NEW SINGLE: Kim Yang 'Forever This Way' + Announces Turn on the Lights
Kim Yang 楊予菁 releases new soul-inspired celebration of love ‘Forever This Way’ and announces debut album Turn on the Lights + homecoming performance
Kim Yang 楊予菁 returns with the soul-drenched single ‘Forever This Way’, out on Wednesday 11 February, and announces her debut album Turn on the Lights, slated for release on Thursday 7 May. In celebration, Kim is returning for a homecoming show performing as a trio at Canberra’s Smith’s Alternative on Sunday, 15 February, with support from Hayden Kinsman.
Written on her 10th wedding anniversary, ‘Forever This Way’ is a love letter to our everyday heroes, the partners, spouses or friends who brighten our days. It celebrates the joy, comfort, vitality and trust we draw from our closest relationships. Produced by Louis Montgomery (SAFIA, Peking Duk), the gospel and soul-inspired track integrates choir backing vocals, filling the song with vibrancy and resonance fitting of its inspiration. ‘My husband is a fan of blues and soul music, so this tune was written to match his tastes, with the addition of a cinematic string arrangement by Melbourne singer-songwriter Emma Kelly, aka 'Happy Axe'. To boost the sound, I invited soul-folk singer-songwriters Hannah Acfield and Sophie Maurice to join me for the choral singing and vocal improvisation on the track,’ says Kim.
Turn on the Lights explores Kim’s musings on identity, purpose, fear, and anxiety, drawing on her own journey through self-doubt, discovery, and acceptance. Titled Turn On The Lights, the LP explores Kim’s acceptance of herself as an immigrant, a late-diagnosed neurodivergent woman, and someone who has struggled with mental health challenges, and explores the power of stepping into the light and sharing her stories with the world. Built on international collaborations from Kim’s journeys around the globe, it features four songs in English and Mandarin with Australian artist Katie Wighton (All Our Exes Lives in Texas), Welsh artist Cara Hammond, and Hong Kong-Canadian artist Tennyson King.
‘I wanted my debut album to capture an insight into my essence. I am someone who has struggled with self-doubt my whole life. Through my musical journey, I have gone on a journey of self-discovery, learning to explore my own stories and be open in sharing them on stage. Now I am at a moment of self-acceptance, confident to share my full story and help others on their own journeys.’ - Kim Yang
Known for her vulnerable storytelling and candid stage presence, Taiwanese-Australian singer-songwriter Kim Yang’s music explores themes of love, loss, resilience, and identity, shaped by her multicultural journey and emotional depth. Kim’s 2020 single ‘Garden of Eden’, a tribute to the Australian bushfires, earned national praise and helped establish her as a powerful voice in the folk community, and she has gone on to be nominated for MusicACT's Artist of the Year (2022) and Best Live Voice at the National Live Music Awards (2023). Kim has supported artists like Josh Pyke, Ben Lee, Katie Noonan, George, Kate Ceberano, and Fanny Lumsden. and performed internationally and locally at Woodford Folk Festival (Australia), Cambridge Folk Festival (UK), Jade Music Fest (Taiwan and Canada), and Folk Alliance International (Canada).
Don’t miss the opportunity to catch Kim performing this February, and hear a glimpse of her debut album Turn on the Light.
‘Forever This Way’ out Wednesday 11 February Presave + Bandcamp
Turn on the Lights out is out Thursday 7 May 2026
‘Forever This Way’ Single Launch Show (Trio)
Smith’s Alternative, Canberra - Sunday 15 February 4 - 6 pm
Support act: Hayden Kinsman.
Doors at 3:30 pm
Ticket $25/Concession $20
Tickets