Who said self-reflective, self-aware music had to be sad and dreary?
LA-born synth pop artist Grace Kay joins forces with New Jersey-born, LA-based indie pop artist Kirsten Izer on the danceable single “WHY AM I LIKE THIS,” released via Trailing Twelve Records.
"WHY AM I LIKE THIS" is a refreshing, fluttery track that pairs stripped-back verses with lyrics that land hardest in seasons where up feels like down and the path forward looks murky.
Shimmering synths and a palpable, stomach-dropping rhythm propel the song from start to finish, giving emotional uncertainty a pulse you can actually move to.
On the meaning behind the track, Kay says, “WHY AM I LIKE THIS is about getting caught in a cycle of habits that don’t serve you. “It’s that feeling of knowing what you should be doing, but instead watching yourself spiral – fighting your inner critic, wasting time, and sitting in this purgatory of anxiety and insecurity.”
The title acts as a recurring punchline, anchoring the song’s relatability in a phrase most of us have muttered to ourselves at least once. Instead of sinking into shame, it shrugs at imperfection. The repetition lifts the emotional weight off not getting things right all the time and reframes it as something communal rather than isolating.
“We both use self-deprecating humor to lighten the mood around these feelings,” Kay explains. “Did you leave your coffee on top of your car and drive off? WHY AM I LIKE THIS. Did you get too deep at a networking event? WAILT.”
Vocally, Grace Kay and Kirsten Izer blend seamlessly, their tones intertwining in a way that feels effortless. The fact that they collaborated on “WHY AM I LIKE THIS” together makes the track land even harder.
There’s something powerful about two female artists owning a theme centered on messing up, spiraling, and not always getting it right—especially in a culture that often pressures women to be polished and perfect at every turn.
Connect with Kirsten Izer: Instagram
Connect with Grace Kay: Instagram
