- 2022-07-31
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MUSIC
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Donate to support families affected by the crisis in Ukraine ➔ Hayley Kiyoko Releases New Album “PANORAMA”: Streaming
American singer-songwriter Hayley Kiyoko released her highly-anticipated sophomore album “PANORAMA” along with a new music video for the title track on July 29, 2022.
It is her first album in four years since the 2018 debut album “Expectations”.
The album comprises 13-track, featuring guest appearance from Johnny Rain. Produced by Danja, Jono Dorr, Kill Dave and Pat Morrissey.
“I went through a period of time after my last album where I'd lost my confidence and my self-worth,” Hayley Kiyoko said of the album in a statement. “Thankfully I was surrounded by friends and family who kept me grounded, always supporting me in my lowest moments and reminding me who I was along the way.”
Hayley Kiyoko told Billboard about the album, “I definitely wanted to jump into the album immediately after Expectations, but I had a really hard time in 2018 and 2019 touring and writing. Some people can do that and are really good at it — I have to be 100% focused on the music to make it happen. I finally started working on the album in early 2020, finished it up in 2021, and I have been sitting on it since. I can't believe it's only been four years, it feels like a lifetime ago! From Expectations to now, I feel like we've all grown so much, so it's gonna be really great to share this with my OG fans, as well as some new fans.”- I9PgFOAWkmY
She continued, “I don't know, it just feels like a new world we're all in right now, and music hits differently as we're continuing to navigate this very challenging life that keeps getting presented to us. They don't make it easy! That's why we need new music to get through it! That's why I named the album Panorama, actually — it's about getting through the highs and the lows, and loving yourself along the way. Even when you're going through a hard time, you've already been through so much to get to where you're at, so it's about being kinder to ourselves.”
Hayley Kiyoko explained of some tracks for the album.
“for the girls”
“I love being a woman, and women have always been a massive influence on my life.” The song's magic, therefore, comes from it “celebrating that love, highlighting our strength, beauty, and vulnerability. The music video is meant to reflect that celebration with a sense of humor and an expansive take on whose romantic story gets told.
It's meant to “give representation to all of us searching for love while not taking ourselves too seriously. Being surrounded by queer people of many different gender identities and making art that feels relevant to us was the greatest gift. It was a reminder of how resilient this community is and how strong and confident we feel being our authentic selves together. No matter how you identify or who you love, I hope this summer bop makes you feel sexy and empowered.”
“deep in the woods”
“'Deep in the Woods' is a song that captures the feeling of instant connection, as if you've known someone forever even though you've only just met. It feels as if your entire being is haunted by their presence wherever you go. It's that instantaneous moment of knowing you are willing to do anything to be with the one you love.”-
“chance”
“'Chance' is a song based on those moments when I denied my true feelings for someone out of fear of rejection, and therefore didn't allow someone to take a chance on me. I hope this song empowers people to push past their own self-doubt and realise how worthy they are of love.
I'm always starved for hopeful queer stories onscreen, and I really wanted to direct a narrative that focused on the happier 'honeymoon' phase of a relationship, to show what can happen if we take a chance on ourselves and have that love reciprocated. The video is meant to portray those first few weeks, months, or even years when you are utterly head over heels in love with each other.
I directed the video on 16mm film, alongside an incredible team of badass women — from the director of photography to the editor, and the producers. I am so grateful for the entire crew who helped bring this vision to life as well as to our incredible lead actress, Alexandra Shipp. I hope 'Chance' sparks the hope that anyone can and will find the love they deserve.”
“found my friends”
“'Found My Friends' is a song I wrote during a challenging time when I realized instead of being my own worst enemy, I could actually be my own best friend. It's about discovering and nurturing a strong friendship with yourself.
This song resonates even more so now with everyone experiencing isolation in quarantine, when we still somehow find the resilience to connect with one another and find comfort in each other.
The video concept for 'Found My Friends' was to capture a moment of being fully present in the moment and working through a feeling. Whether it's excitement, joy, or fear– it's about taking control and owning it.
Color is always a huge inspiration and so it was truly a dream come true to have the opportunity to shoot this video entirely on film. Shooting on film captures color differently than digital but can be a very challenging process because the lighting has to be perfect, the number of takes is limited, and you can't see the true outcome until you are in the editing room.
I am so grateful for our crew who worked hard to pull it all off, especially while still following all the CDC Covid protocol to keep everyone safe on set. I hope when people watch 'Found My Friends' they share the same feelings of liberation that I felt when shooting it.”
“panorama”
“'Panorama' was the last song I wrote for this album, in a moment of clarity to enjoy the present and not let my trauma define me. One of my favorite lyrics from this song is, 'I'm done confusing all these ashes with my worth,' which is a metaphor for when we measure our own value only by our struggles and hardships, but in reality, our worth is unwavering.” She adds, “We just need to give ourselves the space to appreciate the highs and the lows of this beautiful journey.” - source : Apple Music
