ECHO is excited to introduce our readers to LA-based pop artist, KAKI.
On her new single co-written and produced with waverly, “things i would change,” KAKI gets vulnerable as she sings about doubting herself.
We recently chatted with KAKI to dig deeper into navigating insecurities, what fans can look forward to next, and more!
What inspired your new single “things i would change”?
This song was inspired by a guy who made a comment about my appearance. I found it so weird how someone could point something about me that I felt neutral about and now it was something that bothered me. It made me think that I can’t be the only one who has felt this way and created the idea of having a list of things in the back of your mind that you would want to change.
What was the writing and production process like?
My friend waverly was visiting LA from Austin and I knew he was the perfect person to write this idea with. The song came together in a night with a mid-session break to get dim sum and nap. I love writing with waverly since he really understands me as an artist and we gel together so well as writing partners. He produced the song, and we actually used the demo vocals since the emotion and feeling felt so real from those initial takes.
On Instagram, you shared that you “wrote this song about how when someone says something about you it can make you see yourself differently.” Did writing this song make you look at yourself or your music differently?
This idea and song was very real for me and one of my most vulnerable songs that I’ve released. It really made me look inward on my insecurities and how it feels to want to change things about yourself. For my music, this song really pushed me in the direction of being more vulnerable and writing songs about who I am vs. about what’s happened outside of me.
Where did you find the confidence to be so open and raw?
I love the message of this song, but I also love the melodies and production. This song feels so cohesive to me, and from the moment we wrote it I knew I wanted to release it. I feel like this song is a piece of who I am, and I want to share that with people who like my music. This song really feels like the gateway to more vulnerable songs that I have written that I can’t wait to share.
For those who aren’t familiar with your music, how would you describe your sound?
I am super drawn to melodies, and that is what I hear first when songwriting. I love to topline over a track and just sing gibberish and see what comes out paired with the melodies. I think this is the way that your soul tells you what you don’t consciously know. I am super inspired by Chelsea Cutler, Tate McRae, Taylor Swift, and Julia Michaels. Rather than deep love or tragic heartbreak, I’m inspired by the in-between moments — the confusion, excitement, and vulnerability of dating. I feel like I’m the girl next door to the girl next door – getting so close to love, but never making it there.
If you could set up fans in the perfect environment to listen to the single, what do you imagine it looking like?
I love listening to my music in the car and just jamming out. I still find it so cool to be able to see my songs on Spotify and sing them while driving. It may sound cliche, but there is nothing more fun than singing in the car with your friends.
What can fans look forward to next?
I am super excited to continue releasing new music and playing more shows. I absolutely love performing and connecting with fans irl.
What is one quote that you have heard or that you go by that you want to ECHO out to the world?
I recently heard the quote “If It’s Meant for You, You Can’t Mess It Up” and that really resonated with me. I love the idea that what you choose is the right choice and not getting caught up in regret or what you should’ve done.