Kaiyah Mercedes, an 18-year-old queer music artist, has released her latest single, “MANIC!!!” This indie pop-rock anthem features gritty guitars and bold lyricism. Starting her musical journey at 13 during the lockdowns, Kaiyah taught herself piano and guitar, using music for self-discovery and to express her experiences with coming out and her Autism and ADHD diagnoses.
“MANIC!!!” stands out as a pivotal song marking the transition from adolescence to adulthood. Inspired by a real-life manic episode after a breakup, it offers an authentic portrayal of emotional turmoil. Co-written with Seetali Mack and mixed and mastered by Hayden Lauersen, the track reflects Kaiyah’s mental health journey, connecting deeply with her audience through themes of resilience and vulnerability. The single hints at her future sound, which will draw from artists like Louis Tomlinson and Olivia Rodrigo, showcasing her growth as an artist.
Having connected with Kaiyah Mercedes on Instagram this past 12 months, I am delighted to share my interview with her.
Can you remember the first song you ever wrote or performed?
Beautiful Things, a song from my debut album, is one of the first songs i ever wrote when I was 13 years old. That, and We Ran Anyway, which were both written around the same time. I love playing them now, nearly 6 years later, and I really can’t believe how beautiful the lyrics are for songs written when I was so young.
Did you ever consider focusing solely on singing, or did the desire to play instruments always feel like a natural extension of your musical identity?
When I write, I have to be creating and connecting with my instrument to feel creatively free enough to experiment with lyrics and melodies of my songs. I don’t know how I would write without an instrument in my hands because, to me, music is deeply personal, and that connection with an instrument is so vital to my creation process. I could never solely be a singer.
How do your personal experiences and emotions influence the way you write and produce your music?
My own experiences are the sole influence for my music, and I don’t think I would be as creative if I didn’t have such complex emotions to deal with every day. My music has sonically changed as my life has changed, and I have always loved the changes in my music that come with each new stage of my life. Music is my way of trying to understand my complex mind, so my emotions influence my music, and music influences my life in return.
What’s been the most unforgettable moment in your career so far, and what made it so special?
I think getting asked to support Joe Cammeliri and Leo Sayer at the Palais Theatre was the most unreal moment of my career so far because I never would have expected to play at such a big show so early in my career. It was an unforgettable night and really pushed me to work even harder as a musician so that one day, I can headline a big show like that.
How do you handle moments when you feel creatively stuck or unsure about your next step in the industry?
My music is guided by my life, and I have never forced myself to create if I don’t feel the inspiration. This can leave me with long periods without music creation, which although is what I need, it can lead to some self doubt. However, i think that the mind needs rest, and often, after taking breaks from writing I tend to produce my best works. I feel recharged, and ready to write once again.
How do you see your sound or musical direction evolving in 2025, and what do you hope to accomplish in the next year?
I definitely think I’m leaning more towards the pop-rock direction! After MANIC!!! I have fallen in love with the high-energy sound of that genre, and I’m looking forward to leaning into that new style of music.
Connect with Kaiyah Mercedes now on Instagram to keep up to date with her music news. For more interviews with our Australian music community, keep following on TAGG.
