Kacey Fifield

Kacey, congratulations on your new single “Jane Austen Reader”! Could you tell me about the inspiration behind the song and how the idea first came to you?

My new single “Jane Austen Reader” pokes fun at the current trend of “performative males” while pointing out a larger societal issue. The guy I’m singing about is a matcha drinker, Labubu owner and “Jane Austen Reader” just for show.  But these traits are just symbols of the way he’s changing himself to fit the mold of who he thinks will appeal to others. In the song, I sing “big dreams, you’re losing it slowly” and talk about how that’s impacted our relationship: “I fell for the fantasy but you let it burn.”

The track takes a satirical look at performative behaviors. Why did you feel this was the right moment to address that theme through your music?

We live in an era where trends on social media platforms get very popular and often time cloud judgment and being reasonable.  I think examining deeper issues through lighter, satirical lenses helps us better understand the role of trends and media in society.

You co-wrote the song with Mike Pepe, AJ Peacox, and Emma Ruchefsky. What was the collaborative process like, and how did each of you contribute to shaping the final sound?

I wrote most of the lyrics and bounced ideas off with my co-writers as far as melodies and final lyrics. The writing process was smooth and super quick to be honest! I worked with Mike and AJ before on “HOLD UR PEACE” so it was fun to collaborate again.

There’s so much energy in the song, powerful guitar riffs, biting lyrics… When you first heard the finished production, what was the moment that made you think, “Yes, this is it”?

When we were in the studio working on the final melody and lyrics, I had an “aha” moment because the demo sounded exactly the way I envisioned it. I wanted to write a song that was current, upbeat and energetic.  I wanted the listeners to be able to scream the lyrics in the car with the windows down! Once Mike added his final touches in the finished production, I knew the mission was accomplished.

You’ve mentioned that you want fans to blast this track in their cars and scream the lyrics. What does that level of raw, fun connection with your audience mean to you?

It’s the most amazing feeling to connect to my audience that way!  I write my music based on my authentic and raw experiences, so I appreciate my audience reacting to it. I especially love when the audience sings my songs with me at my shows.  It’s a great feeling to connect with my listeners and experience my music together.

The title “Jane Austen Reader” is really intriguing. How does Jane Austen’s image or symbolism tie into the message of the song?

Jane Austen is a quintessential example of early feminism, making books like Pride and Prejudice “feminist literature.” Jane Austen is great—the song is making fun of people who read her books just for the sake of seeming intelligent and educated, rather than for enjoyment, especially men who read Jane Austen just to appeal to women.

The single is leading into your upcoming EP in 2026. How does this track set the tone for what’s to come in the rest of the project?

I love starting a new sonic era with a bang. “HOLD UR PEACE” similarly marked the energetic start to the “Seeing Stars” era, but thematically diverges from “Jane Austen Reader” quite a bit. I think the trajectory of my next EP will become super clear with my next few releases.

I heard there’s a short-film style music video accompanying the single, and that it’s the beginning of a continuing story. What can you share with us about the visual concept and how it connects to the music?

The short-film music video for “Jane Austen Reader” is a must see!  The story connects the listener to the lyrics and leaves room for imagination, paving the way for a sequel.

You already have over 40 original songs, an album, and two EPs behind you. Looking back, how do you feel your sound and voice as an artist have evolved to reach this new pop-rock chapter?

I am always working on my craft and making it better.  For example, this past summer, I attended AntiSocial, a songwriting camp in New York City.  I learned a lot from people in the industry by collaborating with and meeting other artists, producers, and writers. I always strive to get better, so a lot of my evolution as an artist comes from my personal growth and experiences.  I wrote my first album as a 16 year old singer/songwriter.  I can’t believe that was over four years ago!

Finally, what do you hope listeners take away from “Jane Austen Reader” beyond the fun, what’s the deeper feeling or message you’d love them to carry with them?

You don’t need to change yourself to fit current trends.  Just be your true self and go through life with integrity, as social trends come and go.