Interviews
Kacey Fifield – Won’t Give Up
By: Jamie Steinberg
Q) What are the recent projects that you are working on?
A) I am currently in the process of writing a new song! I have recently released my original single titled “Won’t Give Up” and the official music video can be viewed on my YouTube channel, Kacey Fifield Variety. I am co-hosting a radio show on Teens of America Radio Network, “Hear Me Out with Kacey Fifield Hour” so I am working on its new content. Also, I am working on a new video/vlog for my YouTube channel and I’ve been auditioning for some acting parts so let’s keep our fingers crossed!
Q) How would you describe your sound?
A) My first few singles were mostly EDM with an addition of pop. My current music is mostly pop with some EDM vibes. However, “Won’t Give Up” is a ballad so I like mixing things up and trying new things.
Q) Who are some of your musical influences?
I’d like to think that my music is original. I don’t base my songs on any other artist. I am pretty sure I get influenced by today’s music in general terms since I do listen to Top 100 to know what’s trending. My music producer, Ricardo Padua, and I compose my songs based on what we like and what sounds good to us. We often switch things up in the process. For example, “Won’t Give Up” initially started out as a trendy dance song, but we didn’t love the melody. We kept switching it up until it became a ballad. And we both loved it. I do have a couple of role models. I have always been inspired by Victoria Justice. I grew up watching her show “Victorious” and singing the songs from there. I also really like Taylor Swift and her music. I think she is just remarkable.
Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “Won’t Give Up.”
A) “Won’t Give Up” is about believing in yourself, being strong and keeping your head up high no matter what. And even though there are ups and downs and people who do not wish us well, we need to stay true to what we believe in and never give up on our dreams and values. I was inspired to write these lyrics based on my personal experience and what some of my friends were going through. With my song, I wanted everyone to know that they’re not alone! Everyone goes through tough times, but we need to get through them in order to get to the good times in life. And no matter what obstacles stand in the way, giving up is not an option!
Q) What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?
A) Anyone can relate to being down or sad. We all (young and old) feel lonely, betrayed or upset at times. Therefore, “Won’t Give Up” gives everyone hope and helps to move on. And, honestly, that’s the feedback I get. A lot of fans love this song because it gives them strength to accomplish more, to overcome hardships and just keep positive about the future. I also think everyone relates to feeling like you’re invincible at times and at other times, feeling like you can’t succeed at anything. It’s inspiring to know that things get better and you CAN achieve your goals if you don’t give up.
Q) How does the video for the track play into the message behind it?
A) With the video, I wanted to leave some room for the interpretation and I didn’t want to create a literal story. Therefore, the video shows a variety of images projected behind me – rain drops, leaves, sunsets, etc. that correspond to the lyrics. There is also a personal story in there, with me singing and playing the piano and bits of me dealing with a tough situation but just being positive about it.
Q) What is your song writing process?
A) My producer, Ricardo Padua, and I usually meet up (Skype or in person) and work on lyrics or music or both. I usually have a few ideas for lyrics beforehand so then we try to build off of that. Next, we’ll try to come up with a melody together and bounce ideas off each other. It’s crazy how sometimes we can write a song in one or two sessions. And other times, it’s a much longer process. But that’s what I love about songwriting. It’s so unpredictable.
Q) Do you need music before you can create lyrics?
A) It really depends, sometimes I come up with lyrics first then figure out the melody and sometimes vice-versa. I don’t need music to work on lyrics, but it’s easier to write the lyrics if you already have a melody in mind. It’s much harder to come up with the melody for the lyrics. That’s why writing both at the same time seems most rewarding and fun. Right now, I have a bunch of lyrics written waiting for that perfect melody. [smiles]
Q) How much of hand do you have in the production of your music?
A) All production ideas are run by me so I have a final word on anything and everything. However, my producer and I work so well as a team that we often think alike. And since we both are so hands on during the process, we both know what we want as an outcome. Therefore, working together is super easy.
Q) What can fans expect from a live performance?
A) My live performances are very thought out. I choreograph my own dance moves so that’s fun and select songs based on the event I am performing at. The fans can expect to see outgoing, energetic Kacey singing her heart out.
Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?
A) I would like to collaborate with Taylor or Victoria. This girl can dream…I also have one or two realistic collabs in mind that may happen this year. We will see how it will all play out, but stay tuned.
Q) What album/band are you currently listening to and why do you dig them?
A) OMG, I am such a nerd, but I love the entire Hamilton I went to see Hamilton on Broadway and I just loved it. So, everyday I sing my favorite Hamilton songs over and over. I learned how to rap a bit so that’s interesting. Also, I have memorized all the lines, too, not just singing parts. So, I act Hamilton out for my family and friends. [laughs]
Q) You’ve also acted in a number of series and roles. What advice would you give to others who want to start out in the acting business?
A) First, you got to love it. It’s a hard process so you have to enjoy the acting lessons, auditioning and being on set. Second, there is a lot of rejection so be prepared for it, but don’t take it personally and never give up. The road to success can be long and bumpy, but super fun and rewarding.
Q) What has been your favorite memory on your journey thus far?
A) I am not able to pick just one memory. There are a few. I loved being on both Nickelodeon shows! I had so much fun on set of “React to That” and then a year later on “Game Shakers.” I love comedy so much so both experiences were incredible. Another favorite moment was a release of my first single “When I Grow Up” and filming my first music video. I just loved every moment of it, especially since it was about my ideas coming to the screen. Lastly, another favorite moment was watching my original music video for “Hear Me Out” screened on the big screen at the Chinese Theater as a part of “Dancing with Films” festival. It was amazing.
Q) Any special fan encounters?
A) I have had many fan encounters with people recognizing me from “Kids React” on YouTube. I have been a part of this series for over four years now. “Kids React” series is watched by millions of viewers so it’s pretty cool to be a part of it. Even recently someone ran up to me and asked if I was THAT Kacey from the “Kids React” series. It’s always humbling, cute and I love every bit of it.
Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that such an important way for you to connect with your fans?
A) I love getting to know the people who listen to my music and watch me on YouTube or TV. It’s really humbling talking to fans since WOW! They love what I do! I love getting the feedback and interact via comments. I like to motivate and encourage people to be kind to animals and each other. Social media is great to spread my messages across and maybe little by little make the world a better place.
Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?
A) I love my fans and some of them have been there since the very beginning. I am humbled and thankful for all the support and out pour of love. I know it’s cliché, but I truly wouldn’t be here without you and I can’t thank you enough. [smiles]
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