Q&A with KAYA STEWART Talks – #PINKTOBER Breast Cancer Awareness, Working with Dave Stewart of The Eurythmics, Annie Lennox & More!

Hard Rock Cafe Hollywood on Hollywood Blvd. is uniting musicians, supporters and survivors in honor of the brand’s 16th annual PINKTOBER campaign!

On October 8, 2015, Hard Rock Cafe Hollywood on Hollywood Blvd. will host a special, public performance by KAYA STEWART  at 8 p.m. The event is free, but attendees will have the opportunity to make a donation to benefit City of Hope, a leader in the fight against breast cancer.

KAYA STEWART is a singer and songwriter, most notable for her single “In Love with a Boy”. She is the daughter of musician, David Stewart.  Growing up in a musical family, Kaya constantly performed for her family and friends. She has said that she is greatly inspired by her father’s friend Annie Lennox. Annie was a former partner in The Eurythmics and mentored Kaya.

Kaya’s popularity has grown due to her first single “In Love with a Boy”, featured on her debut album for Warner Bros. Records. The song set a record for being added to a total of 85 pop stations at launch, the most adds ever for a new artist! Kaya’s latest single is entitled, “Let’s Split.”

“PINKTOBER is our annual opportunity to bring together our community for a great cause and we are excited for local supporters and survivors to once again join our fight against breast cancer,” said Selin Demren, Senior Sales and Marketing Manager of Hard Rock Cafe Hollywood. “Our hope is to raise awareness and funds for City of Hope and we’re thrilled to partner with the talented Kaya Stewart to achieve that goal.”

As part of the 2015 PINKTOBER campaign, Hard Rock encourages fans to show off their support and strength with #PINKTOBER on social media. Whether sharing photos of Hard Rock’s PINKTOBER merchandise, or displaying how they support breast cancer awareness in their daily lives, Hard Rock looks to its guests to join the fight and utilize the #PINKTOBER hashtag in their social media posts this fall.

For more information on Hard Rock’s PINKTOBER campaign visit:  www.hardrock.com

All Access Music writer, Nicole DeRosa got a chance to chat with KAYA STEWART just before she performs at The Hard Rock for #PINKTOBER. Enjoy getting to know more about Kaya below!

Hi Kaya! How are you today? What’s on the agenda today besides our interview?

I’m good, today has been pretty chill. I’m in the process of doing a lot of writing so I’ve been in the studio all day.

You grew up in a musical family with a talented photographer mother and the daughter of songwriter-producer-musician, David Stewart. When did you realize you wanted to be involved in music?

Growing up I was very lucky to always be surrounded by great art and music. Since I can remember, I was always interested and inspired by music, but I think age 11 was when I really started writing and singing my own music.

The music that your father created – along with Annie Lennox – as the Eurythmics, came long before you were born. When did you become aware of the musical magic they created?

I was always a Eurythmics fan. One of the last tours my dad and Annie did was the year I was born. I think the Eurythmics were always a huge influence on me. There was never a time that I discovered their music, I grew up with it.

What was it like working with your father, who also produced your single, “In Love With A Boy”?

My Dad and I work really well together. When I wrote “In Love With A Boy,” I was actually at school, and ran home to show my dad. That evening we went to the studio and recorded the whole thing in one night. We both had the same vision for the song, it came together really fast.

What was the inspiration for your new single, “Let’s Split”? Did you also help come up with the treatment for the video?

The song “Let’s Split” was inspired by a relationship between two people that I knew wasn’t going to end well! The video is actually inspired by my family, and what my life felt like to me when I was still in school. It’s a punk/sci-fi version of what my everyday life looked like.

You are currently on tour and supporting a cause that is also very near to me for breast cancer awareness (I have two family members who were touched by it and I am happy to say are now living a healthy & healthy life). You are also currently playing free shows for fans and survivors, raising money for City of Hope. What made you want to be involved and why is it important to you as well?

When I was in school, my best friend’s mom was diagnosed with cancer. It had such a huge effect of me and my friends because I never thought that it would happen to someone so close to me. I am thankful and excited to perform for a cause that means so much to me.

Besides your father you have a great mentor in Annie Lennox. What is the most helpful advice she has given you about the industry?

I think the best advice Annie had ever given me was never anything that she had said to me, but just how passionate she was as a performer. Watching my Dad and Annie play live always inspired me. She was and still is such an incredible front woman.

Who is in your current playlist at the moment? Anyone we would be surprised to find in there?

Right now I am obsessed with The Weeknd and Frank Ocean. I love soul music with a twist.

You’re still in school, so how do you balance your education and performing?

I am currently homeschooled. I am in school five days a week and on top of that I’m always working. Right now, school is just something I’ve got to get through. I know that music is definitely what I want to pursue.

Do you write with anyone? Is there anyone you’d like to collaborate with?

I’m actually just starting to consider co-writing. I always feel a lot more comfortable when I write my own songs, just because I’ve been doing it for so long. But I’m not opposed to the idea of co-writing! It’s always good to experiment.

What’s on tap next for you, Kaya? What are you most excited about for this year?

Right now, I am focusing on the final touches of my album, including some more song writing. Everyday I am choosing pictures, checking lyrics, etc. It’s really exciting!

To keep up to date with KAYA STEWART , visit here HERE .