“Hard to Say Goodbye” marks a powerful new chapter for Kayla Ramos — a cinematic, soul-stirring reflection on change, loss, and self-discovery, blending poetic storytelling with raw emotion and timeless sound.
I was moving from my hometown of San Jose, California to Southern California to pursue music fully. In the days leading-up to my move I was feeling this sour ache, with ghosts of past lives and the guilt of leaving. Months prior I had ended a 4-year-long relationship, my parents had split, and my beloved dog Ginger had passed. I quit my part-time job and said goodbye to my high school friends. It was strange because it was all I ever wanted and still I felt like I was bad… For leaving. I wasn’t. But I needed to release the grief, and the chorus came-out.
I think that Dante and I have deep individual connections with our own souls, and because of that we’re able to work together and see each other between lines. He can capture the essence of that. He knows what is needed for the radio and brings years of industry experience and musical knowledge, and I can bring my heart- my poetry, my melodies, and taste. Humanity and Divinity. Together it’s something truly special and I’m so grateful he took a chance on me.
Wow, this heals me and I love this question, thank you.
I think there’s no performing here, I speak and live from my heart, and I make my best work when I don’t think or internalize the world but instead let my heart guide me. I feel when I’m painting. I just try to capture my life’s pictures and feelings in words, and sounds.
If I feel something, I say something and I don’t hold back. Life is too short and catharsis occurs when you give the full truth. It’s not about how it looks but how it feels, and I hope people feel it, too.
I grew-up with an iPod of both contemporary and classical music, I think I owe it my life. I internalized a lot of Taylor Swift, Lana Del Rey, and 2000s sounds with a plethora of other genres and oldies too. I loved Shakespeare and studying philosophy in high school. I’ve always had a poetic heart, and I feel in pictures and sounds- so the music sounds that way. I need to paint the full picture. I was always drawn to the classics from music to movies, philosophy, and fashion.
It represents my growth as an artist because I’m finally letting go of the guilt and codependence in my life and in art. Everything and everyone, I tried to please is going out the window (as much as I can help it anyway). It was so hard to let go of everything and everyone I once loved and tried to please, but my heart always knows the answer. It’s not about performing but about sharing my heart. And when I’m in my heart I sing better, I write better, because I feel everything I feel without denying myself and hold nothing back. As artists and humans, it’s the best thing we could do.
Everything good in life comes with a price, don’t cut your limbs off to pay. Nothing is free. Especially for young women and men, I want you to know that nothing is worth your truth and sense of self. Your heart is your essence and gift to the world. Don’t say goodbye to yourself to keep anything or anyone else. Be yourself.
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