Singer-songwriter Kacey Fifield is back and ready to call out cultural clout-chasers with her new single, “Jane Austen Reader.” Described as a “scathing pop-rock anthem,” the track skewers the current trend of “performative males” who adopt certain aesthetic traits—from matcha to classic literature—just for show. In this exclusive Q&A, Fifield breaks down the song’s satirical lens, its high-energy, scream-along appeal, and how this lead single sets the tone for her highly anticipated EP due in early 2026.
Q: Your new single, “Jane Austen Reader,” is described as a “scathing pop-rock anthem.” Can you tell us about the inspiration behind the song and the specific “performative males” you’re taking a satirical look at?
My new single “Jane Austen Reader” pokes fun at the current trend of “performative males” while pointing out a larger societal issue. The guy I’m singing about is a matcha drinker, Labubu owner and “Jane Austen Reader” just for show. But these traits are just symbols of the way he’s changing himself to fit the mold of who he thinks will appeal to others. In the song, I sing “big dreams, you’re losing it slowly” and talk about how that’s impacted our relationship: “I fell for the fantasy but you let it burn.”
Q: You’ve said the song is for more than just listening, and you want fans to “blast it in their car with the windows down and scream the lyrics.” What is it about this song in particular that makes it a perfect anthem for that kind of high-energy, release-driven experience?
A: This song is current, upbeat, energetic and popping. It encourages listeners to blast it and sing along. I wanted to write something fun and catchy my audience can relate to!
Q: The song was co-written with Mike Pepe, AJ Peacox, and Emma Ruchefsky. What was the collaborative process like, and how did each of your creative voices contribute to the final track?
A: I wrote most of the lyrics and bounced ideas off with my co-writers as far as melodies and final lyrics. The writing process was smooth and super quick to be honest! I worked with Mike and AJ before on “HOLD UR PEACE” so it was fun to collaborate again.
Q: “Jane Austen Reader” pokes fun at people who adopt cultural trends like drinking matcha or owning a Labubu figurine. Why do you think it’s important to shine a light on this kind of performative behavior in your music?
A: I think examining deeper issues through lighter, satirical lenses helps us better understand the role of trends and media in society.
Q: This is the lead single from your upcoming EP, scheduled for release in early 2026. How does “Jane Austen Reader” set the tone for the rest of the EP, and what can fans expect from the project as a whole?
A: I am super excited about my upcoming EP! “Jane Austen Reader” is a great introduction to it because of its energy and sonic worldbuilding. Hopefully, it will make my listeners excited and intrigued for what’s to come.
Q: The press release mentions a short-film style music video for “Jane Austen Reader,” which will be the first of a continuing story. Can you give us a hint about the story you’re starting to tell and how the video connects to the song’s themes?
A: The short-film music video for “Jane Austen Reader” is a must see! The story connects the listener to the lyrics and leaves room for imagination, paving the way for a sequel.
Q: You’ve had a prolific career so far with over 40 original songs, one full album, and two EPs. How does “Jane Austen Reader” represent your evolution as an artist and songwriter?
A: I am always working on my craft and making it better. For example, this past summer, I attended AntiSocial, a songwriting camp in New York City. I learned a lot from people in the industry by collaborating with and meeting other artists, producers, and writers. I always strive to get better, so a lot of my evolution as an artist comes from my personal growth and experiences. I wrote my first album as a 16 year old singer/songwriter. I can’t believe that was over four years ago!
Q: Your previous EPs, like “Nostalgia Hunts Me” and “Seeing Stars,” have explored themes of love, introspection, and personal growth. How does the satirical and high-energy pop-rock of “Jane Austen Reader” fit within your overall discography?
A: I love starting a new sonic era with a bang. “HOLD UR PEACE” similarly marked the energetic start to the “Seeing Stars” era, but thematically diverges from “Jane Austen Reader” quite a bit. I think the trajectory of my next EP will become super clear with my next few releases.
Q: You’re known for fostering a sense of unity through your music, emphasizing that “we are not alone in our feelings.” How does “Jane Austen Reader,” with its biting lyrics, still align with that core message for your fans?
A: This song is still meant to foster a sense of unity through the underlined motto of staying true to yourself. You don’t need to change yourself to fit current trends. Just be your true self and go through life with integrity, as social trends come and go.
Q: The song is set to release on October 10th. What are you most excited for your fans to experience when they finally get to hear “Jane Austen Reader”?
A: I am excited for the fans to hear the entire song! So far I have only teased short fragments of it so I can’t wait for them to hear the entire song and watch the music video.
Connect with Kacey Fifield:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4hF0zzZm3K54DYDzT9IrjK?si=MRDQAkkzSCyfdSD2ni3t_w
Instagram: @kaceyfifield
TikTok: @kacey_fifield
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kcfifield
