In this episode of The Hear 2 Zen Podcast, we sit down with acclaimed Australian singer-songwriter Kate Miller-Heidke to celebrate the release of her brand-new album, The Kiss and the Abyss, alongside her latest single, “Butterflies.” Kate opens up about the relief and anxiety of releasing new music, the personal transformations that inspired the record, and why “killing off your old self” is a necessary part of growth.
We dive into:
* “Butterflies” & Personal Evolution: Kate shares how “Butterflies” reflects her personal journey navigating midlife and perimenopause, describing it as a song about letting go of outdated parts of oneself.
* Bathroom Queue Inspiration: Discover how an unexpectedly raw conversation with a reality TV influencer during a Logies toilet break inspired a song about the heavy, nightmarish reality of living through social media algorithms.
* Finding the Creative “Flow State”: Working alongside long-time collaborator Keir Nuttall, Kate discusses “opening up the portal”, using a strict routine to access an uninhibited flow state where the most vital songs write themselves.
* Production & Sound Design: Recorded in England with producer Tom Iansek, the album leans into an organic, gothic-folk sound featuring real wooden instruments and dynamic textures. Kate emphasizes why listening with a great pair of headphones is the ultimate way to experience the record’s subtle layers.
* Track Deep Dives: We behind the scenes on ‘Muscle’, ‘Canterbury Stone’ and ‘Isabella Don’t.
* The Potato Scallop Debate & Tour Rituals: Kate weighs in on the essential Aussie food debate, shares why a giant inflatable potato scallop didn’t make the “Holiday” music video, and reveals the grounding secular pre-show prayer her band performs every night before stepping on stage.
Kate also details her upcoming Australian tour, which includes intimate album launch shows across Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide, and two nights at the Princess Theatre in Brisbane.
Don’t Miss an Episode!
🔗Head to the website for all the info
📺 Watch on YouTube: Subscribe to our YouTube Channel and hit that notification bell so you never miss a legendary interview.
🎧 Listen on the Go: Find us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all your favorite podcast platforms.
📱 Get Social: Follow the journey by searching Hear 2 Zen on all social media platforms!
#TheHear2ZenPodcast #KateMillerHeidke #TheKissAndTheAbyss #NewMusic #AussieMusic #AustralianMusic #PodcastInterview #FolkPop #GothicFolk #Butterflies #Holiday #AustralianTour #LiveMusic #MusicPodcast #TheVoice #TheVoiceAU
