Singer-songwriter Kacey Fifield has just unveiled her enchanting new EP, 'Seeing Stars', a collection of tracks that shine as an intimate exploration of love's multifaceted nature. Blending shimmering indie textures and synth-pop drive with the grounding energy of classic rock, the EP dives into the confusing whirlwind of relationships, our tendency to idealise those we're drawn to, and the solace found in quiet contemplation.
From the assertive opening riffs of 'HOLD UR PEACE' to the nostalgic shimmer of the focus track 'secrets,' 'Seeing Stars' charts a compelling emotional course. We were keen to learn more about the inspiration and artistry behind this captivating release and were lucky enough to sit down with Kacey to discuss the EP's central themes, its sonic landscape, and the personal experiences that shaped its creation.
It's always a pleasure to speak with you, Kacey. The new EPexplores the complexities of love, including confusion and idealisation. Was this concept inspired by a specific experience or observation?
"'Seeing Stars' is not based on a specific experience or observation; it is more of a compilation of different experiences, feelings, and stages of multiple relationships. It creates a dreamy world focused on the intricacies of falling in and out of love, showcasing the various ways in which we metaphorically see stars: seeing stars because of being so dizzy from the confusion of a relationship, putting someone on a pedestal so much so that you see them as a star, and spending late nights stargazing to hide from worldly problems."
The EP seamlessly blends indie pop, synth pop, and classic rock. How do you feel these genres contribute to the storytelling and emotional depth of 'Seeing Stars', and were there any specific artists within these genres that particularly influenced the sound?
"Different genres in my EP help to enhance the conveyed emotions in the specific tracks. I wasn’t necessarily overthinking the genres and just went with the flow in my songwriting process. Sonically,I'm usually inspired by every artist I listen to. Recently, I've been listening to a lot of The Marias, Alessi Rose, and Rachel Chinouriri. My all-time favourite artists are Lorde and Conan Gray!"
Each song on 'Seeing Stars' seems to represent a different stage or emotion within the narrative of love. Could you share your thoughts on the overall concept of the EP, including how you envisioned the sequence of songs contributing to the listener's journey?
"This EP tells a story: from the pop-rock opener, 'HOLD UR PEACE', which brutally slams an addict to no commitment for their mixed signals against guitar shredding and energetic drum fills, to the vulnerable ballad 'Right Past Me' which describes a sense of regret over one's own mistakes in a relationship, all the way to the upbeat, synth-filled 'In Between' which depicts the excitement and nerves of connecting with someone new.
“'secrets' closes out the EP by emphasising how past relationships continue to impact us as we cling onto the memories shared with that person. We are never alone in what we are going through, so I wanted the listeners to relate to these various stages of relationships and feel understood."
'HOLD UR PEACE' is described as a "powerful pop-rock opener" confronting the frustrations of ambiguity. What was the creative process like for this track, and what message do you hope listeners take away from it?
"I loved writing this track! By the time the chorus hits, a relatively modest verse gives way to guitar shredding and energetic drum fills, providing the perfect soundscape for the track’s bold lyrics that play on the phrase 'speak now or forever hold your peace'. I made this song with Mike Pepe, Brooke Daye, and AJ Peacox in a nice, air-conditioned room in the middle of the summer, so we enjoyed writing a track with so much energy in it."
'Right Past Me' is a poignant ballad about regret. How did you tap into that specific emotion during the songwriting process, and what do you hope listeners reflect on when they hear this song?
"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. The reflection here is to live without regret and make your feelings known, even if in the end you may experience heartbreak. Each relationship is a two-way street, and it takes two people, so sometimes things will just not work, and we need to move on."
'In Between' captures the nervous excitement of a new connection. How did you translate that feeling into an upbeat, synth-infused sound, and what personal significance does this song hold for you?
"'In Between' is very special to me as it relates to multiple personal experiences my friends and I have gone through while embracing the college life. It’s exciting and vulnerable at the same time to be open to new possibilities and not know what the future holds."
'secrets' reflects on the enduring impact of past relationships. What was the most challenging or rewarding aspect of writing this song, and what role do you think nostalgia plays in shaping our present experiences?
"I’m the definition of a nostalgic person, who constantly looks back on old texts, relives memories, and scrolls through their photo album. Past experiences definitely shape us in many ways, and 'secrets' is all about that! It was so rewarding to write a song that describes the process of finding closure and being at peace with the fact that former heartbreaks stick with us over time."
You've mentioned that encountering new situations and relationships inspires your songwriting. Can you discuss how your personal growth and evolving perspectives have influenced your music over time, particularly in 'Seeing Stars' compared to your previous work?
"I am currently in my sophomore year of college, so my experiences are definitely different from when I was still in high school. I have evolved both personally and artistically as I have grown into the person that I am today. 'Seeing Stars' is my most mature body of work since I am no longer a teen."
'Seeing Stars' involved collaboration with multiple producers across different cities. How did working with different producers shape the final sound of the EP, and what did you learn from these collaborations?
"The EP has a few collaborations on it, including Sam Beresford from the band Winnetka Bowling League and Mike Pepe, who’s produced for the Plain White T's! There are also tracks with my long-time collaborator, Robbie Rosen and my first collaboration with David Hugo. All these producers put in a lot of time and energy to make these tracks sound perfect, and I am extremely grateful to work with them all."
You aim to foster a sense of unity and shared experience through your music. How do you hope 'Seeing Stars' resonates with listeners, and what message of connection do you want them to carry with them after listening?
"I said this before, but I want my music to unite listeners and make them feel understood. We are never alone in our feelings. Hopefully listening to 'Seeing Stars' will bring them a sense of excitement, peace, and closure.I can’t wait for everyone to hear 'Seeing Stars!'"
The EP journeys through a spectrum of emotions, beginning with the bold confrontation of ambiguity in 'HOLD UR PEACE' and navigating through the poignant regret of 'Right Past Me' before finding the nervous excitement of new connection in 'In Between'. The narrative arc culminates in 'secrets', a track that reflects on the lasting impact of past relationships.
Ultimately, Kacey hopes that 'Seeing Stars' will resonate deeply with listeners, fostering a sense of shared experience and understanding. By laying bare the intricacies of love and relationships, she aims to remind us that we are never truly alone in our feelings. With its blend of captivating melodies and honest storytelling, this EP is an invitation to gaze at our own emotional constellations and find solace in the shared human experience of navigating the heart's journey.
You can stream the new EP today, and be sure to follow Kacey today on Instagram and TikTok.
