NXTSTYLE’s 2020 Songs of the Summer: Ea Kaya “Skin And Bones”
INTRODUCING NXTSTYLE’S ‘SONGS OF THE SUMMER,’ HIGHLIGHTING OUR FAVORITE TRACKS WE’VE DISCOVERED THIS SUMMER. OVER 70 SONGS FROM NEW AND INDEPENDENT ARTISTS FORM OUR SUMMER 2020 SOUNDTRACK. TODAY WE FEATURE EA KAYA. THE SCANDINAVIAN POP ARTIST WAS INTRODUCED TO US BY OUR FRIENDS AT AT COST MAGAZINE. SHE MADE HER MARK IN 2019 WITH AN IMPRESSIVE EP AND HER LATEST SINGLE WAS A HIGHLIGHT FOR OUR PLAYLIST THIS SUMMER. LEARN MORE ABOUT EA KAYA IN OUR FEATURED INTERVIEW.
TAKE US BEHIND THE CREATION OF “SKIN AND BONES” AND YOUR CONNECTION TO IT.
There’s been a lot of focus on body positivity and diversity these past few years and it’s been absolutely amazing – and needed. We live in a time where we’re constantly exposed to body ideals and it’s extremely important to emphasize that there is no right way to look. There is a downside to everything though, and unfortunately I’ve seen a lot of people online criticizing certain types of women to lift others up. More specifically, I see people complimenting curvy women by writing degrading comments about less curvy women. “THIS is what a real woman looks like! Who wants those skeletons? They’re nothing but skin and bones” is a perfect example. I’ve always been very thin and I was underweight for a good part of my childhood. Simply because of my metabolism. It makes me extremely sad to see people defining femininity by a certain body type. We’re not getting anywhere by pulling down one person to compliment someone else. Be nice and have respect – both for the people you meet and the words that you use.
WHEN LISTENING TO “SKIN AND BONES” I CAN DEFINITELY SEE THIS LANDING ON A SOUNDTRACK AND IN A REFLECTIVE MOMENT IN A FEATURED FILM. IF YOU HAD A CHOICE, WHAT WOULD BE THE ULTIMATE SYNC PLACEMENT FOR “SKIN AND BONES”?
I actually haven’t thought of that, but what a great idea! “Skin and Bones” would be a stellar soundtrack for a movie that handles bullying or feeling like you don’t fit in.
LISTEN ON
FOLLOW EA KAYA
EA KAYA
GETTING TO THE ROOT OF WHO EA KAYA IS, HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR ARTISTRY AND THE PURPOSE YOU WANT TO BRING TO FANS? HAS THE SUCCESS OF YOUR EP ‘FRAGILE BUT STRONG AS HELL’ IN THAT REGARD? ARE THERE ANY ARTISTS THAT YOU LOOK UP TO THAT PLAY AN INFLUENCE ON YOUR MUSIC?
If I’m completely honest, my only purpose with music has always been one thing – joy. I didn’t start writing music to end wars or fix people’s relationships. I like to tell a story, to describe a feeling or to wonder out loud. My songs invite the listener into a personal space that I would like to be open, frank and daring. I trust the listener with my stories, insecurities and thoughts. I do it to translate the chaos inside my head into something specific and maybe if I’m lucky, that song can take some weight off of your shoulders as well.
WE HAVE SO MUCH LOVE FOR SCANDINAVIAN ARTISTS AND LOVE LEARNING MORE ABOUT THE MUSIC SCENE THERE FROM THOSE WHO LIVE THROUGH IT. TALK ABOUT THE SCANDINAVIAN MUSIC SCENE AND WHAT YOU MOST LOVE ABOUT IT. AS AN ARTIST TALK ABOUT THE SUPPORT IT SHOWS FOR ARTISTS LIKE YOURSELF. ARE THERE ANY SCANDINAVIAN ARTISTS YOU LOVE THAT WE SHOULD LOOK OUT FOR?
Scandinavian music is blooming these years. Women are especially making a strong mark on the ScandiPop scene, where countless of fearless, young ladies are conquering the world with their grand pop songs. I absolutely love being a part of this movement and I adore how these women and their music can make you feel so driven and confident. I’ve always been super fascinated with the way that music can manipulate with your emotions, and in this case it’s in the best way possible. I also think that women are becoming more supportive of each other, rather than thinking of each other as competition. I live in Copenhagen and a couple of Danish ladies to check out could be Drew and Dopha. You should also listen to Ericka Jane’s new EP full of 80’s inspired anthems.
EA KAYA’S
SONGS OF THE SUMMER
- 1) “Folklore” by Taylor Swift (album). One of my all-time favorite albums from Taylor. This album really showcases her lyrical gift and I love the folk vibe. This is the side of Taylor Swift that I’ve always adored and I think that’s why I seem to be the only person who wasn’t surprised by the direction of this album.
- 2) “Future Nostalgia” by Dua Lipa (album). The full-blown pop goddess masters the difficult 2nd album perfectly and you can’t help but wanna go out dancing!
- 3) “Hard To Fake It” by Ericka Jane (EP). This EP is produced by one of the producers/writers behind “Skin and Bones”, Rasmus Søegren. Ericka and Rasmus have spend forever in the studio working on this EP and they’ve really found Ericka’s sound.
- 4) “Now I’m In It” by HAIM (single). What can I say? A pure jam. It’s always exciting when HAIM releases new songs because you can’t put those ladies in a box.
- 5) Harry Styles “Adore You”. Can we just applaud mr. Styles for such a successful exit from one of the world’s biggest boybands? I’ve never been a 1D fan, but man I love Harry Styles as a solo artist. His music is charismatic and so well-written with just the right touch of retro nostalgia.
Listen to all of our featured artist’s favorite songs of the summer on our special Spotify playlist.
Discover New Music
THE ‘NEXT IN MUSIC’ PLAYLIST
Discover a wide range of new music we love from artists located all across the world. Follow the ‘NEXT in Music’ playlist on Spotify, Apple Music, and SoundCloud.
MUSIC IN 2020 INTERVIEW SERIES
WE INTERVIEWED MUSIC PROS AND TASTEMAKERS TO GET THEIR PERSPECTIVE ON WHERE MUSIC IS HEADED AND TO DISCOVER WHAT NEW MUSIC THEY’RE LISTENING TO.
