Canberra’s Daniel Kirkland a.ka Kirklandd is a beautiful example of a new wave of rappers who draw their inspiration less from 'mainstream hip-hop' and more towards alternative pop and trap. Hip Hop has always been a genre known for its ecclectic influences, and Kirklandd is pushing the boundaries of what it means to be a rapper.
Kirklandd is no new face to the Australian hip-hop scene; a Triple j Unearthed Feature Artist, winner of the Groovin’ the Moo triple j Unearthed competition in 2019 and has recently been nominated for Best ACT Live Act in the National Live Music Awards.
‘Feel Alive’ is Kirklandd’s transition from straight hip-hop a moody alt-pop sound. Husky vocals laced with a stylistic auto-tune that is favourited by alt-pop singers, the trap-punk sound of the track is evidence of the new direction we can expect from Kirklandd’s upcoming record The Love Divide.
There is a whole team of incredible musos who working together to create Kirklandd’s upcoming record The Love Divide; mixed by Citizen Kay, mastered by Xiro, and produced by Cam Bluff who has also produced for Hilltop Hoods and Illy. A trilogy of tracks, The Love Divide is set to be a photo-visual narrative, that spans the course of 24 hours in Canberra. The first single of the trilogy ‘SIIYE’ was released to critical claim.
‘Feel Alive’ opens with a humble piano track sets the mood for the entire track, with Kirklandd relaying the lyrics “when you kiss my neck, I feel alive” this might sound like a love song, but it’s drenched in melancholy and gloom.
The track’s chorus is accompanied by a euphoric melodic high – which only emphasises Kirklandd’s unrequited love with its contrast to the steady beats throughout the rest of the track. “You don’t’ even want me” exclaims Kirklandd, sharing the relatable feeling of falling for your hook-up. This song will harden your broken heart, but it definitely won't mend it - yet you'll feel more alive on the other side.
Stream ‘Feel Alive’ now
Follow Kirklandd: YouTube | Facebook | Instagram | Spotify | Soundcloud
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