The BackBeat Podcast

View Original

KIRKLANDD RELEASES DEBUT EP “THE LOVE DIVIDE” WITH SUMMER ANTHEM“TOO LATE”

Canberra artist Kirklandd has completed the release of his debut EP ‘The Love Divide’ with his latest track “Too Late”. The acoustic guitar-led track blends his signature rap stylings with percussive, acoustic elements and an addictive melody, proving that Kirklandd is an artist unafraid to blend genres and expand his horizons.

LISTEN TO "TOO LATE" HERE

“‘Too Late’ was an idea Cam (Bluff) and I started back in January, right after I played NYE on The Hill, my first interstate festival,” said  Kirklandd“The track’s a reflection of a more chilled time; we were in the studio on a hot Melbourne day and were vibing a few acoustic guitar loops. We came across an idea that blended acoustic, folk and pop elements, but that also allowed me to deliver the 90s inspired flows I love.

Following on from the first two chapters of The Love Divide, the concept of ‘Too Late’ explores the moment where things are great; I’ve finally found myself happy in a relationship, but I keep making small mistakes that keep adding up. I keep being forgiven, I promise I’ll change, but now it’s been one too many times. I’m left wondering if I realised my mistakes a little too late.”

Too Late” follows the release of Kirklandd’s addictively melodic singles “SIIYE” and “Feel Alive”, which provided a taste of his ambitious new style, blending elements of punk, trap and pop. 

With all three singles produced by Cam Bluff (Amy SharkHilltop HoodsIlly), mixed by Citizen Kay and mastered by Xiro (ClypsoKwame), Kirklandd has effortlessly evolved from a local hip-pop star into a fully-formed pop artist.

WATCH THE MUSIC VIDEO FOR "SIIYE" HERE

WATCH THE VIDEO FOR "FEEL ALIVE" HERE

Released to extensive critical acclaim from the likes of PileRatsMTVtriple j Unearthed and Tone Deaf, the EP promises an exciting direction for Kirklandd.

This latest release comes after the announcement of the National Live Music Awards nominees, which saw Kirklandd nominated as Best Live Act for Canberra for the second year running. His live prowess has been showcased in his recent The Love Divide Experience livestream performance of his single “SIIYE”.

Featuring an 8-piece band, Kirklandd’s virtual tour for his trilogy of singles is taking place in partnership with Support Act, raising money for their COVID-19 emergency relief fund, set up to help those in the music industry affected by the pandemic. The second performance of The Love Divide Experience, for “Feel Alive,” was streamed on October 3rd. So far Kirklandd has raised over $500 for Support Act with the first show. In celebration of the EP, Kirklandd will release two more live streams, featuring special guests Citizen Kay and Genesis Owusu.

WATCH THE LOVE DIVIDE EXPERIENCE, CHAPTER ONE, HERE

Kirklandd is well established in the Australian music scene, having appeared on the festival stages of Spilt MilkGroovin the Moo, and NYE on the Hill, and collaborated with the likes of Genesis Owusu and Zellow. He has also caught the attention of industry heavyweights, landing a spot as triple j Unearthed Feature Artist, winning the Groovin’ the Moo triple j Unearthed competition in 2019, and being nominated (now twice) in the National Live Music Awards as Best Live Act for Canberra.

The Love Divide EP is available on all platforms now.

Praise for Kirklandd:
“Conjures up a delicately curated homage to a preserved era of hip hop and soul.”
- PileRats

“Mesmerising.” - The Partae

“I've loved watching Kirklandd leveling over the past year or two.”
- Tommy Faith (triple j Unearthed)

“...traverses across so many influences and sounds and brings a hi-octane fun attitude throughout it all.” - Declan Byrne (triple j Unearthed)

FOLLOW KIRKLANDD
YouTube | Facebook | Instagram | Spotify | Unearthed