Multiple JUNO Award-Winning Artist Kiesza Releases New Single, “Heaven Ain’t Calling”
Canadian electro-pop artist, Kiesza has returned with a new dance floor anthem, “Heaven Ain’t Calling” featuring Sugar Jesus.
The track is the lead single from a forthcoming collection of songs that Kiesza will be dropping later this year.
The new single was one of the early catalysts in a chain of music created with Kiesza’s musical sidekick, Toronto-based producer, songwriter, and composer Sugar Jesus, which unlocked a whole new side of Kiesza as a musician.
Kiesza’s new music treads the line between cutting-edge current dance, house, and electro-pop and the folk styles that have informed her songwriting long before her debut award-winning single, “Hideaway” (and the uniquely compelling one-shot video that accompanied it), launched her career.
First off, care to introduce yourself to our readers?
Thank you for having me, Canadian Beats! It’s probably helpful to clarify the pronunciation of my name before we proceed, which is pronounced as (K-eye-zah). I’m a Canadian artist, born and raised in Calgary, Alberta and although my interests and inspiration lead me in many directions, music has always been the vessel connecting me with the world.
You have unveiled your single, “Heaven Ain’t Calling”! Can you share with us the inspiration behind the new single?
Absolutely! “Heaven Ain’t Calling” carries a kaleidoscope of meaning. Although the lyrics may seem relatively straightforward and simple, the message of the song can be interpreted in many different ways. Our world is full of judgment and expectations that often discard the most unique souls. Many of these individuals find sanctuary and solace on the dance floor, where they have the permission to let go and express themselves in a way that more deeply reflects their true selves.
Not long before my first session with Sugar Jesus, a close friend told me, ‘If all my weird friends aren’t going to Heaven, I want to go wherever it is that they’re going.’ When you finally make the bold leap to untether yourself from the expectations of others, there’s no turning back. Self-acceptance is the most important part of this journey, even if you find yourself as an outsider. Our most challenging journeys often take place within ourselves, and when we discover the strength to delve inward, that’s when we genuinely find our place in the world and the kindred spirits we belong with. But it all begins by being unapologetically YOU.
“Heaven Ain’t Calling” was an early catalyst for all that unfolded in this next chapter. It was written during my first studio session with Sugar Jesus, sparking the most significant musical chapter of my life. So much has unfolded from this song, including a sudden realization that I was finally ready to return to the dance floor after spending half a decade recovering from a car crash. It’s a bit like the eggshell just before it cracks.
Working with Sugar Jesus on “Heaven Ain’t Calling” has unlocked a new musical side for you. How did this collaboration come about, and how has it influenced your approach to creating music?
It’s interesting how the word ‘new’ can be interpreted. If anything, working with Sugar Jesus has unlocked an old chapter that’s been waiting to see the light of day. What’s genuinely new in this chapter is my unwavering commitment to pure and boundless self-expression, coupled with a deeper understanding of the importance of letting go of the creative process.
This collaboration came about by chance while I was visiting Toronto. I had no intention of writing music on this particular trip, but my manager sent me a list of local producers who were interested in collaborating, just in case I changed my mind. Upon seeing the name Sugar Jesus on this list, I asked her to set up a session with him. I had no expectations and had never heard his music before.
One of Sugar Jesus’ best qualities, in addition to his undeniable talent and musicality, is his kindness and willingness to experiment and push boundaries. I realized working with him, how important it is to work with people you connect with and genuinely love spending time around. I always leave sessions with Sugar Jesus feeling better than when I arrived, whether or not we completed anything that day.
“Hideaway” marked a significant milestone in your career with its massive success. Can you reflect on how that experience shaped your artistic journey, and in what ways has your music evolved since then?
“Hideaway” transformed me from being a songwriter into an artist. Before releasing it, my focus was primarily on songwriting for others, but for some reason, I couldn’t let go of this one. Taking a leap of faith that I’ll never regret, it always reminds me to trust my own instincts. This song also kept me afloat during some of the toughest days of my life, allowing me to step away from work while recovering from a car crash that spanned several years.
Before “Hideaway,” the songs I considered my own tended to be more acoustic. However, this song revealed a new side of myself, influencing all of my music that followed in countless ways. I’m now in a phase of more experimentation, seeking a more complete expression of myself through my music. I’m exploring the fusion of acoustic singer-songwriter elements with dance performance and aiming to infuse more poetic depth onto the dance floor.
Recovering from a traumatic brain injury is undoubtedly a challenging journey. How has this experience influenced your music, particularly in the creation of “Heaven Ain’t Calling” and your sophomore album, Crave?
The car crash changed everything; it woke me up to reality in a way that’s hard to explain. My perception of what matters shifted instantly. ‘Crave’ was created in the midst of this healing journey, with some songs written before the accident and others after. At that point in my recovery, I wasn’t ready to confront my pain, so I kept the album on a more positive note. With the world needing uplifting energy during the pandemic, I was emerging from a dark place and needed everything to be energetically opposite. ‘Heaven Ain’t Calling’ marks a new chapter, one where I’ve come to terms with many of the obstacles I faced. I’ve found deep acceptance within myself, and what I’m creating now feels more complete. I’m no longer chasing inspiration; instead, I’m allowing it to unfold.
Looking ahead, what are your aspirations and goals for your music in the coming years?
I’m ready to begin sharing a deeper and more poetic side of my songwriting. It feels much more vulnerable, but this aspect of me is closest to my heart. I have a great passion for expressing myself in abstract ways, and storytelling is another deep passion of mine. So, I’m bringing all of my passions together in one place and allowing the rest to unfold, placing complete trust in the process. Though I’m less certain about my specific goals, I aspire for my expression to be fearless and authentic, igniting a similar sense of passionate drive in others who have something to contribute to the world. This chapter is less about myself and more about the community, collaboration, and the power of my own journey to uplift others.
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