Kacy Hill is No Longer Explaining Herself

After a decade in the spotlight, the singer-songwriter explores hobbies, boundaries and a fresh approach to music-making.

By Izzy Petraglia

Photos by Lauren Dunn

Published on September 29, 2025

Without proof or explanation, Kacy Hill is rewriting her relationship with the music industry. The Phoenix-born, LA-based singer-songwriter is finding purpose beyond her artistic career while navigating her early 30s, 11 years into her career. After a morning walk, Hill connects with me on Google Meet to discuss her new EP, But Anyways, No Worries!

“Putting out music is my least favourite part of making music,” she says now that the Folk-Americana project is out. Hill’s musical passion comes from making it, while releasing it feels like “clocking in.” “When music is just yours and you’re making it, it’s fun. It’s cathartic. When you put it out, you’re like, that’s it? With the internet age, you put out music and life continues on,” she says, a newfound sense of peace radiating throughout our conversation — one found in the comfort of understanding what you want.

Chasing what brings her joy has been at the epicentre of her life as of late. Whether it’s gardening or a budding interest in landscape design, Hill calls herself a “hobby collector,” finding fulfilment in interests alongside making music. “Sometimes I get stuck in the hamster wheel of music, where you make a project, you put it out, then do the same thing again.” Finding contentment in other vehicles helps her break this cycle, fuelling music-making with intention.

Hill has spent over a year learning about herself, protecting her peace, and putting boundaries in place that keep her grounded — especially after the end of her long-term relationship. “I let this other person become my inner voice and critic. I cared so deeply about their approval, but it was never good enough, intertwining with my own idea of perfectionism.” She finds joy in the block button, pushing back on the idea that it gives someone too much power, instead framing it as limiting their access to you. “I block anyone who comments something shitty on my social media. It’s not a petty thing. You’re not here because you’re interested in what I’m doing.”

Asking herself what she wanted to get out of music became a big question after not asking the question to begin with. Years after chasing the “big stuff,” Hill reflected on her strange entrance into the industry at a young age, wondering if that path felt right for her. “When I was 18 or 19, I fell into this major label deal with big management around me and all this hype about Kacy Hill in 2015/2016,” she recalls. “I would force myself to visualize being on stage playing big shows and I couldn’t. I’d say I wanted this, but I knew in my heart there was a disconnect.”

The idea of success has played a large role in understanding what she wants, when Hill’s heart-to-heart with herself sees her wondering if she doesn’t want certain things because they haven’t come to her. “I felt such a great disconnect between that world and who I was. There’s this idea that success in music means being a celebrity, having tons of money, playing arenas. I don’t think that was my intended path — which is why I feel at peace doing something alongside making music. I’ve seen quotes from Mac DeMarco recently talking about how in music, you’re supposed to just want the next thing.”

Realizing peace is acceptance of where you’re at has been a tool in Hill’s kit to understand her long-term plan and intent with music. “I had this idea that if you’re an artist, you have to be solely devoted to that. That’s not true. Sometimes doing what seems mundane is really inspiring. It brings more richness to the work,” she explains. After years of anxiety and depression, she grounds herself with a non-negotiable morning routine — including walks with her cat without her phone.

Hill feels present when she’s off her phone, learning something new — advocating her interest in community college classes. “Maybe it feels exciting because I didn’t go to college, but keeping that muscle active and the possibility of everything I can learn is where I’m finding joy,” she muses. She finds productivity and inspiration through curiously exploring new interests. Specifically, Hill recounts the way her garden introduced her to a new purpose. While most musicians experience euphoric transformation on stage, Hill found a divine intervention surrounded by plants and nature. “When I’m in nature, I realise I’m tiny. So many things existed before me and will continue to exist after me. More than anything I do in my work, that brings me peace.” She finds mindfulness in the quiet, subtle movements while gardening — feeling an unparalleled connection to the world.

That connection is one that doesn’t waver, even when Hill shares insight on the music industry “boys’ club,” noting the way femme producers are expected to prove themselves to be welcomed into male-dominated rooms. Hill produces all her own songs yet is not often acknowledged as such. She formally lets go of the chip on her shoulder, grateful yet no longer needing to prove herself to fanbases that beg for more. “I’m happy with what I do. I don’t care if Ronald from Georgia likes it or not. That’s not my responsibility anymore.”