Naarm/Melbourne's own Kaya Byrne has released his highly anticipated debut EP, the eight-track collection titled 'Belladonna/Supernova'. This striking debut offers listeners a rich tapestry of sounds, expertly weaving together soulful indie rock with thoughtful singer-songwriter lyricism and even hints of hip-hop. Across its eight tracks, the EP takes us on an introspective, almost celestial journey through themes of love, loss, and the often-treacherous pursuit of fame.
Surprisingly, the genesis of 'Belladonna/Supernova' came about quite unexpectedly, almost by chance. While touring Australia with the acclaimed theatre production of 'Come From Away' in early 2023, Kaya found himself regularly jamming with fellow musicians in the cast. It was during one of these casual sessions in Newcastle that drummer Cypress Bartlett first heard Kaya's songs and felt an immediate connection, offering to produce if Kaya decided to record.
By the time the tour bus rolled into Adelaide, hotel rooms were doubling as makeshift recording studios for demos. And by the time they reached Perth, the decision was made – this EP had to be brought to life. Drawing on the incredible musical talent surrounding them on tour, they committed to hitting the studio properly to record 'Belladonna/Supernova' in its entirety.
The EP is deeply personal, grappling with several potent themes. The relentless pursuit of recognition, the inherent dangers of ambition, the devastation of heartbreak, and the irresistible allure of love are all explored across the eight tracks. Kaya himself notes the influence of his fascination with the music industry's darker side, "I’ve always been fascinated by the pursuit of fame and the effects that can have on an artist. Many of the songs I was writing at this time seemed to be either warnings to myself about the dangers of this pursuit (‘Lily Brown’) or my own frustrations at my career not panning out the way I had hoped (‘Stasis’)."
Originally hailing from Canberra/Ngunnawal Country, Kaya made the move to Naarm/Melbourne in 2014 to chase a career in theatre. Over the past eight years, he's toured the country extensively in various musical productions. However, his solo music has always remained a vital and deeply personal creative outlet. This dual life in acting and music clearly informs his distinctive and authentic artistic voice.
Bringing 'Belladonna/Supernova' to fruition involved a talented team, with Kaya Byrne and Cypress Bartlett handling production duties. The tracks were expertly mixed by Adrian Breakspear and mastered by Ben Feggans. Recording sessions took place in a variety of locations, including 385 Studios (WA), Crank Recording (WA), The Grove Studios (NSW), and Kiln Studios (NSW), adding layers to the EP's unique sound.
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