Kaiwyn Cupidtised Interview

Kaiwyn, the multi-talented Australian singer-songwriter and medical graduate, is set to release his highly anticipated new single, Cupidtised, featuring the
soulful vocals of Celyn Chow, on July 7, 2024. As a rising star in the music scene, Kaiwyn's unique blend of cultural influences and professional dedication makes him a standout emerging artist.

Kaiwyn (pronounced 'Kai' 'wern') hails from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and has seamlessly merged his passion for music with his career in healthcare. His journey into the music world began with successful releases in 2022 and 2023, garnering acclaim from both commercial and community radio stations. With each track, Kaiwyn showcases his ability to balance his artistic endeavours with his medical profession, crafting songs that resonate deeply with
listeners.

The New Single Cupidtised opens with a whimsical fragment drawing listeners into its enchanting world. The verse introduces clean guitars that fuse seamlessly with a laid-back, swaying rhythm, creating a rock-pop melody that is both engaging and memorable. The chorus shifts gears with a straight-ahead rock feel, featuring muted distorted guitars that elevate the track's energy.

In the second verse, Celyn Chow's emotionally charged vocals add a dynamic and moving element, complementing Kaiwyn's performance. The second chorus further showcases this powerful collaboration. The bridge is a heartfelt duet, highlighting the vulnerability and open- hearted approach of both artists.

A key change ushers in a lift in the final chorus, building to a highly satisfying resolve that leaves listeners craving more.

I would still describe it to be more on the pop rock edge while retaining the storytelling element from my songwriting. I would like to offer not just a song that fits into a specific mould and allow listeners to embark a journey with me through my music then make their own interpretations fitting into their own life story. And long story short, life is always full of surprises so there are so many layers that one can get through to fully dissect to its core!

Can you tell us about "Cupidtised", what was the inspiration?

I actually wrote this on the train travelling up from Sydney to Newcastle where I studied medicine. I remember getting my own guitar back then and started playing it freely in an empty train. I was just staring into the sky and writing a poem about the duality of the weather then reflecting it onto relationships and life. It then progressed into a bulk of songs during my hyperfocus moment with "Cupidtised" taking the more exhilarating and more hopeful stance, but still remaining grounded and sensible. I then had a vision of the song progressively "soaring high" to emulate the feeling of "lift off" during the hype of a relationship, hence singing it with progressive key elevation. Initially I felt funny for making up a word that is not even in the dictionary but at later stage, I just accepted that I am okay with my "neologism" (which is making up own word in medical term). So "Cupidtised" in my definition would be similar to lovestruck while still being aware of possibility of a downfall but not worried about it. As the song completed, I then felt that it would be better as a duet to bring this to life.

There was so much variety of music growing up in my household, it can go from the early 60s music to the newest songs on radio at that time. Not to mention the different languages and cultures that became a part of my listening experience! I'd say I became more independent at the start of my teenage years, being drawn to more acoustic and singer-songwriters around the early 2000s. I remember buying my first few albums with my pocket money like M2M, Michelle Branch, Travis and Dido to name a few. I was also attentive towards Mandopop and J-pop as well at that time simultaneously. But as I grew older, I started to appreciate more zen instrumentals and have been looking at more experimental sound sources which I do incorporate into my songs, like the sounds of birds, Tibetan bowl, and more.  

I still enjoy both aspects but I have yet to experience more live performances due to my ongoing commitment with my medical work. I was still able to participate in some hospital gala performances with other doctors and it has been such a thrill to perform! The energy from the crowd was just unreal and being able to do that for a bunch of people who are hardly able to go out for musical experience was such a privilege. I also missed the busking times at Tamworth on Peel Street during the Country Music Festival back when I was doing my medical internship. But being able to record in studios so far since 2022, from Lakehouse Audio to The Grove has been a dream come true and I still remain curious of every little procedure in the process.

Did you have any formal training or self-taught?

There were definitely no musicians or even doctors in my family line so they were not aware of cultivating these interests of mine other than focusing on academic improvement (which can be stressful) as I am not a studious person myself (somehow I managed to pass medical school!) I absorb most musical knowledge and skills via hands-on stimulation like listening to music, watching MTV, singing competitions and recording myself to try to gain skills in song production. I remember I was given piano lessons when I was 10 but I was just not into the graded examinations at the end of each year so I decided to quit after a few months. I felt that being restricted to theories and other frameworks limits my creativity so I developed my own style of songwriting, without mastering any musical instruments! I did have a few tries at mastering the guitar during late teenage years but I think my commitment shifted to medicine but I am always keen to rekindle and learn for sure! 

The main reason I write is to have a healthy outlet of my own thoughts and emotions. That remains the same no matter how much I have aged throughout the years. I also enjoy the sensation of building a narrative and expressing my own perception of thinking to motivate people to do the same. We are all expressive beings and I feel that sometimes we do not have the chance to speak out and music allows someone to show that communication in a more subjective and open-manner. Communication should always be considered as a path to understand someone better, and the power of such in music is a strong one with its own vulnerabilities and defenses. Think it as therapy for myself!

Which music/artists are you currently listening to?

I am still obsessed with Michelle Branch and Marit Larsen's discography but I am also taking up new music such as Billie Eilish, Olivia Rodrigo and Noah Kahan. I think it is the cathartic lyrics with the simple formula of acoustic track progressions that gets me. And of course, it's all about the hook! I also enjoy the music that my producers work on (Gloomie, Lucille Two, Rum Jungle and more) and it is always nice to network and share our active works!

What or who was your inspiration to go into the music industry?

Other than having a supportive music producer to start with, I think my motivation post-pandemic in 2021, really motivated me to dust off my songbook and tell myself, "If not now, when?". At the brink of witnessing a major fall for humankind and noticing the fragility of life, it made me more proactive in pursuing goals that you desire and not regret at a later stage of life. Why fretting over the path not taken when you can experience it all. As long as there is passion, there will be drive!

Having the experience of collaboration now, made me more hopeful of another collaboration perhaps? Quite frankly, I would not mind working with Celyn again but it would be a dream come true to be able to collaborate with Michelle Branch! I am also always down to collaborate with other Aussie indie acts as long as we click! But hey, I mean I do work as a psychiatrist so hopefully (I pray) I have a way with people? *smiles*

What is the biggest challenge you have faced in the music industry?

For me I feel that navigating between my paranoia and trust, especially with musical promotion can be difficult and daunting at times especially being an independent artist. I was never a person who would be actively vocal about my work personally but somehow I feel that I am gradually building some confidence in this. I would consider myself quite lucky to still be able to make my two worlds (medicine and music) somewhat balanced and remaining grounded with practical expectations. I guess just like the spirit of my latest song "Cupidtised", sometimes you know you are up for the ride of your life but you are still aware of safety measures. In the end, what is life without a bit of challenge? Sorry if I did it again with my "bumper sticker" statements! *laughs*

What's next, for you?

I am completing the tracks for my upcoming album as we speak and hopefully plan for live gigs in the near future! I have been working on my tracklist and all I can say is that it flows quite well, including the tracks that have been released thus far! Thanks for having me on Female Mag again!

Can you share your socials? (links please)