Following from the announcement of her EP, “Ribena”, R&B singer-songwriter KYE treats us to new single “Heavy Love” featuring Budjerah. This latest offering is a perfect blend of pop, R&B and acrobats influences. A crowd favourite and now featuring one of Australia’s most talented vocalists, Budjerah.
Speaking on the EP, KYE says “I initially really poured over what I wanted the message of my sophomore EP to be before landing on the idea that I didn’t need to say anything particularly profound. What I wanted was for people to dance and to experience this chapter in my life with me where I am prioritising joy and pleasure. It’s often neglected but essential to be able to let yourself feel free. Whether you’re dancing in the living room or out with your friends I made this to be your soundtrack.”
This collaboration showcases the immense vocal compatibility of the pair and enchanting harmonies, shining a spotlight on two of the nation’s most talented vocalists. Driven by body-moving percussion and melodies, “Heavy Love” propels KYE further into pop stardom.
KYE has been making huge moves in the scene with her seamless lyrics and infectious rhythms. Her musical journey stems from her early love for pop and R&B, particularly inspired by the likes of Destiny’s Child and the Sugababes. The artist is a self-taught guitarist, pianist and songwriter, starting when she was the ripe age of 9-years-old.
With an addictive hybrid sound separating herself from the rest in the scene, KYE never fails to deliver rich pop/R&B undertones with hints of 2-step bops and UKG inspirations.
In 2022, she packed-out Club Bossin’ shows, supported iconic trio TLC, joined Joey Bada$$ for his triple j Like A Version and dazzled audiences during the 2022 ARIA tribute to Olivia Newton-John alongside Tones And I, Natalie Imbruglia and Peking Duk.
We sat down with soaring artist, KYE, to talk through new EP “Ribena”, early inspirations and her next big moves…
Stream “Heavy Love” now…
Read the full interview below…
Hey! How are you doing?
So good, thanks!
What were your early musical influences and when did you begin creating music yourself?
Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston were staples in our household. I fell in love with pop/r&b music from a really young age. I loved Kylie Minogue, Destiny’s Child and the Sugababes. I was writing little songs from around age 9 or 10 but wasn’t confident enough to really write my songs down until I was 15. I’d also taught myself guitar and keys at that point so songwriting became a lot easier.
How would you define your sound?
It’s a hybrid. It’s pop but it has r&b undertones. Lately there’s been a bit of 2-step and UKG involved too.
Congratulations on “Ribena”! What were your inspirations, thematically and/or sonically, with this project?
Thank you! Thematically – just fun and enjoyment. Sonically I honed in on my UK roots, emulating the UKG sounds I grew up with. It’s also a bit more pop-leaning than I’ve been before.
You evoke so much joy with these songs! Why was this so important to you and how did you set out to accomplish that goal?
I’m so glad you feel that way. I think the importance of joy and enjoyment is downplayed. Those deep heavy emotions are important to feel but joy is just as crucial.
Do you have a favourite track?
It changes every day, right now it’s 180.
How does this project show an evolution from your first EP?
I think my first EP had more of a focus on other people’s emotions and how that affected me whereas this EP I am looking inward and prioritising myself and my pleasure.
You’ve toured and collaborated with some incredible artists — is there anyone else in particular you’d love to work with?
I’d love to work with Lucky Daye, SZA, Victoria Monet and so many artists in that new r&b sphere but Beyoncé will always be the goal.
How do the UK and Australia music industries differ, in your experience?
I love making music in Australia but we are a huge island so far away from everyone else. There’s incredible music here, but by population not as big of a market. I do love how close knit it is here though, there’s no real exclusivity or hierarchies – just everyone making music with their mates.
What are you most looking forward to in the future?
Writing my next project – I want to go to a whole different place creatively and just have a no holds barred approach