Kacey Fifield isn't your typical heartbroken singer-songwriter. While many artists wallow in the pain of a break-up and point fingers at the other person, Kacey flips the script. In her new single 'Right Past Me', she bravely explores the often unexplored territory of self-blame, offering a raw and honest look at the aftermath of a relationship where she acknowledges her own shortcomings. This vulnerability, coupled with the song's touching ballad style, creates a powerful and relatable narrative of regret, resilience, and self-discovery.
'Right Past Me' marks a return to Kacey's softer side, following the rock-infused energy of 'Dream Girl' and 'Never Reply'. The track, co-written and produced with long-time collaborator Robbie Rosen, showcases Kacey's growth as an artist and her willingness to delve deeper into complex emotions. From the inspiration behind the lyrics to her evolving musical style, we caught up with Kacey to discuss the making of 'Right Past Me' and what this song means in the context of her blossoming career.
Great to meet you, Kacey. Let's dive right into the new single. 'Right Past Me' explores the often unexplored territory of self-blame in heartbreak. What inspired you to take this less-travelled path and expose such vulnerability?
"I wish I had a super clear answer, but I was honestly just writing the entire song around the idea of someone moving “right past me” since that was a phrase I found interesting. As I was writing it, I realised I wanted to write a song that took the traditional perspective on heartbreak in a different direction."
You mentioned the "endless cycle of what-ifs" that haunt someone after a relationship ends. Can you share a specific "what if" that inspired a particular lyric or melody in the song?
"I was actually inspired to write this song by a friend who was telling me about how they felt guilty about the end of their prior relationship. It's about the process of getting over a heartbreak and how you can realize that you were wrong in the end but still feel hurt by the fact that the other person has moved on."
'Right Past Me' is a return to a ballad style single for you. Was this a conscious decision, and how does this style contribute to the song's emotional impact?
"Honestly, I don’t consciously think about what style of song I’m writing when I’m writing it - I just let the lyrics and melodies come to me. When we were producing the song, I knew I wanted it to be pretty stripped back which is why it’s a much simpler track production-wise than previous releases like 'Dream Girl' or 'Left Behind'. I wanted the production to feel vulnerable so that the lyrics could shine."
How did your collaboration with Robbie Rosen shape the final sound and emotional depth of 'Right Past Me'?
"I love working with Robbie! He’s produced other songs such as 'Self Sabotage', 'Blameless', and 'Numb Pill' and I think we understand each other super well artistically. His production made the track feel super personal and perfectly conveyed the emotion I wanted to express."
Your music often explores complex emotions and transitions, from teenage angst to the challenges of young adulthood. How do you see 'Right Past Me' fitting into this broader theme of your work?
'Right Past Me' is definitely a pretty vulnerable track, a lot more vulnerable than my previous releases, and I'm super proud of how the lyrics tell a pretty intricate, detailed story. It definitely builds upon the theme of growing up and apart from certain people I talked about in the 'Nostalgia Haunts Me' EP, but focuses more on the self-reflection behind realizing your own mistakes as opposed to cutting off people who hurt you."
You've collaborated with various producers and artists, each with their own distinct style. How do you choose your collaborators, and what do you look for in a successful partnership?
"I love working with different collaborators, but my most successful partnerships have been with people that understand me and my vision. It kind of just clicks when we’re in the studio and we both understand what we want to create. There’s no set formula - it’s just super magical when you meet someone totally on the same wavelength as you artistically."
You're balancing a music career with your studies at Columbia University. How do these two worlds intersect and influence each other?
"I'm in my second year of college now, so a lot of what I write is reflecting the ways I'm growing throughout this transition. I think coming to terms with the changes in relationships with friends, family members, and partners is a big part of navigating life as a new adult. I don't have it figured out yet, so my music reflects the themes of uncertainty and confusion that I still feel."
Beyond your musical achievements, you're actively involved in philanthropy. How do your values and personal experiences inform your choice of causes to support?
"By being involved with organisations like New Roots Institute and Farm Sanctuary, I've learned so much about sustainability within the food system and become a lot more conscious of how my dietary choices impact our planet. With factory farms contributing largely to climate change, deforestation, and pollution, I've cut all animal products out of my diet and live a vegan lifestyle. I also encourage other people to try swapping out one meal a week for a plant-based alternative. I would never want to tell people to completely alter how they eat and live - small, gradual changes make a big difference!"
Looking back at your journey from your debut album to 'Right Past Me', how would you describe your evolution as an artist and songwriter?
"I like to say that my music has grown with me. I'm still 19 so my music taste is changing as is my life experience, which, in turn, means my music is ever-evolving. I love experimenting with different genres and I think each song I create helps me better understand who I am as an artist and what kind of music I want to make going forward. Since my debut album, I think I’ve definitely improved as a songwriter in terms of being able to convey what I want to convey, but I’ve also changed as a person, meaning the themes I sing about have as well."
What message do you hope listeners take away from 'Right Past Me' and your music in general?
"I always hope people can relate to my music, but, with this song, I hope more than ever that listeners feel a little less alone after listening to the release. I think that everyone can relate in one way or another to the idea of feeling regretful for how a connection ended. Taking responsibility and owning up to your mistakes is so difficult but so important."
It's clear that Kacey Fifield is an artist on the rise, constantly evolving and pushing her creative boundaries. With 'Right Past Me', she delivers a powerful message of self-awareness and accountability, reminding us that heartbreak isn't always black and white. By embracing vulnerability and owning her mistakes, Kacey invites listeners to connect with her music on a deeper level, fostering a sense of shared experience and understanding. As she continues to navigate the complexities of young adulthood, both musically and personally, one thing is certain: Kacey Fifield is a voice worth listening to.
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