Kayla DiVenere wants more than “Small Talk”

MARCH 1ST 2024 | by EMMA SCHOORS

Photos by Lili Skyler

Out today via Sound Factory Records, Kayla DiVenere’s latest single “Small Talk” sees the LA-based musician inject nostalgia, electricity, and indie-pop flair into her colorful discography.

DiVenere teamed up with producer/songwriter Jordan Witzigreuter and songwriters Maia Kelly and Zach DeGaetano to channel classic romance in her newest release, inspired by “the boombox at the window, playing his favorite mixtape, that kind of secret love,” she says. Written with the magic of John Hughes movies in mind and deepened by her own longing for her brother’s best friend, the track follows a series of hit singles like “Date Myself” and “Jumping The Gun.”

In our recent interview, we chatted with DiVenere about her belief in the electricity of romcom romance, all things “Small Talk,” and finding the perfect balance of creation and consumption on social media.

RAMBLE: Thank you for joining us! Before we get into your stunning new single, we’d love a glimpse into your upbringing in Montreal. Was there a significant music scene where you grew up?

KAYLA: Growing up in Montreal was really cool. Funnily enough, I wasn’t really involved in the local music scene though, and it was actually my father who introduced me to music at a very young age. He played drums in a rock band when he was a teenager and always promised himself he would pass on the joy of music to his kids. He surprised me with a piano when I was 5 years old. I had no idea what it was, but I knew it made cool sounds! He continued to introduce me to classic rock bands like Queen, Led Zeppelin, AC/DC, and The Police, and there was absolutely no turning back after that.

RAMBLE: You’ve made a name for yourself as an actress with roles in Love Victor, Law & Order, and Light As A Feather. What was your introduction to the entertainment industry like? Was it intimidating to enter it at such an early age?

KAYLA: When I was 6 years old, I told my parents I wanted to be an actress after religiously watching iCarly on Nickelodeon. Honestly, my reasons for wanting to act were just that I was drawn to it and I thought it would be so fun. It almost feels as if I was born with this creative bug. I think I threw myself into acting at such a young age that I didn’t even have the conscious ability to be afraid of it. Being judged by casting directors, dealing with countless rejections, and all of the hard work that goes into acting really molded me into the person I am today. It gave me a thick skin and confidence I don’t think I would’ve been able to get anywhere else.

RAMBLE: Once you made the move to Los Angeles, what were some major differences you noticed in culture, music, or life in general?

KAYLA: I totally got made fun of for my Canadian accent, and I remember being so self conscious of it in high school that I looked up YouTube videos on how to have an American accent, lol! Other than that, I just fell in love with the sunshine and the music community that exists in LA. I truly think it’s one of the best places in the world. I’m so inspired everyday by all the Angelinos who’ve migrated here to make their dreams come true. Everyone dreams big in LA and it’s so beautiful to be around.

RAMBLE: Congratulations on your latest single, “Small Talk!” A much needed slice of summer in this cold late-winter. Take us through the inspiration behind this track, and any fond memories you have from the writing/recording process.

KAYLA: “Small Talk” is about a secret crush I’ve had on my brother’s best friend ever since I was 14. I created the song in my longing to have more than 5-minute fleeting conversations with him every time he would come over to our house. I let my imagination run wild and I found myself aching for the kind of love from a John Hughes romance movie… the boombox at the window, playing his favorite mixtape, that kind of secret love. After rewatching every romance movie to exist, it was absolute torture to continue entertaining meaningless small talk with my brother’s best friend, so I decided to write “Small Talk” in an attempt to pour my heart out and make sense of my desire for something more.

RAMBLE: As the song deals with the monotony of meaningless conversation, what are some topics that truly intrigue you? Ones you could talk about for hours on end?

KAYLA: Oh, I absolutely love getting lost in black holes of deep conversations, it’s one of my favorite ways of getting closer to someone. I could probably talk for days on end about the universe, love, conspiracy theories, psychoanalyzing human behavior, and the paranormal realm. Honestly, anything other than small talk! 

RAMBLE: In describing the track, you mentioned John Hughes romance films. If your music could soundtrack any existing movie, which would it be and why?

KAYLA: It would probably actually be a John Hughes movie, The Breakfast Club, which is one of my favorite movies. There’s something so special about 80s movies and I would just die to have my music be a part of a romcom classic. I grew up and built my romantic vision on fantasizing about love in John Hughes’ movies. I still believe that romance should be as electric as how it’s portrayed in the movies.

RAMBLE: It must be nerve-racking to share music in an age where social media is so prevalent. What’s your relationship like with apps like Instagram and TikTok, and do you feel they help or hurt your mental health?

KAYLA: Social media is definitely a blessing and a curse at the same time. I constantly go back and forth with it, but I think I've found a good balance that works perfectly for me, and I completely encourage everyone else to do so as well. I think constantly scrolling and being so involved and in touch with everyone in the world can be really exhausting at times. but on the other hand, I love that it gives me the opportunity to make connections with people who listen to my music. I've found that the perfect balance for me is 60% creating content vs. 40% consuming content.

RAMBLE: What are you most looking forward to career-wise in the coming year?

KAYLA: I'm so excited to finally release all my songs that have been patiently waiting to be heard. Sometimes I forget they're just sitting on my computer, collecting dust, when they could be out in the world!! I'm also looking forward to playing more live shows!

Listen to Kayla DiVenere’s new sinlge “Small Talk” below.