Kate Peytavin’s “killing time” and “whole heart black” singles offer a deep dive into the artist’s evolving journey in the alternative-pop genre, showcasing her unique sound and introspective songwriting. “killing time,” the earlier release of the two, is characterized by its haunting melody and complex narrative on push-and-pull relationships, brought to life with the collaboration of Alexander Flockhart and Dean Reid. The track is complemented by a visualizer, enhancing the listening experience with its ethereal vibe.
In a press conference with the Capitol Records artist, we at Stereofade asked Kate about “killing time” and the production process behind it. She mentioned that the effects used on the chorus were initially at afterthought, and while recording they decided to create something different and fresh. After recording, they were playing around with production and someone mentioned to try something “shaky” on the chorus. Kate loved the idea and the chorus for “killing time” was created.
Following “killing time,” Peytavin released “whole heart black,” continuing to build on her distinctive style with themes of desire and the anticipation of heartache. This track draws inspiration from the late ‘90s and early 2000s sounds, marking a significant moment in Peytavin’s career with its introspective lyrics and the emotional depth conveyed through her performance. The collaboration with Grammy-winning talents across the industry signifies a new chapter for Peytavin, further enriched by another visually engaging visualizer.
These singles not only highlight Peytavin’s talent and potential in the music industry but also her ability to convey complex emotions and stories through her music. As she continues to collaborate with notable figures in the industry, Kate Peytavin is set to captivate more audiences with her reflective, beautifully produced tracks. Fans of alternative-pop looking for deeply emotional and sonically rich music will find much to appreciate in Peytavin’s recent work, which promises more intriguing and evocative music to come.
Kate Peytavin has shaped her gorgeously left-of-center form of alt-pop at just 18 years old. Her music directly reflects her radiant personality: sensitive but strong-minded, free-spirited but thoughtful, introspective but fully unafraid to show her more offbeat side. She creates her musical world with finespun lyrics capturing the whirlwind of feelings that accompany coming-of-age—anxiety, insecurity, obsession, self-discovery. It’s all supported by her effortless charm, which she regularly showcases online.
Kate Peytavin has worked with heavy-hitters in songwriting and producing such as Rami Yacoub (Beyoncé, Selena Gomez, Charli XCX) and Casey Smith (Olivia Rodrigo, Jonas Brothers, Ashe). Her 2023 singles “something’s off,” “killing time,” and “big white light” flex her songwriting and show her experiences and perspective. Rooted in her achingly delicate vocal performance, the ethereal yet hard-hitting “big white light” reflects on her family’s longtime struggle with cancer.
Bio Credit: Capitol Records
Stay tuned to Stereofade.com for more reviews, including this one from Fit For A King’s show in Raleigh.
