Q&A: K RHEN on "Now or Never," Dark Pop, and Empowering Lyrics
INTERVIEW
INTERVIEW
LONDON BASED ARTIST AND SONGWRITER K RHEN is capturing attention with her blend of soulful melodies and dark pop sensibilities. Her music, characterized by relatable and empowering lyrics, creates a sound that is both intimate and powerful. Following the success of her debut EP, Breaking Point, K RHEN is back with her compelling new single, "Now or Never. "
"Now or Never" delves into the frustrations of unreciprocated effort in relationships, showcasing K RHEN's ability to channel personal experiences into universally resonant music. K RHEN's ability to weave together vulnerability and strength in her music has resonated with audiences, earning her over 200,000 streams for her Breaking Point EP. With a clear vision and a knack for crafting emotionally charged yet sonically captivating songs, K RHEN is poised for continued success.
In our interview below, K RHEN discusses the inspiration behind the single, her sonic exploration of "dark pop," and the message of self-worth and empowerment that lies at the heart of her songwriting.
LUNA: "Now or Never" feels like a continuation of the themes explored in your Breaking Point EP. What specific emotions or experiences fueled this single?
K RHEN: I was inspired by a personal experience someone close to me was going through, which became the driving force behind the song. It's about the frustration of a non-reciprocal relationship, where one person isn't putting in enough effort. That sense of helplessness affected me, so I decided to channel those emotions by writing the song from their perspective, trying to capture the feelings they were experiencing in an empowering way.
LUNA: How does "Now or Never" sonically differ from your previous work? Are there any new production techniques or musical influences you experimented with?
K RHEN: I loved playing around with the low, heavy bass sounds in this song. I’d been listening to a lot of FLETCHER and CXLOE, and really wanted to capture something similar to their sonic work. My producer, Jordan Round, did such a great job of achieving more of a dark pop sound, and it was the direction I wanted to explore with this song.
LUNA: The title "Now or Never" suggests a sense of urgency. What message do you hope listeners take away from this song?
K RHEN: The song is about the ultimate ultimatum: regaining power and taking matters into your own hands. I want this song to be a reminder of your self-worth. I always write lyrics that empower people to take control of these situations. Why waste time and energy when you deserve better?
LUNA: You describe your Breaking Point EP as a reflection of your evolution, embracing vulnerability and turning it into strength. Can you share a specific moment during the creation of the EP where you felt particularly vulnerable?
K RHEN: All of these songs came from my personal or my inner circle’s experiences, so there is truth in all of the songs. Songwriting is an incredibly vulnerable experience, especially when working with other collaborators, which sometimes makes you open up and be vulnerable in the writing room. I firmly believe that the best songs are inked when there is some personal experience or truth behind them. Letting myself get vulnerable while the feelings are still fresh is not always easy, but rewarding when a great song comes from it. It’s like therapy!
LUNA: What can you share about additional upcoming music?
K RHEN: I’m excited to release more music this year. With each song I write, I feel like I’m constantly improving as a songwriter and artist. Every session teaches me something new, and I’ve grown a lot throughout this journey. I can’t wait to share a more refined version of my sound and the evolution of the songs I’ve already put out.
LUNA: You blend soulful melodies with dark pop. Who are your biggest musical influences, and how do they shape your unique sound?
K RHEN: I have loved FLETCHER and Tate McRae for the longest time, and I want to blend them somehow in my own music. Their styles are so authentic to themselves, and it's inspiring. I’ve looked up to Julia Michaels since early on in my songwriting career, and I admire her ability to write such clever and witty lyrics. I love writing conversational lyrics—verses that are written in the same way they would be spoken in a conversation.
LUNA: Who have you been listening to lately?
K RHEN: I’ve been obsessed with Tate McRae and her latest album—it’s been on repeat! Alessi Rose has been a recent favourite of mine. I absolutely love her songs and her vibe.
LUNA: From BBC Introducing Kent's praise to performances in Paris and London, your journey has seen significant growth. What has been the most surprising or rewarding moment so far?
K RHEN: Recently, I’ve been performing live more often, and one of the most surprising and rewarding experiences has been seeing people in the audience singing along to my songs. It’s surreal to think that something I created has become a part of someone else’s experience. Receiving praise or seeing comments from people who relate to my music on social media is incredibly fulfilling. My goal has always been to connect with others through my music, so even if it’s just a handful of people who resonate with it, it means the world to me and motivates me to keep pushing forward.
LUNA: What intentions do you have for this spring season?
K RHEN: As spring approaches and the weather gets warmer, I become more energised and outgoing. I want to do activities that help my mental and physical well-being, such as being outdoors more often, hanging out with my friends and writing lots of new music, of course. I also hope to play more live shows this season and connect with my audience in person.
