Our friend KALYJA RAIN needs no introduction. “Mile High” stormed the chart earlier in the year and today a brand new single “Shake Me Down” is out.
We thought it would be awesome to hear it directly from KALYJA how new single was born.
“Shake Me Down” has everything to do with giving life to the things that we don’t speak to or allow ourselves to feel. Even the things that are effected in the process of suppression in our society in this day and age and of course the shedding of what does not serve us. I love self growth more than life itself
That all being said, it has this intention to be a pop song, that makes you think about the dirt you stand on, the water you drink and the body you have with as much respect and admiration as a lover. That’s the beauty, it’s like it calls out the moments that we forget to feel butterflies for and says “if you are not invoking flames in my belly, or tears that turn to wisdom” i don’t think i need to keep you quite any longer.
“Shake Me Down” is an anthem for summer for the singular reason that it’s all about seeing yourself clearly in relation to your surroundings, and saying YES to what you love and cherish and “F**k No” to all the “Maybes”.
KALYJA RAIN
“Shake Me Down” was written on the river banks of a very special neon turquoise river in Northern California – my home, while I was spending the night sleeping under the stars. I remember pressing my ear to the big bolder I was laying on and thinking I could hear its heartbeat. All the while knowing that the beat I was hearing was the pulse on my own blood rush. I think that’s a great metaphor for absolutely everything.
What you perceive, is really only applicable to your perception, so when I say ” let’s give the rocks a heartbeat” what I really mean is we are all equal and in tune with one another, as long as we are able to actually check in honestly with our own worth and existence and on a surface level in relation to politics – i am constantly in awe of the audacity of humans to persecute another person for the colour of their skin, their gender or sexual preferences, when all that really says about them is they are so invested in being seen (really meaning they feel insecure and invisible) that they believe their opinion gives life to another’s worth.
Earlier in the week, “SMD” was used in a Miami Swim Week, how did that happen?
Actually I?m friends with one of the designers who snapped and her entire line was featured in the show – we actually share a house! She?s this brilliant swimsuit designer named Jacque (@jacquedesignsswimwear) – and she needed music for her show, so as she was curating her set with this Miley Cyrus and Lana del Rey playlist we ended up being like ?how dope would it be to drop it at Miami swim week? and so she did.
I was so honoured because it?s a massive deal to be in that show for her, and simultaneously I was blown away by the drive of a fashion show like that in the media! So it?s super exciting to think of all these people vining out to it in that setting – also as I?ve said before, I just value supporting artists and people that I love above all else so it?s really a treat to mix the industries and both of us benefit from such things!
The best collaborations in my career have been deep friendships.
KALYJA RAIN
Make sure to connect with KALYJA RAIN on Facebook and Instagram.
