Kaiyah Mercedes – What Comes Next EP
In September 2026 we completed a run of 20 records for Kaiyah Mercedes, a Naarm/Melbourne-based indie pop-rock artist from the Mornington Peninsula. Their five-track debut EP What Comes Next was cut on clear 10" vinyl — a collection of songs written at 17 in the aftermath of a breakup, now fully realised three years later with the matured perspective and musicianship that comes with turning 20.
We cut 20 copies on clear 10" vinyl, packaged in a full-colour printed sleeve. The artwork has a bold, punk-inspired aesthetic — a black-and-white stencil portrait of Kaiyah against a black background with striking red stars, carried through to the minimal centre labels which feature a single red star outline on black. The back cover lists the full five-track tracklist in red type. It’s a sharp, confident look that matches the music.
About the Artist:
Kaiyah Mercedes is a young queer, disabled singer-songwriter based on the Mornington Peninsula who moves between indie pop, folk, and pop-rock. Their songwriting is sensory, story-first, and disarmingly honest — music that feels like stepping into someone’s memory.
What Comes Next is far from the beginning of Kaiyah’s career. They debuted with the full-length album Hindsight at 16 and followed it up with Trying To Hate You before turning 18, now surpassing 1.5 million collective Spotify streams. The singles leading into this EP — I’m Gonna Be Famous (How Cute!), 3 Month Blackout, and Miss Me — have picked up first-time plays on Triple J and a feature from Rolling Stone Australia.
The EP pairs gritty guitars and driving drums with belty vocals, emotional synths, and ballad moments. It runs five tracks deep, from the defiant opener I’m Gonna Be Famous (How Cute!) through to the five-and-a-half minute closer 555, with Seventeen featuring Emily Moyse’s layered vocals adding a different texture in the middle. In 2026, Kaiyah was selected for APRA AMCOS’ 23% Mentorship Program and is being mentored by Eliza Hull. On stage, they perform in full-band form and have supported Leo Sayer, Joe Camilleri, and Ishan, playing venues from the Palais Theatre to the Workers Club and festival stages at Waterfront Festival, Newport Folk Festival, and Mordi Fest.
Where to Listen:
- Spotify
- Apple Music
- All major streaming platforms
Connect with the Artist:
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