Introducing Kissy Fleur and her delicate, confronting debut album, Ripened Fruit

Kissy Fleur is a Sydney-based artist who has just released her debut album, Ripened Fruit - a 10-track LP that follows the story of a young girl who is sexually assaulted at the age of 15. It's a delicate, stunning work that flows together seamlessly, held together by some wonderfully sparse production, airy harp sounds, and Fleur's gentle, coo-ing vocals throughout. In her own words - "Despite the use of gentle harp and ambient vocal layers, [Ripened Fruit] is actually a pretty intense listen," and it's that blend of saccharine sweet sounds and confronting subject matter that make Ripened Fruit an incredibly special release.

Press play and get lost in Kissy Fleur's world below, and read a short Q&A with her to learn a little more:

Tell us about about yourself?

I am a 21-year-old singer, songwriter, harpist and producer from Sydney. I am actually a certified yoga teacher but realised pretty quickly that I like wearing headphones more than yoga pants.

What kinda tunes we talkin’?

Homemade songs filled with harp and drenched with dreamy synths. I love to contrast beautiful soundscapes with confronting lyrical content.

Production/writing process:

I’m quite a sensitive creature so I tend to feel emotions rather intensely. My way of releasing these feelings is to write, write, write. All songs start with lyrics for me as I believe that’s the best way to tell a story. Once my lyrical concept is there I spend hours behind my computer recording, producing and mixing. It can be lonely but creative solitude can really be bliss.

Can you tell us about your new album, Ripened Fruit?

Ripened Fruit follows the story of a young girl who is sexually assaulted at the age of 15. I decided to make each song flow into each other to create the chronological narrative of the moments leading up to the event. Despite the use of gentle harp and ambient vocal layers, it’s actually a pretty intense listen. I hope that people are confronted by the topic as it tells a story that needs to be told.

Any shows coming up?

Not yet. I’m currently in an intimate relationship with my harp. We plan to share our love with the world soon.

What’s the rest of the year have in store?

I am actually studying two uni degrees (Psychology and Philosophy) so it looks like I will be simultaneously writing essays as well as writing more songs. I also plan to continue my daily nature walks, they inspire many melodies in my mind.

Where can we hear more of your music?

You can watch my full album stream on YouTube or check out my Soundcloud (I may or may not be uploading a bonus track within the next few weeks).

Follow Kissy Fleur: FACEBOOK / INSTAGRAM / WEBSITE