Singer-songwriter Kacey Fifield is back with her haunting new single, “OUT OF MIND,” a track that blends emotional indie-pop with a thrilling horror-movie aesthetic. Dropping just in time for Halloween, the song captures the intense, unsettling feeling of being unable to shake an ex. In this exclusive Q&A, Fifield discusses the spontaneous creative process with co-writer Riley Koapaka Aki, why the track naturally lent itself to a spooky release, and the ambitious decision to make the music video a direct, slasher-themed continuation of her previous single, “Jane Austen Reader.” Get ready to stream the song and watch the short-film video—you’ll want to see how her cinematic universe unfolds!
Photo credit: Varvara Aristakesyan
Thanks for taking some time to chat with us – let’s jump right in! You were quoted as saying “OUT OF MIND” captures “the intense, unsettling feeling of being unable to shake an ex.” Can you elaborate on the creative process of translating such a visceral emotional experience into music?
That unsettling mood is showcased in the verses of “Out Of Mind.” The lyrics suggest being “haunted” by someone from your past, which is amplified by the intense chorus.
You co-wrote “Out Of Mind” with Riley Koapaka Aki. What was the collaborative dynamic like, and how did your individual styles come together to shape the final song?
This was my first time working with Riley and I loved our dynamic songwriting process. The lyric ideas came super quickly to me once Riley started on the production. We created the entire track in one session! We were able to combine our musical styles into something new and exciting.
The song is dropping on Halloween night. Was the spooky, horror-movie theme conceptualized specifically for a Halloween release, or did the track organically lend itself to that timing?
The track organically lent itself to a Halloween release. We wrote and recorded the demo during my summer in Los Angeles, so I wasn’t sure when it would be released. But, it felt like such a spooky song and, once I came up with the idea for the music video, I knew I had a great Halloween release!
The music video is a direct continuation of the storyline from your previous single, “Jane Austen Reader.” What was the driving force behind creating an expanding “cinematic universe” for your music?
I just love telling stories and the concept of a short film music video allows for more of a storytelling. My upcoming EP, which will include these two tracks, felt very linked to the visual format: the songs and their music videos feel almost inseparable. It made a lot of sense for me to create this cinematic universe!
The blending of emotional indie-pop and horror-movie aesthetics is highly creative. Are there any specific horror films or cinematic styles that influenced the sound or the visual approach for this project?
I was influenced by the “slasher” type horror films. “Out Of Mind” can be taken metaphorically and also literally when we are haunted by our minds or actual exes. The song was structured to really build up to the excitement and energy of the chorus, just like how a horror film builds from smaller, spooky encounters to full-fledged haunting. I love horror movies and Halloween is just around the corner, so it made sense! Watch the music video to see how our slasher story ends 😉
In what ways do you feel this new EP builds upon or evolves the sound you established with your previous work, including your album and EPs?
I am always working on improving my craft: I think each project represents a new era of my life as I continuously grow, both personally and as a musician. Drawing from my experiences and also incorporating ideas of others have definitely contributed to my growth.
As an independent singer and songwriter, what is the biggest advantage you find in controlling your own narrative and creative direction in the indie-pop space?
There are many pros and cons to being an independent artist. I love controlling my creative direction and being free in basically every aspect of creative process. For this song and video, for example, it was incredible having complete creative control. It’s so cool seeing my vision come to life!
Looking ahead to the full EP release in early 2026, is there a central theme or emotional thread that ties the songs together, beyond just the sound?
This track is different from “Jane Austen Reader” in many aspects, so expect the unexpected. My upcoming EP will have a variety of songs that describe an overarching narrative storyline, while exploring many different styles sonically.
What was the most challenging part of bringing “Out Of Mind” – both the song and the video concept – to life?
I think the hardest part was just finding enough time to execute my artistic vision. I am a full-time college student in New York, so my life is pretty busy! Beyond that, every shoot has its challenges. For this one, it was pretty difficult to shoot the Subway scene at the beginning, but we had a lot of fun getting it done!
Is there a particular lyric from “Out Of Mind” that you’re most proud of or that you feel encapsulates the song’s meaning?
I love the chorus! Especially this part:
“Forgive me for the late reaction.
You love to fuel my appetite.
It’s only that I’m burning up alive.
Out of sight, out of sight, out of mi-ind”
For fans who are just discovering your music, which of your previous songs would you recommend they listen to immediately after “Out Of Mind”?
You have to listen to “Jane Austen Reader” and “Saving Face,” the lead track from my EP “Seeing Stars”!
Finally, what is the best way for fans to support “Out Of Mind” right now—whether it’s through pre-saving, streaming, or watching the short-film video?
Please stream and watch the music video! As always, I appreciate the support!
How can we catch up with you on social media?
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4hF0zzZm3K54DYDzT9IrjK?si=MRDQAkkzSCyfdSD2ni3t_w
Instagram: @kaceyfifield
TikTok: @kacey_fifield
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kcfifield
