Rising Canadian Artist KASIA Unleashes House, Bass, And Pop Energy On New Single, “Heartstrings”
Canadian electronic music artist and producer KASIA is celebrating the music video release for her current single, “Heartstrings”.
Written and produced by the Vancouver-based artist, “Heartstrings” has a foundational sound in the house genre but is infused with bass house and pop elements while being enveloped in an ethereal house ambiance. Its catchy uplifting atmosphere is punctuated by heavy synth drops and honesty in its lyrics.
KASIA says,
“The genesis of ‘Heartstrings’ comes from my own experiences of navigating the aftermath of an abusive relationship. Songwriting became my sanctuary, and creating melodies and verses was spiritually healing. For this song, I wanted to create a feeling of empowerment and a cathartic connection with the audience. For the video, I aimed to visually encapsulate the journey of resilience and self-discovery, weaving a tapestry of emotions that mirrors the transformative power of reclaiming one’s narrative.”
“Heartstrings” comes after a series of breakthroughs for KASIA in her entry and subsequent rise as an artist and producer in the electronic music genre. A former synth-pop artist and international model, KASIA started making her own electronic music in 2021, and through her first wave of singles, she has earned representation from 9MM LABEL, 404 Deep House Records, and Powher Sound, while forming new creative partnerships with the likes of The Funk Hunters, Jonathan Campbell of Twelve Twelve Music, and Sam Ryan of SOS Music. On stage, she hit a new milestone in 2023 as a performer in the Rifflandia Music Festival in her home province of British Columbia.
In continuing her momentum, “Heartstrings” also serves as the first release from KASIA’s debut 2024 album, which promises to offer similar spiritual and energizing rewards to those listeners who discover it.
Congratulations on the release of your music video for “Heartstrings”! Can you tell us about the inspiration behind the song and its music video?
Thank you so much! The inspiration behind “Heartstrings” dates back almost a decade ago. I wrote the lyrics during a particularly tumultuous time after a heated argument with my ex-partner. Music has always been my solace during moments of overwhelming emotions, and as I stood in front of the mirror after he left, the words just poured out: “there you go, pulling on my heartstrings and even though I know it’s over, it still stings…”
Years later, I revisited those lyrics and incorporated them into “Heartstrings”. I infused the song with spiritual references, like writing in a journal with my left hand, symbolizing finding light in the darkness of the unconventional path. In all my lyrics, I strive to be raw and authentic, believing that the world needs more vulnerability.
As for the music video, it was a collaborative effort with a friend of mine, Cliff Hokanson, who’s experienced in shooting big-budget films and music videos. He and his professional film crew attended many of my shows, capturing excellent footage. I took on the challenge of editing the video myself, teaching myself how to use Final Cut and various colour grading and editing plugins. It was a rewarding experience from start to finish, and I’m proud of the end result.
You mentioned that “Heartstrings” was born out of personal experiences. How does your own journey influence your songwriting process?
My personal journey deeply influences my songwriting process. Music serves not only as a means of expressing my emotions but also as a tool for understanding them. It holds a significant presence in my life, often feeling like a guiding force. There have been moments where I truly believe music saved me.
I’m constantly experimenting with different frequencies, particularly tuning my music to 432 Hz, which is said to resonate with the Earth’s frequency. Sound healing is a big part of my life; I regularly use sound healing instruments and offer sessions at my studio in Vancouver. Currently, I’m exploring recording these instruments and blending their tones and frequencies into electronic music. The emerging science surrounding the healing power of music is incredibly exciting and adds a new dimension to the music industry.
In terms of songwriting, I draw inspiration from my own experiences and emotions. Lately, I’ve been focusing on themes of gratitude and raising collective consciousness. It’s important for me to infuse authenticity and vulnerability into my lyrics, reflecting my personal growth and aspirations for positive change in the world.
“Heartstrings” marks the first release from your debut album. What can listeners expect from the rest of the album, and how does it tie into the themes and energy of “Heartstrings”?
“Heartstrings” served as an important starting point for my journey of finding my voice, but what’s coming next is going to be so much more impactful. The upcoming tracks on my debut album peel back the layers on a whole new level, going deeper into my artistic expression. While Vancouver’s music scene isn’t particularly large, the artists I’ve connected with over the past year have been heavily involved in techno and underground parties. Initially, the tracks I worked on were inspired by this scene, but I never felt truly excited about them. However, as I’ve continued to evolve creatively, I’m beginning to make sense of where my strengths and purpose lie.
I initially hesitated because there wasn’t a clear path or genre that I could easily fit into. But, if I’m honest with myself, I’ve never been one to follow the crowd, anyways. I’m embracing the opportunity to try something different, even if it’s not universally embraced. What truly matters to me is staying true to myself and my vision. So, while the direction I’m taking may not be conventional, it’s authentic and reflects my journey of self-discovery and artistic exploration.
As a performer, you recently played at the Rifflandia Music Festival in British Columbia. How do you approach live performances, and what do you enjoy most about connecting with your audience on stage?
Approaching live performances, I must admit I’m a bit shy. However, when I’m truly passionate about something and believe it’s the right thing to do, I push past that hesitation. When I step onto the stage, whether it’s for a performance or a runway show, I often feel like something otherworldly takes over and guides me through the experience.
Playing at Rifflandia was an amazing experience. I had the pleasure of performing with a live band. We received a lot of positive feedback from the audience, and it was incredibly gratifying to see people dancing to the songs I created. One of the reviewers called our set, “A breath of fresh air”. It was also a first for me to have fans approach me for photos after the show, which was a surreal and humbling experience.
For Rifflandia, I dedicated a lot of time to preparing an entire EP specifically for my set. Seeing everything come together was incredibly rewarding.
Last but certainly not least, are there any particular artists or producers you’re hoping to collaborate with in the future, either for your upcoming album or for future projects?
I’m currently in discussions for a collaboration with The Funk Hunters, and I’m excited about the possibility of being featured on their upcoming album. I’m also actively collaborating with my guitarist Jeremy and drummer Daniel, focusing on building up our musical synergy. While I’ve enjoyed numerous collaborations in the past, I’ve lately been prioritizing the development of my own artistic voice. However, I’m always open to new opportunities and collaborations that align with my creative vision and values.
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