools Gold,” “You know who you are, and I hate you,” “Smile More,” and now “Sunshine & Rainbows.” I’m a cancer moon and write a lot about all of my very big feelings. Follow all my socials @tessa_kaye to keep up with me and stay tuned for my future releases!

Describe yourself in 3 words?

At the moment i’d say deep-feeling, unapologetic, dreamer

How did you get started in the business?

I can’t remember a time in my life where I wasn’t obsessed with music! I started talking before I was a year old and have been singing ever since then too haha. I performed all throughout my childhood and never stopped. It’s always been a huge part of me.

How has this changed your life?

Writing and releasing music has been very healing for me !

Describe your sound in 3 words?

Authentic, breathy, twinkling

Who influenced you and why did you choose to make music?

I grew up listening to pretty much every genre. Some of my earliest memories of music are singing and dancing around in the living room to Motown with my little sister. I grew up listening to a lot of classic rock as well thanks to my dad haha, and Whitney Houston thanks to mom. I listened to Rihanna, Beyoncé, Jessie J, P!nk… I’d always be watching their music videos and live performances. I listened to a lot of Nicki Minaj, Kid Cudi, B.o.B., Wiz Khalifa… I was also sooo obsessed with alternative music as a child, like, I’d love to blast Simple Plan in my bedroom on some “no one understands me” vibes yknow? hahaha, super loved them, Jimmy Eats World, Green Day, Good Charlotte, All American Rejects etc! All kinds of music, all of the time so all kinds of influences! I choose to make music because it’s always always been a part of who I am at a soul level and I honestly don’t know if i could do life without creating songs.

Tell us about your new single “Sunshine & Rainbows?”

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.

What’s the story behind the song?

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 is the most rewarding part of your The human connection for suuure. When I get messages from my listeners about how they relate to me/my music in so many ways, and that it’s helped them through things etc- my heart can hardly take it! It makes me sooo happy. I love love love getting to create music that’s healing and fun for me and then hand it over to whoever needs it too.

What advice would you give to your younger self and why?

You can please some people some of the time, but you can please everyone none of the time, so stoppp caring so much about what everybody thinks!!! It’s exhausting, and unnecessary. So you win when you just do you, for you. At the end of the day you’re the one who has to be happy with yourself, proud of yourself, and love yourself. Live life for yourself and let go of the expectations others have placed on you.

How would your best friend describe you?

They say I’m empathetic, creative, fiery, loving and genuine.

If you are a book, what would be the title of the book and why?

hmm… the girl who’s forever learning, shifting and growing… a journey of continuous discovery in all areas of life!

What’s next for Tessa Kaye in 2022?

More music is coming super soon, I’m so excited to keep releasing singles and connecting with people.

What is your favorite healthy food?

Guacamole greens salad with roasted tofu from sweet green!

And your favorite cheat food?

I don’t consider anything a “cheat” cause I don’t think food should have rules ! but another fav is crab legs and french fries

How would you explain your fashion style?

I don’t even know what I would call my own fashion style ? I’ll wear basically anything, it’s honestly just whatever I feel like putting on at the moment. I lowkey hate getting dressed to go anywhere though because I just don’t want to think about it and I’m so indecisive. However, creative hair and makeup make me super happy!

What is your own definition of happiness?

Living a life of true authenticity. The more I lean into my truth and away from what other people expect or want from me, the happier I become.

If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?

I’d love to meet Dr. Jaiya John. I love their book “Daughter drink this water.” I know their energy would be so lovely and there’d be beautiful conversation.

Where do you see yourself and your career in 5 years from now?

These sort of questions always stress me out hahah. I see myself flowing through my life surrounded by endless love, happiness and creativity, however that looks. oh and i will be by a beach. always by a beach.

Favorite song? Why?

Right now it’s “Speak” by Jhene Aiko. It’s one of those songs that sets a piece of your soul free when you listen. It just feels good.

Book: “Words From A Wanderer” by Alex Elle

Quote: “you are. you have been. you will be, forever. stardust and planets, fossils and forests. you have been so many things, my love; don’t you remember? you are not a stranger here.” -xan oku

Movie: The Grinch (Jim Carry version)

Tv Series: Schitts Creek

Favorite Food: crab legs

Travel Destination: Lake Powell

Sports Team: Since I was a tiny child I’ve cheered for the Utah Jazz with my dad so we’ll go with them.