Kat Edwards' recently releaased EP Leaving Is The Kindest Thing has been on our minds and in our ears. The Australian singer-songwriter who oepned for Conan Gray on his stadium tour has delved deep into her relationships and sense of self, creating a project that is both relatable and meditative. We spoke to the rising artist last month about new music, touring and what's next:

Your new EP is great. We especially love the single from it, Damaged Goods. You’ve expressed that this is your most honest work so far. Why was now the right time to release it?

Thanks so much! I’ve found that the older I get, the more honest I become within myself and also in my writing. It’s hard to really ‘see’ yourself when you’re younger, so I think it’s just a part of growing up, I get a little braver every year and a little more comfortable sharing my experiences.‍

You wrote the song in two parts - 2020 and 2022. How do you think you can hear that you evolved as a writer and artist through this song?‍

I think you can hear it in the production, for instance, the first verse of the song is really stripped back - an ode to my folk beginnings. When we finished it in the studio 2 years later I had changed so much as a person and also as a musician, so the production had naturally evolved to reflect that, there’s some electronic elements we used - which in 2020 I never would have touched.‍

We've read that piano was new to you when you started writing this song. Has it become how you primarily write now? What’s your writing process like?‍

I wish I could say I write all my songs on piano now, but truthfully guitar is always my go to - Mainly because I currently don’t have access to a piano. It’s easier to get ideas out on the guitar as I’m so confident on that instrument, but pianos hold so much magical energy that really inspire me whenever I get to play one.

My writing process is pretty constant, I’m pretty much always writing, whether that’s using the notes app on my phone, recording voice memos of ideas I get (usually these come to me while i’m driving) or just sitting down on my bed and playing my guitar, I always have at least 3 songs i’m trying to write at a time. I have lots of feelings and thoughts so it’s therapeutic to get them out of my brain and into a song.‍

You supported Conan Gray on tour around Australia! How was that experience? How did it feel to play your songs to such big crowds? ‍

Honestly it’s hard to explain just how life changing/affirming that tour was. Conan’s fans are some of the sweetest, most supportive crowds I've ever got to play in front of. It was really wild to stand in front of 10,000+ people each night and sing my songs, you just can’t fathom that many people listening to/looking at you so I often felt out of body, your adrenaline kind of takes over. I would feel so comfortable on stage but as soon as I finished my set and walked off my whole body would shake! 

What did you learn from the tour and perhaps from watching Conan?‍

I learnt that Conan is one of the most engaging artists i’ve ever seen perform live. It was so inspiring to watch someone with such a strong artistic vision and professionalism. It’s one thing to sing your songs, but to actually perform and put on an engaging show is a whole other thing. I definitely want to use that as inspiration for my future shows.‍

For those who are new to your music, when did you begin writing and singing? What made you want to be a musician?‍

I’ve been writing and singing for as long as I can remember, I used to want to be an author and write books so it’s always been a special interest. I don’t think there was ever a clear cut moment where I ‘decided’ I wanted to be a musician, it’s more so that there is nothing that lights the fire in me quite like creating and writing songs does.‍

Who would you like to work with? Producers, writers, photographers etc? Is there anyone on your bucket list?‍

Writers and producers would be Simon Lam, Adrienne Lenker, Caroline Polachek, Rob Milton, Alex G, Dan Nigro, Photography wise, Kitty Callaghan, Petra Collins.

What’s on your playlist right now?‍

I’ve been so impressed and so excited by all the AU/NZ music that’s been coming out recently, there are so many incredible local artists but i’ve been particularly loving these artists:

Armlock’s entire discography,
Molly Payton - Asphalt/her entire discography 
Stella Bridie - He Didn’t Mean It
Sycco - Buttered Up
Hannah McKittrick - Utensil
Lola Scott - Only Miss U‍

What’s something you’re passionate about and want to use your platform for, aside from music?‍

Mental health advocacy. Something I've struggled with and still am working through but know that it is so important to talk about as it helps others gain a deeper understanding and those going through similar feelings to feel less alone. ‍

What’s next?

My EP, Leaving Is The Kindest Thing has been released and we get to go tour it in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney! I haven’t done many headline shows so it’s all really exciting. I’ve also been writing and making a lot of new music with my good friend Gab Strum so hopefully we can release some of that soon too :).

Listen to Kat Edwards HERE. Photo by Meg Siejka.

@katedwards__