Formula Indie Sessions _ Interview with KYARNA
KYARNA is a Yuin storyteller from the Far South Coast of New South Wales, Australia, whose music blends country, folk and Americana into heartfelt stories. With an enchanting voice and a gift for turning lived experience into song, her work carries a raw honesty that resonates deeply with listeners. For fans of Brandi Carlile, Lori McKenna and Emmylou Harris, KYARNA’s music invites you to slow down, listen deeply, and find yourself reflected in her stories.
What is your earliest memory connected to music?
My earliest memory connected to music is my uncle playing guitar and singing around the table at home.
How did your passion for creating music begin?
I grew up around music, a lot of my family played guitar, so it was a natural progression. I started out writing poetry, and that turned into songwriting.
What’s the story behind your current music project?
Lost Soul Love Letters is my debut EP – it includes six tracks that are like love letters to different people and times in my life. The project began during a period of immense personal loss. Each track was released as a single, allowing me to share each chapter of the story with intention and care – from Meet in Love and Polly’s Moon to Wild Horses and Broken Hearts.
How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard your music before?
I think my sound sits somewhere between Country and Folk.
What is one thing you’ve learned that completely changed the way you make music?
One thing I’ve learned that has completely changed the way I make music is a great collaborator makes great music. I love working with other artists, especially when they make me a better singer and songwriter.
What tools, instruments, or software are essential in your creative process?
I am a bit old school – I still love pen and paper but I have graduated to using my notes app to write songs. And of course, my guitar is important.
Which indie artist or song are you loving right now?
I recently heard a band called Geography and their song Cyclone is great!
How have your personal experiences influenced your music and artistic vision?
All of my songs are deeply personal and based on real life experience. I think it makes it more authentic to be raw and honest, even if it’s hard sometimes. I just want to connect with people, and I feel like people want to connect with artists.
What emotions or messages do you hope listeners take from your work?
I want them to find hope in my songs. I want them to understand that the stories stem from my life but they can be universal and lots of people go through the same struggles.
What’s the most important lesson music has taught you so far?
Music is a tool for healing.
What is a dream venue or festival you would love to perform at?
There are so many but I would love to play The Ryman Auditorium in Nashville and Newport Folk Festival would be a dream.
If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?
Emmylou Harris – She is an icon, a phenomenal writer and imagine the harmonies!
Where can our listeners follow and support your music? (Website,Spotify, IG, links)
https://www.instagram.com/kyarnamusic
https://music.apple.com/ca/artist/kyarna/1829231848
Looking toward the future, what’s your dream for the next chapter of your musical journey?
Looking ahead, my dream is to keep expanding – to collaborate with more artists, both here at home and internationally, and to keep learning through those creative exchanges. I want to write songs that travel – that speak across cultures and connect people through shared stories of love, loss and healing.
I see the next chapter taking me further into the world – writing and recording in places like Nashville, then bringing those experiences back to home to Australia to share with community. Ultimately, I want my music to open doors for other First Nations artists, creating pathways that make it easier for our stories to be heard on a global stage.
What do you hope listeners will discover about you along the way?
I hope people get to see a bit of who I really am – someone who feels things deeply but still finds the joy in everything.
