Edited by Mikkel Hyldebrandt
Photos: Kylie Watt
Electro-pop artist Kiesza continues to build momentum in her latest era with the release of “When I’m Dancing,” a euphoric, emotionally layered new single that arrives on the heels of last month’s “Good Morning America” featuring KYLIE. The track is a shimmering continuation of her evolving sound, pairing smooth, technically refined vocals with hypnotic production that feels both intimate and expansive. Accompanied by a vibrant new music video, the song captures a deeply personal truth: the dancefloor as both escape and emotional release.
Drawing directly from her years living in New York City, Kiesza frames the track as a reflection on solitude and survival in a city that never stops moving. “The struggles and tears led me to find solace on whatever New York dance floor was speaking to me that night, solo raving through the doubts and uncertainty that words failed to comfort. ‘When I’m Dancing’ is about allowing your body to cry in ways that go beyond tears. Dancing has always been my crying, my refuge. I go back to that time in this song. In so many ways, dancing has saved my life,” she explains on the story behind the song. The idea of movement as emotional processing sits at the heart of the track, transforming club culture into something deeply therapeutic.
The sense of reflection is mirrored in Kiesza’s broader perspective on her journey. “I wish I could go back in time and tell my younger self how much there was to look forward to. That everything she was afraid would break her would eventually shape her and lead somewhere beautiful. Not only the woman who thought her dreams were over in a split-second car crash, but the girl fresh out of college, willing to bet on herself in a city that swallows both the dreamer and their dreams alive,” says Kiesza, which underscores both the personal resilience behind her artistry and the lived experience that continues to inform her music.
“When I’m Dancing” not only places Kiesza back strong and right in the middle of the dancefloor, but also inserts her as part of the female-led brigade of pop icons, proving that the dancefloor is indeed not dead. “It feels like the highest compliment when people let loose on the dance floor to my music and I love how many women are owning the dance space in 2026. I’ve been connected with a lot of female DJs and producers in the space recently and it’s truly amazing how much talent is out there. Women really love to take risks and push boundaries, which makes the dance space so much more refreshing than it was back when I was one of very few women in the space.”
Expanding further on the creative process, Kiesza highlights the collaborative nature of the track’s development. “The journey that led to this song is a testament to the path that brought me to this moment. None of it was created alone. Jess Cake and Bradley Spence began this track in the UK before it evolved further in their Toronto Airbnb basement suite, where the song was written. The production was later brought to life in the most inspiring analog studio, thanks to Al-P letting us all go wild in his musical treasure chest. The song itself became a journey, mirroring the story embedded in the lyrics. The pain, the love, the hope, and the belief that our most fragile moments become the seeds of our greatest strengths. I can truly say that of all my songs, this is one of my favourites.” The result is a track that feels both meticulously crafted and emotionally raw, balancing studio precision with lived-in vulnerability.
Visually, the “When I’m Dancing” video – directed by Shiraz Higgins and filmed in Victoria, BC on the traditional and unceded territory of the lək̓ʷəŋən, W̱SÁNEĆ and W̱SĺḴEM peoples – extends that emotional palette into a kaleidoscopic world of color, choreography, and theatrical styling. The result is a high-energy, visually rich piece that amplifies Kiesza’s signature fusion of performance art and pop spectacle, while also acknowledging place and cultural context.
The single also sets the stage for the final chapter of her dance trilogy, with Dancing and Crying: Volume 3 arriving May 8. The project continues Kiesza’s exploration of joy, grief, movement, and self-reinvention, solidifying the series as a defining statement in her independent catalog.
Looking ahead, Kiesza will launch the continuation of her Dancing and Crying Tour on May 20 in Atlanta, GA at Terminal West, bringing her high-voltage live show to 15 cities across the United States and Europe. Select dates will feature American rapper and singer Rye Rye as support. Kiesza describes her concert experience as “a HUGE dance party from start to finish, so definitely prepare to sweat!” The main focus will be on the dance music, and specifically on the Dancing and Crying collection. “But I, of course, made sure to include some of the classics. I really love the energy that fills the room during my shows. My supporters and I have such a deep connection, and nothing compares to these 3D moments we share”, says Kiesza in anticipation of the upcoming world tour.
“When I’m Dancing” is available now on all major streaming platforms, with Dancing and Crying: Volume 3releasing May 8 and tickets for the upcoming tour available via Kiesza’s official website kiesza.com and major ticketing outlets.
