Hayley Kiyoko may be most well known as the adorable childhood actress however, all of that is about to change as the former child star steps into the role she’s always been meant to play: singer and songwriter. With a enchanting electronic pop sound that calls to mind Lykke Li and Charli XCX, Kiyoko’s new single, This Side of Paradise feels like it’s arrived right on time to reenergize the genre, and become a strong contender for 2014’s official fall anthem. We chatted with the multitalented performer about the recording process for her new EP, her role in the upcoming Jem and the Holograms film, and learned which of her musical idols would make her “scream like a fan girl” if she had the chance to collaborate with her.

The title track from your upcoming EP is very atmospheric, but still has a deliciously catchy pop hook that makes you want to play it on repeat. Tell us about the inspiration behind your new single, This Side of Paradise:

This Side of Paradise was inspired by the author F. Scott Fitzgerald’s book. I immediately fell in love with the phrase and wanted to write my own interpretation of it. It represents a world where you can finally be with the one you love, and the only time you can be, is in your dreams.

Tell us about the recording process for the This Side of Paradise EP. Where was it recorded? How long did you work on it? 

I wrote this EP throughout the past year or so. In June of this year, I flew out my producer James Flannigan from London to come stay with my parents out in Thousand Oaks. With no budget for the album, we built a studio in my parents’ garage and lived there for several weeks. It was imperative to create a red thread throughout the EP and to find sounds that haven’t been used before. On Feeding a Fire, the warped drumbeat was sampled by me dribbling a basketball. We banged on random pieces of wood found in my parents’ backyard for snare sounds. It was a magical adventure and honestly I couldn’t have asked to produce it any other way. My parents’ dinners were a plus too.

A lot of your fans were first introduced to you through your film and television career. Is your passion for acting and making music equal? Which one was your first love?

Honestly, I never imagined an acting career and I’m super grateful to have broken into that industry. It is challenging and a different medium of performing that I truly love. But music is where my heart is. Performing is where my passion is. I want to do it all and I am excited my music is finally in a place I am proud of. I find happiness through both but I am focusing a lot of my energy into music right now.

Which female musicians do you consider your greatest influences? 

Hands down, Emily Haines and Sia are my music gods. I grew up listening to their music nonstop. I love their vocal tones, lyrics and melodies. Gwen Stefani is also someone I deeply look up to for her entrepreneurship.

Which contemporary artists would you love to collaborate with?

I would literally pass out if I got to write a song with Sia. I would love to see her in her element. I’d probably play it super cool in the studio then scream like a fan girl in my car afterwards.

I read that you’re going to be in the new Jem and the Holograms movie. I know you’re pretty young, but did you grow up watching Jem? I’m personally pretty excited that Jem is going to be introduced to a whole new generation.

 I actually didn’t grow up watching the cartoon but I know it was a huge show for so many people. When I booked the job I immediately looked it up and saw that my character had blue hair and I was sold. I’m excited for people to see the film, Jon M Chu did an incredible job directing it and created something visually appetizing.

You play a variety of instruments, but drums were your first, right? Why were you drawn to percussion at such a young age?

 I remember seeing a shiny cherry red drum set in toys r us when I was five and wanting to play it. As a kid I probably just wanted to start playing the drums because of the awesome colors. I’ve always had a rhythmic bone in my body that I felt like I needed to release.

You’ve already had an incredibly productive year with the release of your single, your TV show The Fosters, and several films in the works, but what does the rest of 2014 hold for you? 

It’s been such a great year and I am looking forward to what’s to come. I’ve got two movies coming out next year as well as a new show that I have a recurring role in called CSI:CYBER. On the music side, I have tons of content coming out like music videos, lyric videos as well as a huge merch line. Things are finally falling into place.

And finally, besides Jem or Scooby Doo of course, what is your favorite cartoon of all time?

I didn’t really watch too many cartoons growing up but I am obsessed with the Disney movie Mulan. I watch that movie religiously.

This Side of Paradise EP drops in January so be sure to pick it up upon it’s release and check out her recent music video Rich Youth below!