The singer-songwriter shares what inspired her sophomore album Panorama.
The Musical Moodboard is a recurring EW feature where musicians run down the inspirations behind a new album.
In the process, her fans gave her the nickname “Lesbian Jesus.”
Jive Records; Jaap Buitendijk/Warner Bros.; TREVOR FLORES; DeAgostini/Getty Images; Des Willie/Netflix
“We wait to get to the top of the mountain to celebrate or take in the view.
Why not celebrate the moments when we’re climbing?”
EW got some clarity from Kiyoko about the albums, films, and more inspirations behindPanorama.
That influence is seen in the music videos she directs, even inPanorama’s cover art.
“It’s such a magical place.
I love being in nature,” she says.
Kiyoko recalls sitting on a couch, looking at the moon through a big, clear window.
“That’s what inspired the album, specifically the song ‘Luna’,” she reveals.
Blackout and FutureSex/LoveSounds
Two iconic pop albums influencedPanorama:BlackoutbyBritney SpearsandJustin Timberlake’sFutureSex/LoveSounds.
“Both of those albums were iconic in my mind.
They’re timeless,” Kiyoko says.
As it happens,Panoramaexecutive producer Danja worked on both of the albums.
That perspective ultimately helped her put togetherPanorama’s collection of songs.
And my co-writers and I looked at each other and were like, sugar at the bottom.
That’s a song.
We wrote it in 45 min," Kiyoko explains.
