KIANA Articulates Love's Darkest Qualities on "Playing with Fire"

image

With unrelenting transparency and powerfully haunting talent, KIANA manages to write some of the best sad songs you've ever heard. The Toronto based singer-songwriter's reverberating blend of grimy electrified R&B is a fitting sonic embodiment of her honest subject matter. Actively releasing music since 2018, KIANA has found a stride with her recent releases that combine her sultry yet haunting vocal ability. Her latest release, "Playing with Fire," finds KIANA at her most vulnerable.

Rooted in heart-wrenching relatability, KIANA captures the treacherous aspect of love and its ability to negate our intuition. "Playing with Fire" is an emotionally haunting tug-of-war, drawing attention to acknowledged mistakes and lingering consequences. Backed by ample R&B production, this electrically-singed, bass-driven orchestration reaffirms the emotional constitution of the record. KIANA bares all and in doing so earns our unwavering attention and admiration.

 The gifted vocalist spoke to us about her latest single,

"When I hear this song it takes me back to a time where I was both extremely happy but also really hurting. 'Playing with Fire' is basically about being in love with someone who feels right but the entire situation just doesn't make sense. Wanting to be around someone that's just no good for you, it's like playing with fire, you burn yourself every time. The reality of it all is that sometimes it doesn't make sense and it is confusing and you don't know what's on the other person’s mind or if what they’re saying is true or all lies. Regardless you’re still there because while nothing else makes sense that person still makes you feel full and still feels like home."

There's no denying the relatable sentiment of this record and its unparalleled ability to articulate loves darkest affiliation. KIANA's skill as a singer, songwriter and overall performer is on full display, allowing the listener to peer into her future as an artist. "Playing with Fire" is KIANA's first single since sharing her song "Simplified" in early April. Her dynamic discography thus far leaves us eager to see what she will deliver next. Do not surprised when you start seeing KIANA's name in lights.

Listen to "Playing with Fire" below.

Related Articles

“Don’t be a fig girl, be the tree": Julip on Being a Multi-Hyphenate, Serendipity and Her Literally Hands-on Approach to Making Music [Q&A]

“Don’t be a fig girl, be the tree": Julip on Being a Multi-Hyphenate, Serendipity and Her Literally Hands-on Approach to Making Music [Q&A]

July 3, 2026 ”The concept of only being able to pick one fig, I think that’s very limiting and it doesn’t always have to be the case”, says New York based, multi-hyphenate artist julip.
Author: Daniela Waizel Rule
pop
Brothel In Belize Explore Modernity Through Modular Synths in Album, Machine Machine [Q&A]

Brothel In Belize Explore Modernity Through Modular Synths in Album, Machine Machine [Q&A]

July 2, 2026 The album explores the omnipresence of machinery, and how modern life is intertwined with the mechanics, sonically navigated through modular synths and inventive musical hardware.
Author: DJ Connor
Ishmael is the New Picasso Making High Art Hip-Hop [Q&A]

Ishmael is the New Picasso Making High Art Hip-Hop [Q&A]

July 2, 2026 Before he was soundtracking campaigns for YSL Paris, working with hip-hop juggernauts like Ciara and Vince Staples, and collaborating with luxury brands, Ishmael was just a kid from Rochester, New York.
Author: Kiani Shabazz
pop
YSL