A Quick Chat with Kaiyah Mercedes
Congratulations on the release of ‘If We Never Speak Again’. What is the story behind your single?
This release is a voicemail-style track that encompasses everything I wanted to say to someone but never did. It talks through memories, hopes and fears, and was an opportunity to say everything that I couldn’t put into words. The bridge is inspired by a Delaney Bailey song and mirrors the overwhelming emotion I was feeling while writing this song, not knowing if the person would respond to my message or even hear it at all.
How do the communities and people in your life help inspire the music you write?
The queer community has been a huge part of my self-discovery and as an LGBTQIA+ artist, my songwriting is a pure expression of the growth and confidence in myself to be who I truly am. I write with no reservations about who the person I am and the experiences I have had, and this has been a very freeing journey. Although I write sad songs, my aim is to really connect with others through my deep and emotional lyrics, with an intent to support others through life’s struggles. I often write about grief, mental health, heartbreak and longing, all very relatable experiences.
When writing, what are some personal connections that happen while creating new music?
Music has really been a valuable avenue to meeting some of my favourite people. From fans, to my mentor, to friends and my producer, my songwriting has connected me with so many people I now can’t imagine my life without. I would also say that writing my own music has opened up a whole new appreciation and love for other artists' work on a whole new level. The passion and emotion that I feel from a song I really connect with, is exactly how I want people to feel about my music when they hear it.
When did you start writing music, and did you always know music was going to be the career you pursued?
I started writing music at the age of 13. I always wanted music to be my career but I didn’t even have the confidence to tell anyone about it. During the Melbourne lockdowns, my mum heard me play and sing for the first time and asked if I wanted singing lessons and it spiralled from there. Singing and songwriting during the lockdowns gave me the emotional outlet I needed during the isolation, but it also ignited a passion in me that was the start of creating my debut album ‘Hindsight’
Who are your main influences and how do you feel they’ve shaped your style?
Without a doubt Taylor Swift is my biggest influence. Watching her journey as such a positive female role model who has transcended genres and created her own pathway in the industry has been truly inspiring. I have also been deeply influenced by Dave Grohl from the Foo Fighters who is so multi-talented that it is actually unfair. His diversity as a musician and songwriter and his unique and engaging stage presence is something I can only dream of. Both of these artists, although so different, have such incredible bodies of work behind them and really stand out in my life as inspirational humans. I am definitely petitioning for a Taylor and Dave collaboration one day soon.
What can we expect next from Kaiyah Mercedes?
This year I am set to release my sophomore album. It is so crazy to think that only a few years ago I started writing music and here I am, about to release a second album before I turn 18. The second half of this year is set to be all about live shows. After the long process in the studio, it is time to get these tracks out into the world. Of course, I am still in high school, so I will be juggling finishing year 12, but there is always time for music.