INTERVIEW: Alternative Pop from Dela Kay

Coming out of Nashville’s music scene, Dela Kay has spent the last decade forging a sound that flows across various musical styles; inspired by artists like The Maine, Maggie Lindemann, Paramore and Avril Lavigne, she channels their adventurous spirit into her own brand of emotionally charged songwriting. From the beginning of her career in 2014, Dela Kay has been on a decorated sonic journey marked by experimentation, reinvention and a steadfast drive to make music that feels as real as it sounds.

Her early work saw her collaborate with Grammy-winning producer and songwriter Femke Weidema, forming her electronic pop beginnings with her debut single “9 out of 10.” That same distinctive voice, later praised by critics and tastemakers would guide her through a series of releases that gained her millions of spins online and a growing audience drawn to her expressive style. By 2019, Dela Kay had broken into a wider spotlight with “All My Love,” released through Sony Music, which charted globally, reaching 49 on the Top 150 Global Artist Charts for Digital Radio Tracker and breaking into the top ten on the Top Independent Charts.

After taking a short step back from releasing music, Dela Kay re-emerged in 2021 with “The Worst Part,” a track that marked a clear shift toward a more alternative, guitar-driven sound. The release opened an exciting new chapter for her built on emotional honesty and sonic edge and she’s called the past year her most uncompromising yet, offering a steady sting of impressive singles that showcase her growth as both a writer and performer.

Now she brings us her latest release with her brand new single titled “Guilty Conscience,” a high-voltage anthem that cuts together 80s-inspired synths with the bite of alternative pop punk. “Guilty Conscience came from a very personal place. I wanted to say everything I’d never say and get it off my chest—funny, cheeky, but real,” she shares. Touching on themes of obsession, betrayal and digital-age heartbreak, she channels modern context through her compelling blend of wit, emotion and musical impact.

Written and recorded in Nashville alongside Nick Cozine and Jake Finch and co-produced with Grammy-winner Stefano Pigliapoco, the track pairs slick production with engaging storytelling. It’s a sonic reflection of her origins in a musical family, where both parents were performers and creativity was part of everyday life. “At a young age, I learned to write catchy melodies with a story behind them,” she recalls.

Brought in by the hurried taps of filtered percussion and intricate plucks of instrumental tones, Dela’s alluring voice floats in as the punch of drums raises the energy. Setting a smooth alternative pop scene of delicate synth textures and silky melodic leads, the track erupts with the bite of crunching guitars as Dela’s voice takes flight to spin infectious hooks above, resulting in a spectacular alternative pop anthem packed full of energy, memorable writing and dazzling performance.

We caught up with Dela Kay to find out more about her musical journey so far, her new single “Guilty Conscience” and what she’s got lined up for the future. Check out our interview with Dela Kay below.

Hey Dela Kay, how’s things?

Hi!! Things are great. Super excited “Guilty Conscience” is out and so happy to be chatting with you!

What’s your earliest memory of making music?

My earliest memory of making music was probably writing in my room at 12 years old, probably about some silly school crush or the soul wrecking feeling of being a teenager haha. That and watching my mom write on the piano at home and learning from her.

Which artists do you draw most inspiration from?

Hayley Williams, Stevie Nicks, Avril Lavigne, Kim Petras and Green Day to name a few.

How else do you find inspiration for your music?

Besides listening to some of those famous artists I listed, I get a lot of inspiration from new up and coming artists. I’m constantly listening to radios on Spotify and indie music stations to hear what’s new and I’m so inspired by the women, especially in the alternative scene, right now.

What’s been your highlight of 2025?

2025 is almost over and that feels absolutely insane to think about! Picking one moment is so difficult, but if I had to choose one highlight of 2025 it would probably have to be releasing my song “Anybody Else”. It’s the first time I’ve written and released a huge heartfelt ballad and I’m really proud of myself. It was hard to write that song and I’m proud I chose to release it and let people hear it. I’m so thankful for the team of people who helped me put that together. I ran outside in the freezing cold rain for that video and got pneumonia and that was pretty crazy too haha.

What do you love about the Los Angeles music scene?

I love how bold people are. People are really unafraid to push the limits of songwriting and performing. It’s very inspiring to be in that culture. I love my friends as well. It’s important to surround yourself with supportive, loving people and to be that person yourself.

What would you say is the perfect setting for listeners to enjoy your sound?

Driving to a show, at a party, or at home in your feels. Could even be a fun night in with your girls! I think my songs have range and you can find a different song for whatever mood you’re in. Most of my songs have quite a bit of energy though so, if you’re wanting a bit of juice in your system, my music can definitely give you a little buzz.

How has your own style and sound evolved since you started out?

I started off doing more deep house/dance pop. I loved it for a while, but felt like I wanted to go deeper with my lyrics, writing and sound. So once the pandemic hit, I took an almost two year hiatus and just started writing and figuring out what felt real and authentic to me, and eventually released a song called “The Worst Part” which propelled me more into the indie alt scene. Since then I’ve honed in and cultivated more of my sound and feel pretty at home where I am now.

Who would be your dream artist to collaborate with?

Probably Hayley Williams since I grew up in the same town and absolutely love her voice/music and everything she stands for as a woman. Other than her, maybe Chappell Roan—I love her theatrics and 80’s rock vibe and think we’d have a good time performing together, as well as MUNA. And lastly probably Green Day—they were my favorite band growing up, and I think I would have way too much fun collabing with them.

How did you find making your new single “Guilty Conscience”?

I had set up a write with friends Nick Cozine and Jake Finch. We all hadn’t written together before, but I felt like it’d be a good fit, and we ended up having a lot of fun! I was processing some leftover feelings at the time, and honestly at first it felt kind of sad writing it, but then turned into a really fun release. I think choosing to give the song a bit of a dancey beat gave it life. It turned out to be a very therapeutic session. I really didn’t think I’d release it since it was so real—I think I was trying to protect the other person from hearing it, because I still cared about them, and also from expressing my truth of how I felt publicly, but I ultimately came around to loving the song for what it was and not being afraid to be honest about my experience.

What message did you want to get across with this release?

I think just to be honest about my experience, and express to my fans that it’s perfectly okay to be upset about these types of things and encourage them to use their voices to speak out as well.

What artist have you been listening to most recently?

Hayley Williams newest project, Del Water Gap and The Band Camino. Really love their new albums and the vibes they have right now.

What’s the main thing you want people to get out of listening to your music?

Don’t ever be afraid to be honest. Be proud of who you are. And hopefully my music can be an outlet to share some similar emotions with my fans, and offer community and a safe space. I’m a huge advocate for mental health, women, and the LGBTQIA community, and want people to feel empowered in who they are and know I love them dearly—thank you for listening, supporting me and having me be a part of your community!

What’s been your favourite live performance so far?

I’ve actually been working on getting my live show together with a full band since starting my previous EP. Hoping to jump into 2026 headfirst with performing a lot more!

Who would be 3 artists to headline your dream festival?

Kendrick Lamar, Turnstile, and Kim Petras — you got rap, rock and pop. Love love love all of these artists for so many reasons but they speak for themselves.

Do you have any advice for a new artist wanting to follow your footsteps?

Be true to who you are. The grind sucks sometimes—make sure you are taking care of yourself. And always remember why you’re doing this and write about things you care about—if the song rings true the rest will take care of itself. Your voice matters.

Finally, what do you have lined up next?

I have more singles coming in the new year, shows and hopefully a new spankin EP next fall 🙂 Stay tuned with me on my Instagram and TikTok for updates!

Watch the music video for Guilty Conscience below