From debut single to 'Dreaming and Other Dangerous Behaviour', this is Kirrilee's sonic evolution.
In the ever-evolving realm of indie-pop, a star is on the rise, hailing from the heart of Melbourne, Her name is Kirrilee Broughton, and she’s been shaking up the music scene with her dreamy synth-pop sound and indie-pop sensibilities.
At the tender age of 25, Kirrilee burst onto the scene with her debut single, ‘Rollercoasters’ in April 2023. Her exceptional songwriting skills and unique vocal style swiftly captured the hearts of fans and earned praise from discerning music critics.
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But Kirrilee’s journey was far from just a rollercoaster ride; it was a testament to her tenacity and boundless creativity. She continued to turn heads with captivating releases like ‘Loophole’ and ‘24/7’, both of which demonstrated her knack for crafting catchy dark pop melodies and heartfelt lyrics. And now, with the release of her debut EP, Dreaming and Other Dangerous Behaviour, Kirrilee unveils a new dimension to her artistry.
The title of Kirrilee’s debut EP, Dreaming and Other Dangerous Behaviour, encapsulates the essence of her journey as an artist. The inspiration behind this intriguing title stems from a peculiar poster that frequently adorned the front of Melbourne’s Corner Hotel. It read, “Crowd surfing and other dangerous behaviour will result in removal from the venue.” Kirrilee fell in love with this poster and, after several encounters, decided to borrow it – permanently.
The twist she added to the poster, changing “Crowd surfing” to “Dreaming,” is symbolic of her personal journey. As she explains, “I changed ‘Crowdsurfing’ to ‘Dreaming’ because music is something I’ve loved for a really long time, but I had so much self-doubt in myself that it took me a while to pursue it properly.
“It felt risky, but I realised eventually that life is too short to not be taking risks if it means doing something you love. The EP is my first step as an artist, towards achieving something I’ve wanted since I was little.”
A symbolic first step on her artistic journey and a testament to her unyielding spirit, the EP comprises five enchanting tracks, each a piece of Kirrilee’s heart and soul. ‘Electric Blue’ is a mesmerising chill-pop love song that captures the allure of infatuation in a modern romance. Inspired by the TV show ‘Euphoria,’ Kirrilee channelled her emotions into a song that evokes love, longing, and introspection.
‘Things I Should’ve Said’, on the other hand, marks Kirrilee’s first foray into writing with a ukulele. This tender ukulele pop love song reflects the struggle to speak one’s mind, even for someone as articulate as Kirrilee. It’s a song that’s fun yet poignant, with a touch of self-deprecating humour.
“I have a tendency to talk a lot, but I find that I struggle to speak my mind sometimes, so I wrote a song about it with a list of things I want to say in the second verse,” she explains. “I wanted the song to be fun, mostly because I wanted to make fun of myself just a little, which is why I wrote it on the ukulele.”
Also included on the EP is ‘Rollercoasters’, Kirrilee’s debut single. More than just a catchy tune, this track is a musical representation of a pivotal moment in her life. Written for her partner, Brodie, the song’s creation was a daring move that sparked a new chapter in their relationship. It also served as an early lesson for Kirrilee in songwriting and the art of self-expression through music.
Perfectionism, a familiar spectre to many artists, loomed large during the release of ‘Rollercoasters’. Kirrilee meticulously planned every detail of the music video, driven by the fear of putting out her first song. However, with each release and now her debut EP, she learned the invaluable lesson that perfection isn’t always attainable, and that’s perfectly fine.
“With each release, I learned more about working with other people, and that no matter how much you plan and plan, it will never be 100% perfect, and that’s okay,” she says. “I found that even when it didn’t go exactly according to plan, it made me love it even more because it was my own.”
Kirrilee’s music defies easy categorisation, and she embraces this fluidity. Her sound traverses various styles of pop, a journey of self-discovery that’s still ongoing. The EP allowed her to experiment with dream-pop, indie-pop, and even dark-pop, reflecting her diverse influences and experiences.
“I definitely floated around different styles of pop with these songs. The EP is all about finding my voice and working out who I am as an artist. I definitely don’t think I’ve figured that out yet, but I’m happy to continue exploring new avenues, so long as I’m continuing to be myself.
“I definitely had my fair share of fun working with dreamy-pop and indie-pop genres, while also trying out things like dark-pop.”
Her songwriting is deeply rooted in her own life experiences, inspired by everyday moments and personal stories. Artists like Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish, and Olivia Rodrigo have also played a role in shaping her creative vision, alongside the Melbourne music scene and vibrant community has further enriched her artistry, infusing it with a sense of collaboration and support.
“Melbourne is such an incredible city for music, and I’m honestly so grateful that I get to live here. There’s a great community of music-lovers and creators who support each other, because we all know how tough the industry can be but we’re all in it for the love of it,” she explains.
“I’ve met and worked with some incredible creatives, who taught me all about writing music from the heart and singing it from there as well. I don’t think I’d be where I am without the amazing support network of the Melbourne music community.”
Collaborations with notable names like producer Brodie Travers and director ZacoBro have also added unique dimensions to Kirrilee’s creative process. Brodie, her partner and producer, has been a constant source of encouragement and guidance, shaping her music into what it is today. Their partnership has made the EP a profound passion project, strengthening her resolve.
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With Dreaming and Other Dangerous Behaviour now gracing the airwaves, Kirrilee is far from resting on her laurels. She’s already delving into the next album, indicating that her passion for songwriting remains unquenchable. Live performances are also on the horizon, offering fans an opportunity to experience her music in a whole new dimension.
“I had my first live performance at the end of September and am so excited to plan more gigs in the future and get back on the stage. I’ve been a dancer since I was three, so the stage isn’t a stranger to me, but it was so much fun to finally sing in front of people and perform songs we’ve been working on for so long.
“This year was certainly a big year for me, but I hope that next year will be even bigger!”
Kirrilee’s journey has just begun, and her music promises to evolve, surprise, and inspire. Her artistry is an embodiment of dreams pursued and risks embraced, a narrative that resonates with those who dare to dream.
So, for the music lover seeking a unique blend of dreamy synth-pop and indie-pop, Kirrilee Broughton’s Dreaming and Other Dangerous Behaviour is a melodic voyage worth embarking upon.
Listen to the EP Dreaming and Other Dangerous Behaviour here.
This article was made in partnership with Kirrilee.
