Kiesza Unveils New EP Ahead of August Rec Room Show!

Buffalo, N.Y. — Dance music sensation Kiesa Rae Ellestad, popularly known as Kiesza, has unveiled her latest project, the six-track EP titled “Dancing and Crying: Vol. 2,” which dropped on Friday morning. Fans can look forward to seeing her perform live at Buffalo’s Rec Room on August 16, as part of her eagerly anticipated tour.

Kiesza promises an exhilarating experience that blends the energy of a DJ set with the intimacy of a live concert, ensuring that attendees will be treated to an evening filled with continuous music.

Her recent interview highlighted her intentions for the show: “You’re going to dance the whole night away. This performance will feature a lot of new music and will essentially cover both ‘Dancing and Crying’ Volumes 1 and 2.”

Joining her on stage will be Jaylen Brown, a dancer based in Los Angeles, who also appears on the EP's track "Runway." Having collaborated for over a year, they are excited to expand their performance to include fresh tracks. Kiesza has even teased the possibility of Volumes 3, 4, and maybe even a fifth installment, likening the project to seasons of a TV series rather than a standalone film. Some songs originally slated for Volume 2 have been postponed to Volume 4.

Kiesza describes this new volume as one of her personal favorites, characterizing it as a vibrant and sensual collection crafted specifically for the dance floor.

She reflects on her journey through the pop-dance genre: “I’ve been navigating between creating music for radio and for the club, trying to find a balance. This time, it’s all about the dance floor, designed to flow seamlessly from beginning to end.”

Her fervent hope is that fans will gather to enjoy an unforgettable night together.

After facing a significant setback due to a head injury from a car accident in 2017, along with the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, Kiesza is eager to reconnect with her audience.

“For a long time, I couldn’t be part of the dance scene due to my head injury; the lights and sounds were overwhelming. But I’ve recently turned a corner and thought, ‘I’m ready to return to the dance scene.’ My fans have been missing the dance music I used to create, so this is a gift to them and also a chance for me to explore and grow as an artist,” she shared.

The tour, which resumes next week in Pittsburgh before continuing to cities like Cleveland, Chicago, and Minneapolis, will make its way to Buffalo in mid-August, marking her return to the Midwest.

“It’s been quite a while since I've been in the Midwest, and Buffalo is actually very close to my home in Toronto. I have a great friend there, so I’m really looking forward to that reunion,” she expressed.

Kiesza reminisced about a previous visit to Buffalo when she performed at Town Ballroom, where she felt a unique, eerie energy that had her questioning whether the venue was haunted.

“It’s an old venue dating back to prohibition, and I just felt this strange vibe. I even asked the staff if it was haunted, and they confirmed my suspicions. It felt like a place with a lot of history, almost as if it was Al Capone's hideout.”

This newfound energy has allowed her to tap into a previously unexplored facet of herself in her music, particularly on “Dancing and Crying: Volume 2,” which contrasts her typically bubbly persona.

“This music is all about feeling confident, cute, and flirtatious on the dance floor,” she explained, emphasizing the sensual energy that permeates the project.

In the past, she felt constrained by industry standards regarding her image and expression, particularly as a woman. “I think women’s sexuality and identity are often policed, especially in the music industry,” she remarked, noting her own rebellion against these expectations.

The shift in her artistic approach is rooted in embracing her sensuality. “Owning that part of yourself can unlock so much,” she said, reflecting on her growth over the past year. Alongside her new music, she has even ventured into stand-up comedy, showcasing her versatility as an entertainer.

Kiesza feels that her personal evolution has deepened her connection with her audience while performing. “It’s all about the shared experience—our movements, eye contact, and the energy exchanged during the performance,” she noted. “That connection is one of my favorite aspects of being on stage.”

While dance music often leans towards DJ-centric performances, she believes it should also emphasize live artistry. “Dance music is meant for movement and expression, so I wanted to turn things upside down and explore uncharted territory,” she said.

When seeking inspiration, Kiesza often turns to silence, using it to evoke emotions and create distinct headspaces for her music. She expressed her excitement about finally bringing her new sound to Buffalo and engaging with her fans.

“I genuinely hope people choose to come to my concert. I know selecting which shows to attend is a big decision, and I can’t wait to share this experience with everyone,” she stated. “And there’s a lot more music on the way!”

Tickets for the show can be purchased here. For updates on her latest music and tour news, follow her on social media. The complete interview is available as an audio podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.