Hitting the road on tour October 9, Sara Kays prepares her fans for what they will see live with the release of her Struck By Lightning EP alongside a tender music video for the title track. Prior to its release, Beyond The Stage (BTS) had the opportunity to ask about Kays’s musical upbringing, the beautifully-crafted EP, and the music video to “Struck By Lightning” with one of her inspirations Cavetown.
BTS: Did the guitar you received at 12 years old begin your musical journey or were you already pursuing that?
I had already loved to sing since I was pretty young, but I did start taking it more seriously after learning how to play guitar and sing at the same time.
BTS: What genres and artists inspire your sound?
As a kid I mostly just listened to whatever was on the radio, and I remember hearing Ed Sheeran (I think it was “The A Team”), and it felt a lot different than everything else on the radio at the time. That’s when I found that I love the acoustic singer/songwriter sound. Into middle/high school, I listened to a lot of pop punk like Mayday Parade, Panic! At The Disco, All Time Low, etc., which I feel like still inspires the way I write. Otherwise, Alec Benjamin, Cavetown, and Kacey Musgraves are a few that have inspired me over the past couple of years.
BTS: You released your Struck By Lightning EP today. Do you have a favorite song from it? Why?
Right now, my favorite is “Struck by Lightning”, which might be partly because it’s a new one, and also because I’m stoked for the music video. That song does mean a lot to me, though, and watching it come together from being started in October in my room, to finished in June with Robbie being a part of it has been sick.
BTS: What song was the hardest to write and record on the EP?
The hardest song to write/record was probably “Future Kids”. I wrote the chorus of that song like two years ago, and I re-wrote the verses like three times before landing on something I liked. We also ended up having to re-track vocals a couple times on that song, but once it finally came together, it was worth it!
BTS: The EP’s title track “Struck By Lightning” is about being there for someone no matter what and was inspired by a true friend of yours. Does this person know the song was inspired by them?
The song was sort of inspired by a friend from high school who didn’t like to talk about what they were going through. I don’t talk to that person much anymore, but that friendship helped me realize that being there for someone doesn’t always look the same.
BTS: Since you shared that the song is basically saying “I’d get struck by lightning for you,” did you write “Struck By Lightning” to your friend, specifically?
I’ve learned that sometimes the best way to be there for someone is to lay out in the storm with them when they don’t feel like talking. I want to be there for all of my friends in that way.
Photo Credit: Lauren Van Der Laan
BTS: How did Cavetown get involved in the song? Did you previously collaborate?
We had been sending a few song ideas back and forth for a couple months before I sent him this song.
BTS: What was working with Cavetown on both the song and video like?
It’s been really great getting to work with Robbie. When he sent back the song with the verse he wrote and his added chorus parts, I was very excited with how good it was. He’s so talented! The music video shoot was also fun; It was our first time meeting in person.
BTS: Should we expect more duo work from you and Cavetown in the future?
I would love to work on something else with him, but who knows. I will be joining him on tour in the UK this winter, though!
BTS: The music video for “Struck By Lightning” includes you in a colorful setting of rolling hills and a doll-like house. Where did the inspiration for the video backgrounds come from?
The director for the music video, Mowgly Lee, and everyone else involved did such an amazing job bringing the song to life visually. He had the idea of using miniatures for the house/scenery which I didn’t know much about, but I loved the idea. I think the setting of the video lends itself nicely to the lighthearted tone of the song.
BTS: You said the video scenes laying in the grass in the rain were a play on the viral TikTok trend where people laid down in their driveways in the rain. Has TikTok inspired you in other ways as an artist? Explain.
I’m constantly seeing stuff on TikTok that inspires me, whether it’s something that inspires me to write about what I just saw or an artist that inspires me to try writing in different styles.
BTS: Your 2020 EP Camera Shy racked up over 100 million streams thanks to your fans. Do you believe this EP tops the last one? Why?
I honestly love both projects just as much. Camera Shy has a couple songs on it that mean so much to me because it was my first time talking about some things that I struggle with. With that being said, I do think my writing has improved to an extent from that EP to this one.
BTS: Do you have any teasers for what’s coming next?
I just started rehearsing for tour this fall! Otherwise, writing/recording new songs, of course.
BTS: What is the best way for your fans to keep up with you?
Instagram @sarakaysmusic
BTS: Do you have a message you hope to convey to listeners through your music?
Yes! I write about some things I struggle with that I didn’t hear many songs about growing up. So, I just hope my songs can let some people know they’re not alone.
As Kays continues to rise to stardom, you don’t want to be left behind! Check out the EP below and you’ll be her newest #1 fan.
Stream the “Struck By Lightning” EP here.
Buy tickets to the “Struck By Lightning” Tour starting October 9 here.
Follow Sara Kays on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
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