A Quick Chat with Kaiyah Mercedes
Can you tell us a bit about your new EP? What is it about?
What Comes Next is all about exploring what comes after the initial stages of grieving a breakup. How the memories linger longer than the love, and the healing takes far longer than expected. Itβs angry and regretful and longing for an old version of yourself.
How did the EP come together?
This ep was written through my last two years of high school and then I brought the tracks to collaborative spaces to tweak as I turned 20. I then got to work with Seetali Mack again on bringing the soundscape of these emotions to life, which is always a surreal experience.
What is your favourite part about songwriting?
I think that has changed for me over the last few years. Now, I love the collaboration of songwriting with other people. Itβs been really healing for me to write songs with others and find catharsis with like-minded people.
Do you have a favourite track on the EP?
The lead single Seventeen is probably my favourite song on the EP, but also my favourite song Iβve EVER done. It is everything i love about making music.
You have heaps of songs out; how do you keep the momentum up?
I tend to write in big batches. I go through a big life experience, I write an album, and then I live my life before I write another project. I donβt feel a constant pressure to churn out music because when it comes, it comes in big waves. As far as release momentum, I find all of the stamina in how much i love my job. I want these songs in peopleβs playlists and I want to put on shows, so that gives me all of the motivation i need.
You've got songs in different genres; do you have a favourite genre to write in?
I donβt think I have a favourite genre to write in because each song I write exists in its own bubble. I never write with the intention of writing in a certain genre, I just let the song come to life however it chooses to. I think that a lot of pressure off me to be a certain musician. I care more about the art than fitting a mould.
What inspires your music?
My own life is my main inspiration. Since I was a teenager Iβve always been fascinated by the idea of the Human Condition. We are all subject to so much in our lives, a lot of which we donβt talk about, but when you strip us of everything artificial we are all just human. All of our lives are similar in ways, and we all connect to art. that is what makes us human. I think people are just so interesting and our nature is so inspiring, itβs hard to not write about it.
You've got a live show coming up on the 23 Oct at The Espy Basement, what can punters expect and how is your live show different to the recordings?
My live shows put my songs in a completely different light. They are often more drum driven, heavier, and way more energetic. You can hear your favourite tracks of mine with a twist! My shows take you on a journey and tell a story just like my albums, but always in a slightly different way.
What advice would you give your younger self when it came to being a music artist?
Especially when youβre really young, people donβt take you seriously. Your peers and the industry donβt understand your drive and passion and determination to succeed. Itβs important you prove them wrong. My advice is to work 10 times harder every time someone doubts you. donβt let peoples assumptions of you stop you from doing what youβre supposed to do.
Last question, 3 Australian artists that should be on our radar right now?
Livy B, Gypsy Lee, Make an Exit