Singer-songwriter Kasey Fifield delves into the multifaceted world of love in her latest EP, “Seeing Stars,” a collection born from spontaneous songwriting. The EP journeys through the emotional spectrum of relationships, from the assertive confrontation of ambiguity in the opener “HOLD UR PEACE” to the poignant regret of “Right Past Me” and the hopeful excitement of “In Between.” The focus track, “secrets,” offers a nostalgic reflection on past connections, aiming for closure and acceptance. Building upon her previous work, Fifield’s “Seeing Stars” captures her growth as an artist, influenced by the likes of Lorde and Conan Gray, and inspired by her evolving experiences in college. With the EP’s release, Fifield hopes to connect with listeners through her vulnerable storytelling and aspires to bring the music to life on tour.
Q: “Seeing Stars” seems to delve deeply into the complexities of love. What was the initial spark or inspiration that led you to explore these themes in this particular collection of songs?
A: It was a spontaneous songwriting process, and the storyline became clearer with each song I wrote. “Seeing Stars” creates a dreamy world focused on the intricacies of falling in and out of love, conveying emotions such as anger, sadness, regret, hopefulness, and closure.
Q: The opening track, “HOLD UR PEACE,” is described as assertive and confronting ambiguity. What was the emotional headspace you were in when writing this song, and why did you choose it as the EP’s opener?
A: 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 play on the phrase “speak now or forever hold your peace.” I thought it was a great, energetic way to open my EP.
Q: “Right Past Me” is portrayed as a poignant ballad about regret. Can you share a bit about the vulnerability it takes to lay bare such personal missteps in your songwriting?
A: 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 realized 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 may experience heartbreak. As a songwriter I have to be very vulnerable to sound authentic and that’s what I did in this track.
Q: In contrast, “In Between” offers an upbeat, synth-infused feel, capturing the excitement of a new connection. How did you aim to musically differentiate this feeling from the other emotional territories explored on the EP?
A: “In Between” explores that euphoric stage of meeting someone new and feeling hopeful about it. It is a very special track as it relates to multiple personal experiences my friends and I have gone through while embracing college life. It’s exciting and vulnerable at the same time to be open to new possibilities and not know what the future holds.
Q: The focus track, “secrets,” is described as anthemic and nostalgic, reflecting on past relationships. What kind of “closure and acceptance” were you hoping to convey with this final track?
A: I’m a very nostalgic person who constantly looks back on old texts, relives memories, and scrolls through my 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.
Q: Your previous work includes the album “Between The Lines” and the EP “Nostalgia Hunts Me.” How do you see “Seeing Stars” evolving or building upon the themes and sounds you’ve explored in your earlier releases?
A: When I wrote my album, I was still a teenager trying to find my way in the music world. Through trying different styles, I found the voice and sound I liked. Both “Nostalgia Hunts Me” and “Seeing Stars” reflect me in the given moment in time as a person and an artist. Progression is me growing up from a senior in high school to a sophomore in college and who is documenting life and growing pains. Growing and developing as an artist and writing the music that I want to listen to is key.
Q: The title “Seeing Stars” evokes a sense of wonder and perhaps even a touch of delusion in the context of love. What is the significance of this title in relation to the EP’s overall themes?
A: The title comes from a lyric in “Saving Face” that refers to seeing stars in the cartoon sense: when a character is dizzy. But the EP explores 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.
Q: Are there any specific artists or musical influences that you feel particularly informed the sound or songwriting of “Seeing Stars”?
A: I am always influenced by the music I listen to! I listen to a lot of Lorde and Conan Gray so there’s definitely some strong influence there.
Q: You mentioned that encountering new situations and relationships inspires you to dig deeper emotionally. Can you share an example of a specific experience that directly led to one of the songs on the EP?
A: Yes, since I am currently in my sophomore year of college, my experiences are different than when I was still in high school. I have met a lot of new people and I have evolved both personally and artistically. I don’t have a specific experience I can describe, but all my songs in this EP are based on situations and relationships from my life.
Q: Looking ahead, now that “Seeing Stars” is about to be released, what are your next musical aspirations or goals? Are you already working on new material?
A: I am always working on new music! I also would love to go on a tour to perform this EP live!
Where can we listen to “Seeing Stars“: Seeing Stars Streaming Link.
Connect with Kacey Fifield:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4hF0zzZm3K54DYDzT9IrjK?si=MRDQAkkzSCyfdSD2ni3t_w
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaceyfifield/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kacey_fifield
