Says Katy: I’ve always been uneasy with the idea of alternate universes, or realities. Even choose-your-own-adventure books used to stress me out. I wondered if it might be equally interesting and more helpful to consider “alternate universes” something as simple as other people. Around the time I wrote this song, I had been considering what I’d retain from a relationship if or when it ended—what I might be left with in the long run, after it didn’t hurt anymore. I realized that it’d be an alternate version of myself. Hell, how many parts of whatever I call a self aren’t even accessible without a particular interaction? “Portals” is me thinking about the alternate, purely interior worlds that slide open with each person/universe we intersect with, and if what we think of as “closeness” to that person has anything to do with what gets opened.
Katy Kirby released a new single this week “Portals,” accompanied by a nostalgic lyric video created by our new designer Sarah Goldstein.
“Katy Kirby’s Timeless Songs Are Wonderful Leaps of Faith …The best debut album of 2021 so far.” — VICE / Noisey Next
“Clearly putting her own twist on pop” — Bob Boilen, NPR All Songs Considered
Katy’s been included on:
VICE’s 10 Albums That Will Get You Excited for 2021, Paste’s 40 Albums We’re Most Excited About in 2021, The Line of Best Fit’s 50 Artists on the Rise in 2021, Stereogum’s 101 Most Anticipated Albums of 2021, Paste’s 30 Best New Artists of 2020 and more…
