Bristol-born singer-songwriter Willow Kayne released her new single ‘Rat Race’ yesterday. At 20 years old, Kayne creates music inspired by personal experiences, creating her own unique space in the genres of pop, punk, hip-hop, soul, and trap.
Whilst speaking backstage at East London’s ‘All Points East’ Festival, Kayne explained her recent track is part of a new project, saying: “This next project is about my experience in London, and in this industry as well, ‘Rat Race’ is about my perception on London and how everything is so fast, and you’ve got to keep up. It delves into that. It’s a bit of a brain-fart that one, but I love it.” Kayne was conflicted about whether she wanted to release the track publicly, adding, “It’s definitely a diary entry tune, and it’s wicked that people love that stuff. I didn’t really think that was going to come out when I first wrote it, so it’s rewarding.”
@willowkayne Rat Race, out 22nd August. Pre save link in bio #JustJack #fyp #newmusic ♬ Rat Race – Willow Kayne
The genre-blurring pop provocateur picked up the Rising Star Award at the Ivor Novello Awards back in 2021. This award allowed her the opportunity to work and receive mentorship from ‘Chic’ icon and legend, Nile Rodgers. Kayne explained that the experience taught her that there’s no, “crazy, tactical formula to making a banger. There’s no real ‘this is what you have to do to make a banger’. It’s just going with it, which was very lucky to hear actually, it released a lot of stress.” Nile Rodgers has called Kayne a “genuine star in the making.”
Willow released another single in July this year named,”White City”. She described the inspiration for this tune on her instagram, stating, “I wrote this song as a diary entry about London last year. It’s crazy to see history/communities being knocked down and replaced with these gigantic skyscrapers that nobody can afford to live in. Having the two extremes of wealth and poverty right on the same street, not just in White City but everywhere here it seems. “Everyone in the place is seeing a different sunshine” I always think it when I walk down the street in my area, we all have such different perceptions of this place as our home, different views of the same exact place”
Kayne’s genre-fused style has developed from her early upbringing and the eclectic taste of music both her parents had. In an interview Kayne said, “I used to think I wanted to be a pop star, but I’ve realised that’s kind of limiting. If I can change the direction that pop can be, then that’s what success sounds like to me to be honest.”
Willow’s up and coming tour dates:
