Meet The Poetic Singer-Songwriter KIAN
Rising star KIAN is an artist that embraces vulnerability and the complexities of human emotions. After winning Triple J’s Unearthed High competition in Australia, the 17-year-old’s life quickly changed, helping him pursue his music journey. Since that fateful day, he has travelled the world, writing and recording music, released his 2019 EP ‘Bliss’, and toured with some of the industries hottest artists like Conan Gray and Jorja Smith. With an alternative/lo-fi indie sound, KIAN sings about what it’s like to be young in today’s world, navigating the beauty of first love and the complexities of growing relationships. His new single ‘Every Hour’ is a perfect representation of his emotive style and sound. With plans to release more music, KIAN is an artist that needs to be on your radar.
We were able to chat with him about everything from his new single, hand-me-down CD’s, his calming sound and more…
Obsessed with your new single ‘Every Hour.’ Can you take us into the creative process for the record?
It was a very natural process, to be honest, I was working with frequent collaborator Jerome Farah, and we were just hanging out and making a beat as we usually do, then I started to sing the first verse melody and had an idea of what I wanted to write about, from there the chorus came pretty naturally, and the song was coming together. There were parts I struggled with, but a few sessions later, the track was all ready to go!
When you’re creating new music that deals with relationships, do you ever get nervous or self-conscious about opening up about your personal experiences?
I’m a pretty sensitive person and definitely in touch with my emotions, but I think there is a way to get across my personal experiences and messages without being too specific and yet still keeping the song meaningful to both me and the people that it resonates with.
Your music evokes such a warm and calming vibe. How would you describe your sound?
I think my sound is full of genres that inspire me, and I’ve heard people explain it differently, I’d probably say that my music is Alternative Pop with splashes of Alternative RnB and Hip-Hop.
It’s insane that you are only 17-years-old! Did you always want to pursue music?
All I knew is that I wanted to do something creative as I’ve always felt most comfortable doing that, music was something I had dabbled with throughout my childhood and was something I’ve always felt a strong connection to, I started writing when I was 14, and from there I’ve mostly taught myself how to play guitar and sing with a few lessons here and there, still to this day I’m growing and trying to learn more and get advice to help me master my craft.
What was the first album or CD you’ve ever bought?
I never found myself buying albums or CDs when I was younger, but I did get my hands on some hand-me-down CDs from my Mum including, Nevermind – NIRVANA, In Search Of.. – NERD and Demon Days – Gorillaz, so I feel blessed that I could listen to those incredible albums!
You’ve accomplished some pretty amazing things like touring with Jorja Smith and Conan Gray and have also performed at The Great Escape. What are the five goals you want to achieve as an artist in 5 years?
I for sure want to have one or more LP’s out, Grow my skills as a musician and play multiple instruments not just guitar, travel and perform in places I’ve never been, meet and learn from some of my idols and also maybe be recognized for some awards along the way.
Finally, will you be releasing an album or EP soon? We need more music!
There is music that is ready to go and also some in the works so expect more soon, working towards another project whatever that be, all I can say for sure now is there is more to come!
Make sure to check out KIAN’s music video for his new track ‘Every Hour’ below…
