In her new album FOR MY SANITY, Kaitlyn Hiller takes listeners on a deeply personal journey through the highs and lows of mental health, self-discovery, and emotional resilience. With a sound that blends indie, pop, and alternative influences, Hiller crafts songs that are both cathartic and empowering, offering a raw glimpse into her own struggles and triumphs. We sat down with Kaitlyn to discuss the creative process behind the album, the healing power of music, and how sharing her story has impacted both her and her listeners.
The artwork for For My Sanity is striking. How does it align with the album’s sound and themes?
The artwork aligns with the album’s music and themes because the stress represented in each song can cause one’s brain to not think clearly. When we undergo stressors, there’s often a fight or flight response. The melting part of the brain represents when this happens, while the part of the brain that is still intact shows its right for sanity.
What’s one thing about creating this album that genuinely surprised you?
How easy it was to drive deep into my past. Creating these songs was surprisingly easy. I tend to make my best work when I’m suffering or in pain. And I’m sure that’s true for many artists in the world. Creating anything and venting our experiences can be difficult, but in my opinion, it’s often the most rewarding.
Does releasing For My Sanity feel like closure for certain chapters of your life, or is healing ongoing for you?
Oh absolutely. I feel like this album helped close the doors on my mental breakdown I experienced in 2015, a year that I was experiencing anxiety, panic attacks, and depression. I feel like this album has significantly helped with closure.
What do you think the Kaitlyn who was just discovering music, would feel hearing For My Sanity?
“Damn, I’m good.” Is what she would think? If there’s anything I’m confident in, it’s my work. I get better and better the more I make, just like anyone practicing any hobby.
Your music dives into heavy themes—how do you keep creativity exciting and light for yourself?
Once I have an idea, it just flows right out of me. I keep it exciting by being honest to a fault. I’m not about to make music that doesn’t hold truth to it. I tell stories, mostly my own, and I feel like it’s journalism for me.
How do you feel about the idea that your music might act as a therapeutic tool for others? Do you ever receive feedback that surprises you in terms of how your songs resonate with your audience?
I have received feedback from some fans. One in particular stands out. They couldn’t stop listening to “Let Me In” and told me it helped them reach out to a therapist to get help for themselves. I was thrilled.
Your music blends genres like indie, pop, and alternative. How did you discover your unique sound, and did you ever feel the pressure to conform to one specific genre?
Discovering my sound was simple trial and error. I found myself enjoying synth very much and mixing and matching with it. I don’t feel pressure to conform to one particular sound at all. I make my music for me first and foremost. If others enjoy it, that’s just a huge bonus. Artists should ALWAYS create for themselves before somebody else.
As you reflect on the journey that led to For My Sanity, what do you think has been the most rewarding part of sharing this chapter of your life with the world?
Knowing that just maybe I can help others experiencing a low point in their life and help them vent through the music. I pray for people I don’t know very often. I hope they find peace of mind. I hope they follow their dreams. I hope they find love. And most of all, I hope they find a passion that sets their soul on fire. And pursue it.
Listen to FOR MY SANITY here:
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