With a powerhouse voice, lyrical vulnerability, and wisdom beyond his years, 16-year-old KIAN (key-ahn) emerged as one of Australia’s hottest new acts in 2018 with millions of streams and radio airplay success. Now signed to Polydor Records (Billie Eilish, Blackpink, Sam Fender), he has his sights set on the UK. To celebrate the news, he officially announces his debut EP ‘BLISS’ out on 10th May via Polydor Records. Watch the live video for ‘Waiting’ here: https://youtu.be/rCpXPxuD9ko
‘Waiting’ is the best way to get to know this rapidly rising talent. A multi-dimensional teen with a neo-spiritual vibe and songwriting ability aplenty, KIAN wrote ‘Waiting’ at the age of 14, recorded it at 15 and released the track just as he turned 16 years old. Written with the insights of someone much older, ‘Waiting’ is a reflection on the trepidation behind uncharted feelings when interested in someone new.
The ‘BLISS’ EP is the next step in his journey and features ‘Waiting’ plus its follow-up track ‘Childism’, which was born from a lo-fi beat discovered on YouTube. ‘Reminiscence’ is a dreamy soundscape with spoken-word vocals that KIAN mixed himself; ‘Summer Insecurity’ explores themes of solitude over lush R&B beats; while closing track ‘Telephone’ playfully incorporates samples and skits.
“I think that in my adolescence I have experienced things, both good and bad,” said KIAN about the EP. “So I just want to express that for myself and get those emotions out. But also let other people relate and feel like they’re not alone.”
Since the age of two KIAN has travelled with his dad, making music in remote Indigenous communities. It was at Beswick Community [NT] that KIAN met Baker Boy and, aged 13 & 17, the connection was instant. A few years later the crew were at a loose end and decided to create “Cloud 9”, which saw KIAN step up to the microphone and deliver a killer hook. Inspired and encouraged by Baker Boy as well as Frank Ocean, Earl Sweatshirt and other artists with a sense of lyrical integrity, KIAN began focusing on his own material. ‘Waiting’ is the first song he wrote, and the second to be released after releasing his debut ‘Too Far Gone’ with Vince the Kid in 2018.
In the time since, KIAN has been listed in triple j’s “Best New Music” and won their “Unearthed High Competition”, the new talent discovery search run by the international tastemaker radio station. KIAN has racked up 34 million Spotify streams and counting, soared to #1 on the Spotify “Hot Hits Australia” playlist, was named “Artist Of The Week” on Apple Music and was named one of i-D’s class of 2018. 2019 sees KIAN head to Europe for The Great Escape Festival and shows in support of pop influencer Conan Gray.
As the sonorous buzz around KIAN builds to a new level, ‘BLISS’ is sure to be the next step in what is shaping up to be a truly impressive year.
UK and Europe tour dates:
*With Conan Gray
WED 8 MAY – O2 FORUM, LONDON, UK*
THURS 9 & FRI 10 MAY – THE GREAT ESCAPE, BRIGHTON, UK
