A Q&A with KIAN
Source: Supplied
Congratulations on releasing your first-ever debut album - Wake Up, You're Falling! How does it feel to have released your first album, and what would you like the audience to take away from your latest album?
I’m so happy it’s finally out in the world! To answer this question I’d say I made this record as if I was creating something for myself. Especially a younger me. I want people to listen to the album and be able to relate and feel heard. A lot of the stuff I’m talking about are things we all go through daily or even things we think to ourselves.
I particularly love your song 'TRY HARD' on the album that has a real break-free type of edge to it. Could you explain and dive a little deeper into the story behind this song and if you have a particular favourite song on the album?
To be honest, the creation of this song was kind of the opposite to the title. We didn’t try too hard to make it; we just had fun and, from that, ended up telling a cool story. It’s about taking the term try hard and flipping it on its head. Since when did being passionate about something become a bad thing? In my opinion, having a dream and doing your best to make it a reality is the coolest thing you can do as a human.
It can be hard to know sometimes where your career is gonna take you, what has kept you aligned and passionate about being a musician?
Honestly, this is something I’ve had to battle with since I started creating music. There are definitely times when being an artist in Australia has its challenges but there are a few ways I normally work through it. One is taking it back to its roots, ‘Why did I start making music in the first place?’ Catharsis, being able to say what’s on my mind freely. The second way to get through doubt/tough times is pretty simple, and it’s to surround yourself with the people you love and the people who believe in you. That’s always important.
What are your thoughts on the Australian Music Scene and what would you like to see evolve within the next few years?
In my honest opinion, the scene in Australia is far from perfect and, at times, feels a little bit lost. But in saying that, there are so many incredibly talented people out here who deserve to be heard on a global scale. I think once we iron out the creases and start supporting and prioritising our local acts more, we can flourish as a creative nation.
Who would you love to collaborate with in the future and what is in store for the next few years? Whether it be career or personal.
A goal for me is to keep motivated. I want to start working on what’s next but most importantly I want to play live shows and get this new album to people’s ears in person. When it comes to collaborators, I’m looking to work with as many people as possible. I find that I enjoy working with people, whether it’s me writing for them or people jumping on some production for me I love bouncing off other people’s energy and I feel like that’s where I have the most fun.
KIAN’s new album ‘Wake Up, You’re Falling’ is out now, available on all streaming platforms!