Stonestreet’s new video drives us into what she describes as a “left of center world taking us back to the dirty glam of the 90s, with vintage dresses, wigs, and busted barbies.” I’m sold.
“With another banger in the bank, it’s only a matter of time before Stonestreet starts cashing in.” – BILLBOARD
Following her debut single, “Bankrupt,” Los Angeles-based singer, songwriter, and all-around badass, Skyler Stonestreet, is back with her much-anticipated new single, “It Kinda Hurts.” The record, which just dropped today, describes that sticky place after a relationship, in between love and hate, where seeing someone for whom you once had feelings… well… kinda hurts.
The video for “It Kinda Hurts,” stylishly directed by Jason Koffeman, shows Skyler on the way to see an ex, with her new beau – a blow-up doll – along for the ride.
“This is a song about how emotions and connection don’t just disappear because you’ve stopped dating someone,” shares Stonestreet. “Sometimes people move on, or convince themselves they have, and it causes a lot of mixed feelings. I’ve been through this, and I know so many other people have. Trying to be happy without someone when they are seemingly happy without you…kinda hurts.”
For the video, Koffeman and Stonestreet worked hand-in-hand to create a kind of left-of-center world, taking us back to the dirty glam of the 90s with vintage dresses, wigs and busted barbies. While there’s a sparkle of Cyndi Lauper and a touch of Courtney Love, it’s Stonestreet’s beautifully breathy vocals that really shine through.
“We wanted to make a video that tapped into that messy feeling Skyler is singing about. A love story for nobody and everyone all at once,” said director Jason Koffeman.
Born in Las Vegas, Stonestreet moved to Santa Barbara when she was nine years old, finally moving to Los Angeles after high school. After a brief stint at a music school, Skyler dropped out to pursue her career full-time.
For nearly a year, Stonestreet found herself in and out of doctor’s offices, unable to figure out what was ailing her. After undergoing a series of tests, she was told that she had breast cancer – not to mention at a frighteningly young age (Less than 2% of women with breast cancer are diagnosed before the age of 30).
Stonestreet is now cancer-free, and proudly rocking short hair to inspire young women. “Breast cancer is just one piece of my life,” shares Skyler. “It doesn’t define me. But now I want to help other people who are going through it. And I want girls to know that they should feel okay in their own skin.”
Stonestreet has been a writer and vocalist on tracks like The Chainsmokers platinum single “Kanye,” Marshmello’s dance hit “Chasing Colors,” and Dua Lipa’s massive song “IDGAF,” which has well over 600 million streams and is a bonafide global hit.
Stonestreet’s music has been featured on Grey’s Anatomy, One Tree Hill (CW), Jane By Design (ABC Family), Switched At Birth (ABC family), Royal Pains (USA), Ghost Whisperer (CBS), as well as on MTV, VH1 and Oxygen.
Music has saved me,” she says. “As long as I keep writing, keep playing, and keep inspiring others through my music, I know I’m right where I need to be.”
Exclusive interview with the star herself:
Skyler, welcome to Popdust! How have you been?
Thank you! I’ve been great! Excited about releasing new music
Can you talk to us more about “It Kinda Hurts?”
Did any event in particular inspire you to write this?
It Kinda Hurts is a personal story from start to finish, inspired by a past relationship and the complex emotions that come up when you run into that person.
Tell us a bit about the concept and making of the video!
For the video, I worked with the incredible Jason Koffeman (director) on creating a left of center world taking us back to the dirty glam of the 90s, with vintage dresses, wigs, and busted barbies. The video also reveals my new love interest….which is a blow up doll. 🙂
Which wig was your favorite? (mine was the #lilac one)
I loved them all to be honest, but I definitely think the orange was my favorite, I loved pairing with the baby blue dress.
What’s your writing and recording process?
For my own music it’s always different. Sometimes the melody and lyric come out at the same time which is really fun, or I have a concept that will sort of write itself, I’ve even had songs and ideas come to me in dreams.
Does this mean we can expect more new material from you – how’s that coming along? If so, any tentative release date or title in mind for the next project?
Yes! So excited to be putting out new music, I’ve been working a lot with Nick Monson (Lady Gaga, Selena Gomez, Britney Spears) and Lauren Christy (Bebe Rexha, Avril Lavigne, G-Eazy, Dua Lipa) and I can’t wait to start releasing it.
Any plans for upcoming shows?
Definitely! I’ve been in writing mode for the last few months but playing live is honestly one of my favorite things. It’s where you can let all the emotion out and connect with all your new friends listening. |
Brent Butler is a NYC-based rapper, producer, and guitarist. He is a regular contributor to Popdust and host of Popdust Presents. Follow Brent on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Soundcloud | and check out his debut solo EP, | L I L A C|
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