Proud Palawa artist Kaytlyn Johnson released her third single, This Side of Heaven, this week.
Raised in Tasmania and now based in Naarm, Johnson has made waves with her first two singles, landing Spotify editorial Playlist covers, Triple J plays, and a Rolling Stone appearance.
After two upbeat releases, this new single sees Johnson share a deeper level of herself and her music.
Released on June 16, Johnson opened up about the intimate nature of this release and what the single represents for both her and her audience.
"This Side of Heaven is a sensual and honest pop/rock ballad about the healing process within yourself between messy relationships and spreads undertones of feminine empowerment throughout the lyrics," she said.
"I wrote this song in 2022 when I was going through a rough time in my life, battling with my own relationship to myself and how that would affect my ability to love others going forward."
"We recorded this song in the state-of-the-art studios at ANU in Canberra and afforded a real string section, live drums and immersive vocal layers," she said.
"I love the instrumentation of this track. I am so proud of the rocky build in the bridge, marrying these haunting pop-ballad vocals and the suspenseful strings underneath. My producer, Sophie Edwards, and I were drawing from influences like Aussie rock band Short Stack, and likened the drama of the strings to a James Bond soundtrack.
"We were relentless in getting the drums right, and spent over four sessions just focussing on them... I am so grateful for the guidance and patience of Sophie and Will Kepa up in Canberra allowing me to perfect every word and every instrumental layer.
"I also love the outtro of this song as it feels like a real resolution to the inner-conflicts throughout the piece. It feels like an honest admission and apology, and reveals a passage of growth, ready to give yourself fully to somebody else again."
Hoping to reach listeners on a new level, the new single demonstrates the range of Johnson's vocals and musical skill set.
"I hope this song speaks to you on a new level to my first two releases. The lyrics are raw and vulnerable and are meant to confront you, and challenge what's deemed as taboo in mainstream media," she said.
"'Bled through your sheets but you didn't mind, natural power of the prettiest kind, like moonlight driving the highest tide' - Women and girls are the most strong, powerful and beautiful beings on our earth, and we deserve to take up space and speak about every experience of who we are."
Before having released any music, Johnson had already performed with Grammy award-winning artist Lucky Oceans and opened for Gamilaraay pop-icon Thelma Plum.
With the momentum gained from her first two releases, 'Sunburn' and 'Soon', the talented musician is set to release her debut EP this year, recorded in the state-of-the-art studios at ANU in Canberra.
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