Kitty shares new EP ‘Swimming for Dummies’

Kitty is a Dublin-born and London-raised singer-songwriter who’s won over fans with her emotive vocals, honest lyrics and infectious pop hooks. Her early influences from artists like Lianne La Havas and Lily Allen have shaped her sound, which is at once unique and deeply relatable.

Since unveiling her sound at the age of 19 with her debut single “Girlfriend,” Kitty has captured the hearts of listeners around the world with her reflective and humorous insights into the life of a young, queer woman. Quickly followed by her first EP, Nights, the released featured standout tracks like “4 Days 4 Nights” and debut single “Girlfriend,” which put Kitty on the map of rising young stars.

These songs showcased her ability to combine romantic melodies with an encouragement for fans to live authentically. “4 Days 4 Nights” even caught the attention of BBC Introducing London and landed on Spotify’s Spanish Viral Top 50 Playlist, confirming her place as a must-watch artist in the UK music scene.

After a hiatus from releasing music, during which she focused on songwriting and collaborating with other artists, Kitty now returns with her highly anticipated sophomore EP titled Swimming for Dummies. This new five-track release perfectly captures the latest chapter of her musical story as she blends the style of her original music with an indie pop approach. The EP reflects the growth and development that comes with navigating the unknowns of adulthood, a journey she likens to learning to swim without instructions.

Throughout Swimming for Dummies, Kitty’s poignant lyricism shines, offering an honest exploration of her own experiences. The EP’s title distils this theme perfectly, as Kitty explains, “Going through your 20s is kind of like learning to swim with no instructions.” This context is felt across the whole release, offering her interpretation of the uncertainty and excitement of growing up, while her collaboration with producer Jules Konieczny, known for his work with Tom Grennan and Everything Everything, has brought the EP to life in spectacular fashion.

Opened by “Playing House,” the soft tones of lightly gritty guitar tones are met by Kitty’s elegant vocals carrying thoughtful lyrics to craft an intimate indie pop soundscape. Rising with the laid back rustle of drums and bright guitar-based arrangement, instantly catchy vocal hooks float above to craft a truly charming sound that marks the artist’s return with a delightful indie jam.

“Rent a Smile” jumps straight in with lively vocal leads riding the soft rhythmic clicks joined by the hushed kick of drum, flowing with airy vocal leads and graceful guitar tones. With delicate ebb and flow, the song serves up another display of her songwriting talent and vocal panache, wrapped up in a sound with wide appeal.

On “Sympathy Pains,” the downtempo whisper of piano notes allow Kitty to thread emotive vocal performance spinning moving lyrics as the song switches tempo with the patter of percussive elements and rising energy in her voice. “Tread Water” offers another slice of her tender songwriting with a graceful piano-focused ballad as her gorgeous voice drifts above soothing piano tones, resulting in a stripped back outing full of blissful melodies and heartfelt writing.

Closing the EP with “Happy Again,” the shuffle of drums, warm guitar plucks and vocalisations glide above the subtle groove of bass guitar to craft a stunning indie pop bop full of catchy vocal lines and storytelling lyrics. With mellow danceable rhythm, instantly memorable melodies and confessional lyrical writing to provide the perfect finale to Kitty’s sensational second EP. Once again showcasing her superb talent as a singer-songwriter, with Swimming for Dummies, Kitty delivers a stellar listening experience from start to finish. With a headline show this Wednesday the 26th at the Servant Jazz Quarters in Dalston, Kitty is set to share her new material with a live audience.

Listen to Swimming for Dummies below