Kacy Hill Explores New Terrain with "When in Rome"
interview
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interview ✦
Kacy Hill, a Phoenix-born artist now rooted in the vibrant music scene of Los Angeles, is poised to embark on a compelling new chapter in her career—kicking off with the release of her latest single "When in Rome”. On the track, Hill signals a significant sonic pivot, venturing into the rich and evocative stylings of folk and Americana after establishing a presence through her various collaborations with luminaries like Travis Scott, Kid Cudi, 6LACK, and Nourished by Time.
Photography: Lauren Dunn
The song, co-written with John Vincent III and co-produced by Tommy King, captures the raw vulnerability of navigating a breakup—yearning to rewrite a relationship's conclusion and circumvent the inevitable pain of loss. This deeply personal track, born from Hill's own experiences, showcases her ability to translate her universal emotions into resonant melodies; and as she prepares to launch a mini-headline tour across key cities like NYC, Nashville, Austin, and LA, Hill invites listeners to witness her transformation in real-time.
With “When in Rome,” you're exploring a new folk and Americana soundscape. What ignited this shift from your previous work?
Kacy Hill: With the exception of my first album, which felt like I was just figuring out how to write a song, I’ve always flirted with folk and country. Most of my biggest inspirations are in those genres, and I’ve always based my songwriting on the pursuit of trying to write something as good as a perfect country song - specific, but broad and relatable to anyone. Each album I’ve made has been shaped by a new writing process, and in the aftermath of a pretty earth shattering breakup last year, I found myself allergic to making music at the computer, and instead only wanting to write songs on guitar. I think I’ve often done things in reverse just to return to the most basic form of what I’m trying to accomplish. This feels like the distillation of what I’ve been trying to say for years.
What (or who) are some of the artists or musical influences that have shaped your transition into this specific genre?
Kacy Hill: Sheryl Crow, Miranda Lambert, Dolly, Patty Griffin, The Chicks, Alison Krauss, Joni Mitchell, Labi Siffre, Paul Simon, and Nick Drake to name a few! The inspirations have mostly stayed the same throughout my whole career, certain ones just become more relevant/prominent as I move through life. I think the lovely thing about music is how a song can reach you so differently through various points in your life. I was listening to Bonnie Raitt recently and thought of how much my mom listened to her when I was growing up. Her music completely went over my head as a kid, and now listening to her voice I am so touched and inspired. I love the timelessness of good songwriting and performance.
The song itself delves into the 'hoping stage' of a breakup. Can you elaborate on the personal experiences that informed the lyrics and the emotional weight of this song?
Kacy Hill: I think when you get out of a long relationship, there’s a surreal feeling that follows you for a long time after, like you can’t believe it actually happened. For months, I would wake up some days in a new house and feel like I was in someone else’s life, and even though I knew it wasn’t right, I just wanted to go back to what I had before so that I didn’t have to feel the weight of that loss.
You co-wrote “When in Rome” with John Vincent III and co-produced it with Tommy King. How did these collaborations shape the song's final sound and emotional impact?
Kacy Hill: JVIII and I met during this session, and he was so welcoming and warm and the lyrics to the song sort of fell right out after I told him I’m often not great at writing lyrics in sessions with people—for years I opted to write lyrics entirely alone. But John is so talented as well, it was sort of the ideal first session to have with someone. Tommy is an exceptional musician and producer, and he and I have worked together a handful of times before, all the way back to my second album. He shares a similar love for country music, and we had a similar vision for the project as a whole. It was the easiest time I think either of us has had producing a project, there wasn’t any overthinking.
You've also collaborated with a diverse range of artists, from Travis Scott to 6LACK. How do these collaborations tend to influence your creative process and artistic growth?
Kacy Hill: I think any time I collaborate with someone, whether it be another artist or writer, or producer, I learn something new. Perspective is the biggest thing I get from collaboration. I love seeing how someone else approaches an idea.
Finally, what’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned from this particular chapter of your career?
Kacy Hill: To trust in myself and the process, and have fun. That might be more of a lesson I’ve gained from being out of my twenties, but I think the older I get and the longer I do this, I realize nothing really matters if you’re not able to enjoy it. Success and money and all of that means nothing if you haven’t taken the time to learn how to be happy for yourself.
