How a Secret Crush Inspired Kayla DiVenere’s Latest Single, ‘Small Talk’
20-year-old singer-songwriter Kayla DiVenere has a knack for writing irresistibly clever tracks that can be just a bit too relatable, and her latest single, "Small Talk," is no different.
Following up her hit tracks "Date Myself" and "Jumping the Gun," the newest single from the Canadian artist is a chill yet upbeat alt-pop bop. In "Small Talk," Kayla tells a story many of us know too well—about having a massive crush on her brother's best friend—and we consider it an instant classic. Once we heard it, we simply had to know more, and Kayla was kind enough to dish all about it in the interview below.
The Story Behind 'Small Talk'
Kayla DiVenere: "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 five-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.
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What 'Small Talk' Means
KD: I want my listeners to understand that it's okay to want more and it's okay to crave that romantic fantasy we all have in our head. I want them to listen to "Small Talk" and know that they deserve to have high standards and that the right person will give them more than the bare minimum. The right person will make their fantasy a reality.
(Photo credit: Lili Skyler)
Kayla's Favorite Lyric
KD: "Want you at my window, playing your favorite mixtape" is probably my favorite lyric. I'm obsessed with '80s romcom movies and I hold that standard to any romance that comes my way. I love the classic feel of a guy throwing pebbles at my window, holding up a boombox and confessing his love, and I felt like I absolutely needed that visual to come through in "Small Talk."
Kayla's Advice for Those Stuck in the 'Small Talk' Phase
KD: Honestly, just go for it! Do anything in your power to break the "small talk" ice, even if it's as straightforward as saying, "Hey, I want to get to know you deeper than this." You deserve for your romantic fantasies to come true!
(Photo credit: Lili Skyler)
Also read about: Gabi Sklar Finds Closure in the Aftermath of a Breakup on New Single 'Youniverse'
What's Next
KD: 2024 is going to be filled with so much more music that I've been working on, and so many more fun live shows!
Final Thoughts
KD: I ended up showing my brother's best friend "Small Talk," but he doesn't know it's about him… yet. Maybe he will now, lol!
(Photo credit: Lili Skyler)
For even more from Kayla, click HERE to read our interview with the star on her single "Date Myself."