Hayley Kiyoko tapped R&B powerhouse Kehlani for What I Need, the only collaboration on her critically-acclaimed debut album Expectations.
Today, on the eve of Pride Month, the rising pop star debuts the epic, self-directed companion video starring both artists.
Back in December, Hayley and Kehlani drove up to beautiful Ojai, CA to film what would become the song’s gorgeous visual. In typical Hayley fashion, the video is yet another beautifully shot narrative, complete with her signature color palette, and like many of her previously self-directed music videos, takes form in the shape of a short film.
It centers around two young women, one of whom, portrayed by Kehlani, is clearly struggling to connect with her aunt and finds an escape through her relationship with her childhood best friend, played by Hayley. In the end, it’s a love story that illuminates the importance of having someone close to you, who cares for you in times of need without judgment and supports you no matter what.
“What I Need” is Kiyoko’s newest single following “Curious,” which heralded the official launch of EXPECTATIONS in January. Watch the video for “Curious,” which has gone on to amass nearly 11 million views HERE. Upon release, “Curious” was immediately placed upon The New York Times‘ “The Playlist” and TIME Magazine‘s “5 Songs You Need to Listen to this Week,” with Idolator declaring it “One Of The First Great Pop Songs Of 2018,” and The FADER praising the companion visual as “a beautifully shot commentary on the dynamics of queer love and the complicated laws of same-sex attraction.”
