Getting to know Kaiyah Mercedes

Naarm/Melbourne-based 17-year-old singer-songwriter Kaiyah Mercedes has returned with her new single If We Never Speak Again. We asked her to tell us about herself:

I am… Kaiyah Mercedes, a 17 year old LGBT and AuADHD singer songwriter. I have been writing songs since I was 13 years old and I released my debut album ’Hindsight’ in 2022

‘If We Never Speak Again’ is… a song in the form of a voicemail. It is an expression of all the things I had left unsaid but desperately wanted to say to a person. The soundscape of the bridge is overwhelming to replicate the feelings I had with not knowing whether that person would reply or even hear those words at all.

Home is… anywhere that I can be with those that I love. I grew up living in Australia, New Zealand and the UK so never really had strong roots to one place, but at the same time I feel so grounded when I am with those who mean the most to me.

I spend too much time… watching Brooklyn 99. In my defence, I spend so much time with music, school (year 12) and study, that in my downtime I want to relax and do something a bit lighthearted.

I’ve never… written a happy song. Sometimes I write the occasional song that has a boppy melody, but sure enough if you listen to the lyrics, it will have a sad girl vibe every time. This is my superpower and also what has allowed me to connect with so many listeners.

It might surprise people to learn that… I am obsessed with Formula One. My family and I are huge fans and have travelled to many races around the world. My dream race would be going to Monaco.

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Keep up to date with Kaiyah on Instagram.