With a powerhouse voice, lyrical vulnerability, and wisdom beyond his years, 16-year-old KIAN (key-ahn) emerged as one of Australia’s hottest new acts in 2018 with millions of streams and radio airplay success. Now signed to Republic Records, he has his sights set on the U.S. To celebrate the news, he officially re-releases his new single “Waiting” today. Listen to the track now below.
“Waiting” is the best way to get to know this rapidly rising talent. Earlier this year, he won the “Unearthed High Competition” in Australia hosted by international tastemaker radio station triple j. In the aftermath of his big win, the station added the single into regular rotation and named it “Best New Music.” Within a few months, it racked up 12 million Spotify streams and counting, soared to #1 on the Spotify “Hot Hits Australia” Playlist, went Top 20 on Apple Music, and vaulted to #3 on the national ARIA Singles Chart.
Driven by delicately plucked acoustic guitar and a steady beat, the song highlights his emotionally charged lyrics and soulful delivery as he blurs the lines between pop, alternative, and R&B. His voice takes center stage on an impossibly catchy hook, emanating raw power.
Be on the lookout for new music from KIAN in 2019.