Singer-songwriter Kacey Fifield, known for her honest lyricism and versatile musical style, is back with a brand new single, “Right Past Me.” Departing from her recent guitar-driven hits, Kacey’s latest release is an emotional ballad that explores the pain of personal regret and self-awareness in a relationship gone wrong.
Collaborating once again with “American Idol” finalist and producer Robbie Rosen, Kacey opens up in a deeply moving way, giving fans a glimpse into her vulnerabilities and the heartbreak of being the one at fault. We had the pleasure of chatting with Kacey about her music, live shows and more in this exclusive Q & A.
You’ve performed at iconic venues like The Troubadour and Whisky A Go Go. How do these live performances impact the way you approach creating music?
Performing is my favorite part of being a singer, so the experience of playing live shows has definitely impacted my writing process. Now, when I’m working on new music, I’ll write with the future live show in mind, imagining what the live performance of the song will look like. This usually means making sure each song has dynamic, energetic moments that the crowd can enjoy!
What has been your most memorable performance to date, and what did you learn from that experience?
My experience performing at The Troubadour was so magical – that venue has so much history and the sound system was amazing. It definitely taught me a lot about engaging a big crowd. On such a large stage, it’s so important to move around so that everyone in the audience feels the performer’s energy. That show definitely taught me how to expand the energy of the show to the entirety of such a large room.
How do you prepare for your live shows, and does performing live affect how you write or structure your songs?
Practice! I practice with my band, of course, but I also practice my singing alone. It’s so different singing songs at a live show versus in the studio because I need to move around and physically perform while still maintaining my vocals. Some of my songs are also very hard to sing live – “Self Sabotage,” for example, has a pretty high chorus and a super wordy bridge that can get difficult when I’m running out of breath. I prepare by singing through my set list while running in place or jumping and that’s definitely helped my stamina!
Are there any plans to tour with this new release, and if so, what cities or venues are you most excited to perform in?
No tour plans right now, but I’m about to play Connolly’s Klub 45 in NYC on October 11th at 8pm and “Right Past Me” will be making its live debut then! It’s an all-ages show so I’m so excited to see everyone there.
How do you feel your stage presence has evolved over the years, especially after performing in both Los Angeles and New York City?
I’ve definitely gotten a lot more confident on stage which has made me a more engaging and energetic performer! I’ve been performing full shows for about a year and half now and I’ve seen so much growth in myself from that first show.
What’s the biggest difference between performing on the East Coast versus the West Coast, in terms of audience and atmosphere?
I honestly think the audience and atmosphere are pretty similar on both coasts! I’ve been so lucky to have played amazing shows with super welcoming audiences. The biggest difference is probably the weather haha! When I play East Coast shows in the winter, I have to pull up to the venue wearing like 17 layers over my performance outfit and drink a ton of tea to warm my throat back up.
How do you handle the emotional intensity of your songs when performing them live in front of an audience?
Honestly, I’m so overwhelmed with joy and excitement when I’m on stage that the emotional intensity doesn’t really get to me anymore. I just love performing so much that I’m grateful to be there with people who connect with my songs!
What’s one thing fans might not know about what goes into preparing for a live show?
I think a lot of people don’t realize how much work goes into every show! I’m a fully independent artist, so I take on all the tasks that a label would usually do. I design my own posters, do my own promo, do the booking with the venue, manage ticket sales, style myself, do my hair and makeup, coordinate rehearsals with the band, make sure all the tech specs are good to go, and manage all the other details of the performance. It’s a lot of time and energy, but it’s so worth it.
Do you have any pre-show rituals or routines that help you get in the right mindset before taking the stage?
I love listening to “Til I Collapse” by Eminem on my way to the venue to get excited for the show. Other than that, I tend to avoid talking in the hours leading up to the show and try to stay zen in the green room before I get onstage.
How do you stay connected with your audience during live performances, especially when performing deeply personal songs?
I love making eye contact with everyone in the audience, especially when I see people singing along! It’s crazy because my songs are so personal when I write them but, once they’re out in the world and I’m performing them, it feels like they’re a part of something bigger than myself. It’s so magical and I’m so grateful I get to play shows and share my music with others!
