**Hayley Kiyoko Introduces ‘Girls Like Girls’ Film and Album After a Decade of Dedication**
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Hayley Kiyoko, known for her vibrant contributions to the pop music landscape, is poised to unveil the cinematic adaptation of her iconic 2015 track “Girls Like Girls”, accompanied by a companion album. After 10 years of hard work, Kiyoko’s project is set to celebrate self-love and LGBTQ+ representation across diverse generations.
The journey began with the release of “Girls Like Girls,” a song inspired by Kiyoko’s first experience of love. Released just two days before the legalisation of same-sex marriage in the U.S., the track quickly gained traction within the queer community and has since become a cultural symbol, transforming the narrative from a heteronormative perspective to a sapphic one. Reflecting on this, Kiyoko expressed her excitement about the song’s ongoing resonance with younger audiences. “Fans tell me they watched the music video as kids,” she noted, highlighting the track’s enduring appeal.
In 2023, Kiyoko took a pivotal step in her artistic evolution by adapting “Girls Like Girls” into a young adult coming-of-age romance film, which she directed and co-wrote. The narrative follows a new girl in town, Coley (played by Maya da Costa), as she discovers love and embarks on a journey towards self-acceptance. Kiyoko believes that the film’s unfiltered authenticity offers something universal, stating, “It addresses the universal experience of having a crush, something that everyone can relate to, regardless of their sexual orientation.”
Accompanying the film is the third album also titled *Girls Like Girls*, which features collaborations with several queer artists including Tegan and Sara, alongside emerging talents like Young Miko and Chelsea Cutler. Reflecting on her creative process, Kiyoko revisited sketches and voice memos from her teenage years, ensuring that her younger self was well represented in the final product. “I wanted this to be a real celebration of collaboration and representation,” she stated, highlighting both her journey and the collective experiences of her collaborators.
Kiyoko was determined that the album would be more than just a soundtrack. “When I embarked on directing this film, I insisted it would include a companion album,” she explained. This approach was partly driven by budget constraints that limited the use of commercially licensed songs in the film, pushing her to draw from her personal history and earlier ideas, alongside creating new narratives for the project.
Throughout the recording process, Kiyoko intentionally collaborated with queer artists, fostering an organic creative spirit and ensuring each voice complemented the essence of the project. From studio sessions with established artists to working remotely with newcomers, Kiyoko embraced diverse sounds and perspectives, resulting in an album that feels both nostalgic and fresh.
Pivotal to the album’s impact is Kiyoko’s reimagining of “Girls Like Girls”—this time featuring a 30-piece orchestra. The emotional weight of re-recording the song stirred profound feelings for her, marking a reflective moment in her career. “This new version signifies not just where we’ve come from, but reflects my journey and growth,” she shared.
Looking ahead, Kiyoko hopes the film and album resonate with younger audiences, particularly in the queer community. “I want viewers to feel a sense of belonging,” she said, underscoring the importance of visibility in a world that can often feel isolating. “I hope this experience feels like a warm embrace that encourages them to pursue their dreams.”
As Kiyoko navigates this monumental moment of her creative journey, she is committed to bringing more stories to life. Though currently focused on *Girls Like Girls*, she remains open to future projects in filmmaking, emphasizing the significance of consistent representation in media.
*Girls Like Girls*, both the album and the film, is poised to release officially, marking a celebrated culmination of Kiyoko’s efforts and passion for storytelling through music and film.