Interview: Kezra Chats About Her Stunning New Single, ‘Back Home’
Naarm/Melbourne-based indie-pop artist KEZRA has returned with a spellbinding new offering ‘Back Home’ – produced by Mark Zito (Fractures) and mastered by Matthew Neighbour (Matt Corby, Middle Kids, The Avalanches). We caught up with Kezra to find out more about the new tune.
Back Home’ is such a beautiful track. What was the inspiration behind it?
It was at a time in my life where I was feeling very uninspired and stuck during lockdown, ’Back Home’ is more a reflection of all the built up emotions I was feeling; and writing that song was able to help me release some of those emotions. My vocal harmoniser definitely kick started the inspiration for ‘Back Home’. Sometimes when I’m songwriting with the same instrument over and over again, all the songs start to sound quite similar. So for a change, I plugged in my harmoniser, sat on the floor and I started to improvise some vocal ad-libs on my harmoniser over 4 chords, the song practically poured out of me after that.
You’ve made some magic with Fractures. What was it like working with him?
He’s an absolute legend! We always record at his home studio, it’s such a relaxed environment with no pressure to just sit there and create the magic. He is the king of layering sounds and creating an epic build ups, while still keeping it authentic and not feeling over produced.
Is there any other artist you would like to collaborate with in the future?
I would LOVE to collab with Maggie Rogers, as she is just an incredible beast of producing/songwriting and performing. A girl can dream right haha!
Who are your biggest musical influences?
Ah, so many! But I feel like all of these artists provide different sources of influence for me that help or helped shape the artist that I am today.
Angus & Julia Stone’s simplicity and soft guitar fingerpicking.
Lana Del Rey’s with her Haunting and dark lyrics yet angelic glamorous style of singing.
Maggie Rogers high energy indie pop sound, with poetic lyrics.
Holly Humberstone’s catchy pop melodies, but not predictable, low key with her vocals and emotion being the forefront of the music.
What’s been a highlight of your music career so far?
Getting to perform my single ‘Better Place’ at AAMI Park stadium on the main stage as part of NRL final’s entertainment. It was crazy, it was raining, and I never realised how important in ear monitors were until you start hearing your voice bouncing around a stadium.
Any exciting live shows coming up that your fans can see you at?
Yes I will be announcing some shows very soon! Keep your eyes peeled hehe.
