By: Shayla Lee
NYC-based Skela first grabbed my attention when I heard her punchy lyrics and beautiful voice in ‘What’s Wrong With Me.’ Weaving a production that is early 2000s pop perfection with honest lyrics centering around self doubt she has experienced, ‘What’s Wrong With Me’ left me obsessed with Skela and ultimately led me to her other music. With authentic songwriting, dance-worthy melodies, and radiant vocals, Skela is an artist who should be on your radar.
I had the chance to chat with Skela and she shared her tips on how she overcomes self doubt, her new collaboration with Josh Jacobson, and what we can expect from her upcoming music.
Femme Riot: How would you describe your music to someone who hasn’t heard it before?
Skela: It’s music that could soundtrack a lot of those moments in your life that ignite your fight or flight response.
Where do you draw inspiration for your music? Do you have any musical influences?
Everywhere. I pull a lot of lyrical inspiration from literature and my favorite authors who lend me their eyes and ears.
Musical influences are all across the board. It’s 2018 so I’m listening to literally everything.
I’m obsessed with your song ‘What’s Wrong With Me!’ In your interview with C-Heads Magazine, you explained that the song was about self doubt. Self doubt is something that many artists go through and it can be extremely frustrating! If you feel like you are doubting yourself or your work, what are some of your tactics to overcome these feelings? Can you tell us more about this track?
When I’m doubting the music I write it’s usually because there’s an external pressure on me. The way I overcome it is by just sitting down, writing a shit ton of music with no purpose or motive behind it. I don’t record it or even try to remember it. I just make it for myself and I remember that I make music because it’s an expression – not because its a product.
You recently released a song with Josh Jacobson called ‘Cruel To You.’ Can you tell us more about this collaboration?
I’ve been making music with Josh for three years now and he’s one of my best friends. I really cherish our relationship and connection. It’s rare in this industry and life in general.
We made another song together coming out on my next project called ‘I’m Not Hungry’. I don’t know if I could have made such a personal song with another producer.
Have you faced any challenges being a woman in the music industry? If so, how did you overcome the adversity and do you have any advice for other women facing similar challenges in their own lives ?
ALL THE TIME. There’s such a deep rooted adversity in this industry and I feel like I’m constantly up against it because it always pops up when I get too comfortable.
My advice is channel it – be better than them.
What can we expect from you for the rest of this year?
I’m releasing a project in the fall… specifically September. I can’t wait. I can’t say more, but I’m really excited.
What songs are currently listening to?
Here’s what I’m listening to now:
Anything we haven’t asked that you want to add?
Find me at @bySkela and follow my Youtube channel because that’s where my project is going to live!
I want to thank Skela for doing this interview! Keep up with her NYC adventures and fun aesthetic by following her on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. Listen to her music below!
FEMME RIOT 