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One fateful day, a couple of years ago, I stumbled upon this song. The song immediately struck me with its graceful piano ballad. Initially, I thought it would be a slow love song… but soon the bass and drums kicked in, raising the energy. The voice eased in and captivated me, gentle and melodic with effortless high notes. For weeks, I refused to listen to anything else. That song was “The King” by Sarah Kinsley.
Sarah Kinsley is a musician whose music blends alternative and pop. Her music often combines classical and electronic instruments, creating a fascinating and addictive sound. Added to this, her rich yet serene vocals have managed to enthrall audiences for years. One of her most popular songs, “The King,” came out in 2021. A couple of my personal favorite songs include “The Giver” and “Sublime.” Some of my favorite projects include the “Ascension” EP and the “Escaper” album. These, in addition to her entire discography, invoke the utmost emotion through carefully crafted lyrics that resonate with many.
Recently, Kinsley uploaded two singles, “Fleeting” and “Lonely Touch.” To go in depth, “Fleeting” is relatively upbeat and poppy; however, it has loud and somewhat intense undertones that provoke emotion. The vocals are drawn out with lots of gradual shifts between notes. Those combined make all of the lyrics feel earnest and heartfelt. The theme of the song is trying to find oneself through small, trivial things, but quick fixes are only temporary. In contrast to the somber messaging, the song overall is uplifting in that the notion of trying different things to obtain self-discovery is relatable. My favorite line from “Fleeting” by Sarah Kinsley is “And you reinvent yourself every month, but it won’t stop the bleeding.” I’ve tried to change things about myself to prevent facing certain feelings. Despite this, those feelings always had a way of resurfacing.
In terms of sound, “Fleeting” and “Lonely Touch” are similar. “Lonely Touch,” however, explores more with synths, making them obvious within the beat. Kinsley presents a different cadence in her voice with “Lonely Touch.” The way in which she sings is more dramatic and embodies desperation. This correlates directly with the overall theme, yearning for another and having a sense of understanding between them. Her elongated notes are reminiscent of calling out to someone. I think the theme of this song can be directly associated with the mindset of a hopeless romantic. My favorite line from “Lonely Touch” by Sarah Kinsley is “Just to know you without talking.” I think it is common for people to want to be understood. The notion demonstrated in the song explains a bond shared that exceeds normal communication.
Sarah Kinsley’s EP “Fleeting” comes out on Feb. 13. Directly following, the “Fleeting” tour will begin in March 2026. She will be performing at The Abbey in Orlando, FL, on April 12. For more information, visit her official website.
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