How Darren Kiely Found ‘Hope in the Unknown’ With His Debut EP, Lost

Irish folk-pop singer-songwriter Darren Kiely may be relatively new to the scene, but he's making quite the impact—particularly with his new debut EP, Lost.

Released earlier this month, Lost consists of seven tracks—including beloved hits "Time to Leave," "Mom & Dad" and "Ella," highlighting Darren's sweet yet gravelly vocals and ability to capture the soul of his experiences. His sound uniquely infuses heartfelt pop with hints of traditional Irish music to encapsulate his musical jourey thus far, and we cannot get enough. We had the pleasure of chatting with Darren to find out more about the EP and the importance it holds for the artist.

Sweety High: What does the EP title Lost mean to you? Why did that title feel like the perfect summation of this group of songs?

Darren Kiely: I feel like Lost describes the reason for many of the emotions that run through these songs. Whether it's questioning who I am or what I feel or just trying to lose who I once was or describe what I felt like when I didn't know what to do.

(Lost via Sony Music Entertainment)

 

SH: What do you feel are the overarching themes of the EP? What kind of feel do you hope fans take away from it?

DK: I think there's a hope in the unknown for me. That not knowing is okay and ultimately, you will find out where you're meant to be as long as you go through it and don't avoid those feelings.

 

SH: How would you describe the EP's sound? Production-wise, how did you go about bringing these tracks to life?

DK: I think the production and sound is raw and emotive. A lot of the tracks were recorded live, and they were all recorded to be able to be played live and sound like they have the energy of a live performance.

 

Also read about: Maisy Kay Breaks Down Every Track on Her New Metamorphosis EP

 

SH: How do you feel that these songs represent where you all are in life right now?

DK: I think the songs represent my thoughts, experiences and feelings over the last few years. Whether the song was written in a reflective manner or written during those times, I feel like the songs still convey who I am, who I was, and who I'm striving to be.

(Photo credit: Matthew Berinato)

 

SH: What's your favorite song on the EP? Why?

DK: I don't have a favorite song on the EP. They all speak about unique experiences and moments in my life, and I love them all differently. Sometimes I enjoy playing some songs more than others, but it varies, so I don't think there can be a favorite.

 

Also read about: Ryder Beer Shares the Story Behind His Debut Single, 'Can't Take It'

 

SH: Was there anything that surprised you about the process of recording and putting together your debut EP?

DK: I think I didn't realize how much my songs all had a similar message while being their own thing.

(Photo credit: Dustin Haney)

 

SH: How are you feeling about releasing it to the world?

DK: Very excited. I think this project explains who I am, and it's a collection of songs that I am hopeful will bring hope to whoever finds them.

 

For more from the artists we love, click HERE to check  out our interview with Penelope Scott on her new EP, Mysteries for Rats.