Listen: Kaiit - 'Space'

Naarm-based neo-soul queen Kaiit returns with first new music in nearly five years + launches new label

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Image credit: Sulaiman "Sully" Enayatzada

Kaiit’s last single Miss Shiney may have dropped back in 2019 but that doesn’t mean she’s been chilling that whole time - instead, the Melbourne-based rapper and singer has been reinventing herself for a new era with a focus on growth, writing and reflection. The first result we’re hearing from this is bouncy new single Space, out today via her new label, the brilliantly named Big Sis Energy Records.

Featuring a boom bap beat foundation, Space provides plenty of its namesake for Kaiit’s vocals to shine, with a subtle guitar lead and groove laden bassline pushing things along. Speaking on her new single, Kaiit says “When we’re alone is usually the time we are reflecting, thinking, deciding… in that place before taking action. That’s where I found the inspiration to create ‘Space’ - literally and sonically. I was mentally exhausted and couldn’t share what I was going through as I was living it. I needed a bookmark, an audio reminder, of the lessons I had learnt in those moments – so when I start getting into old patterns I play this song. The deep exhale at the end of ‘Space’ feels like a release, because the song is that to me. I’ve kept going back to this track, continuing to heal from it, which is a confirmation for me that other people need to hear it and hopefully heal from it too.

What’s kept me holding on and pushing forward, especially these past couple of years, is community – My supporters. That’s why you’ll see my Aunties around me in the music video, representing all of the people that nurture my spirit in being expressive and free. I feel so supported by my community and they have truly helped me gain my independence back, in more ways than one.”

Meanwhile, when it comes to the launch of Big Sis Energy Records, Kaiit explains “Big Sis Energy Records now exists because I had to create a safe space for myself and my music. For the position I’m in right now, for what I am and not willing to settle on, in this moment. This was the only option that felt best for me. The label owner can make the final decisions and dat’s ME! I am in control of me and my business, and that’s very rewarding.

The name is a reflection of what I want and am always craving… Big sister energy. There can be very minimal women in these spaces and I feel it can be rare to work with women/sister energy unless it’s very intentional. The energy they bring can be so nurturing and it makes my body feel safe to express.”

Space comes ahead of Kaiit’s debut performance at Sydney Opera House on May 24 for Vivid Live and marks the latest achievement in a career so far that’s seen her sell out a national tour, win Music Victoria and ARIA awards as well as opening for the likes of R&B superstar SZA, The Internet, Smino and funk legends Chaka Khan and Nile Rodgers.