Seventeen

About the Artist

Naarm/Melbourne based artist Kaiyah Mercedes announces their five-track EP ‘What Comes Next’, a body of work that captures both the intensity of heartbreak and the growth that follows. The lead single 'Seventeen' was written when Kaiyah was 17, in the aftermath of a break-up, the songs capture the first wave of grief. 3 years later, these songs return fully realised, with the honesty and rawness of those original moments now enriched by the fresh perspective and matured musicianship Kaiyah now has at 20. “It’s a project that has lived with me for quite some time.” says Kaiyah, “These songs were written as I learned to live again after dealing with a breakup. They really demonstrate the turning point where heartbreak turns into independence and strength.” The EP announcement follows a run of singles that have begun to cut through nationally, achieving first-timeplays on triple j and one even being spotlighted as a featured track by Rolling Stone Australia. These releases, ‘I’m Gonna Be Famous (How Cute!)’, ‘3 Month Blackout’ and ‘Miss Me’, trace the aftermath of love, the body’s lag behind the mind, and the kind of growing-up that leaves marks and showcase Kaiyah leaning further into indie pop-rock with their latest project, pairing gritty guitars and driving drums with belty vocals, emotional synths and lift-out ballad moments. Based on the Mornington Peninsula, the young queer, disabled singer-songwriter moves between indie pop, folk and pop-rock, weaving sensory detail and story-first writing into music that feels like stepping into someone’s memory. ‘What Comes Next’ is the first release of Kaiyah’s new chapter of adulthood but far from the beginning of their career. Kaiyah has also released two full-length records, debuting with ‘Hindsight’ at 16 and following up with ‘Trying To Hate You’ before 18, now surpassing 1.5 million collective Spotify streams. In 2026, Kaiyah was selected for APRA AMCOS’ 23% Mentorship Program and is being mentored by Eliza Hull. On stage, Kaiyah performs in full-band form and has played regularly around Naarm/Melbourne, supporting Leo Sayer, Joe Camilleri and Ishan. Their powerful live performances and infectious pop-rock energy has also seen them captivate audiences from iconic local venues like Palais Theatre, Bergy Bandroom and the Workers Club to festival stages at Waterfront Festival, Newport Folk Festival, Mordi Fest and more. Continuing this momentum, Kaiyah Mercedes will celebrate the EP with a full-band launch show at iconic Melbourne/Naarm venue The Espy Basement on October 23rd with Xandri and Local Sweetheart as special guests.