Hayley Kiyoko: Exceeding Your "Expectations"
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Who is Hayley Kiyoko?
Hayley kiyoko is an American singer songwriter, actress, and dancer originating in Los Angeles, California. Due to her early start in dance she was led towards the path of modeling and acting. She was seen in movies and TV shows such as Lemonade Mouth and The fosters among others. Along side her acting career she was in a girl band that split up in 2011 after opening up for Justin Bieber. Hayley has been working on solo music ever since.
Hayley Climbs The Charts
"Expectations" debuted on March 30th,2018 after a five year period of EP Releases including "A Belle To Remember" (2013), "This Side of Paradise"(2015), and "Citrine" (2016). Her first two EP's were self-released while the most recent EP was released through Empire and Atlantic. "Citrine" Peaked at #4 while "expectations" peaked in the top 25 on the general music charts according to Hayley Kiyoko's Discography page on Wikipedia. Young singer-songwriter climbed her way through the charts with her own sound and voice, finding label representation on the way. She writes all of her own music and gives a voice to the LGBTQ+ Community.
Expectations
"Expectations" is Hayley Kiyoko's debut full length album that was released march 30th, 2018. Her fans reaction to this album was overwhelmingly exciting, they're calling it a queer anthem. Some have even said she's turning the year into "20-gay-teen" along with the LGBT Flag people received with the phrase written in white on the flag. Hayley Kiyoko has given a place for those in the LGBTQ community in this album as many fans have applauded her for such a place. the album has an overall synth pop/ pop meshed with hip hop back beats. the sound combined with her lyrics makes this album so uniquely hers.
The album cover has a great significance to her message. She said that the chair in the photo is usually reserved for a man and she wants to be in that chair. She takes the opportunity in this album to bring validation and acceptance to queer humans and their feelings. The album talks about her relationships with other women, which is nothing new for Hayley kiyoko! If we thing back to the song "Girls like girls" she really has been insanely open about her sexuality and in doing so creating a place where people in the LGBTQ community to feel accepted.
20-Gay-Teen
The album overall is about her experiences in being in relationships with women and finding love for herself on the way. One of her biggest messages that she told her fans was to focus on loving yourself and finding your inner confidence instead of overwhelming yourself with things happening around you. The songs that are the most popular on Spotify include a collaboration with Kehlani called "what I need" and "curious" among others.
What I need
"What I need" is a song where Hayley and Kehlani trade verses the whole song, exchanging lyrics that are specific to their relationships. In Hayleys verse she talks about her partner being hesitant to reveal their relationship to her family. she says "when were all alone, girl,you wanna own it. when were with your fam, you don't wanna show it"
specifically calling out her girlfriend or past girlfriend for hiding their relationship. The biggest take away from the song that you can see in the chorus which reads "What I need, what I need, what I need is for you to be sure no no no no". Hayley is saying all she wants is for her partner; significant other, is to communicate and be confident in their relationship and to not doubt themselves as a couple.
Curious
"Curious" is a song where Hayley is often asking if this girl is serious about her because she's getting mixed signals and lost communication with her. she's reaching for explanations for what their relationship is meant to be, and if the girl is doing the same thing with a guy as she's done with Hayley. A lot of the lyrics are direct references to her waiting around for this girl that she's involved with, and seeing her with her boyfriend. One line says "Calling me up, so late at night, Are we just friends?You say you wanted me, but you're sleeping with him" and its basically questioning what it is they have, and wether she really wants her. when summing up the song Hayley Kiyoko tells Genius "I have hung out with a lot of girls that like to play games... And there were a lot instances like being with her boyfriend and texting me at the same time. And a lot of instances where I’m like, “I don’t really want to get wrapped up in this situation. I just want to know—like I am just curious, is it serious?".
Editors choice
My personal favorite would have to be Under the Blue/Take me in because the vibe of the song is so beach-ey. when you listen to the song you feel like you belong on the beach with this song blasting through your speakers. there are so many ocean and wave personifications and allusions that bring the picture of a beach scene to life in your mind. The song is such a fun sounding song and I can just listen to it again and again without it getting old. Water is calming and all you can feel throughout the song is that she feels the same way, even referring to waves as difficulties and then coming back to say that it doesn't effect her in the very next line.
TOUR
The answer to the question you've all been wondering, can I hear this live?? the answer is yes.. well maybe! Hayley kiyoko is touring the album throughout the United States and Canada. She has sold out thirteen venues so far and we're only expecting for that
number to climb as the dates become closer. if you have a new found love for Hayley Check your date before they sell out!
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