Kiey Turns Inwards on “phan thiet”

Kiey brings a deeply personal touch to “phan thiet”, a self-composed, self-written and self-produced track that offers another window into his carefully shaped musical world. Named after the Vietnamese coastal city, the song feels closely tied to place, memory and the emotions that can linger long after a particular moment has passed.

Rather than treating the setting as a simple backdrop, Kiey places it at the heart of the song. “phan thiet” carries the intimacy of looking back on somewhere that holds personal meaning, allowing feelings of love, desire and loneliness to sit alongside one another. It is reflective without feeling distant, capturing the way memories can be both comforting and difficult to leave behind.

The track also reflects Kiey’s fondness for euphoric and ethereal electro-pop. Melancholic melodies meet heavier, dance-influenced production, creating a contrast that has become central to his sound. There is a sense of emotional solitude beneath the polished electronic surface, giving “phan thiet” a mood that feels suited to quiet late-night listening.

Born in 1994, Kiey grew up surrounded by US and UK pop music. Artists including Lana Del Rey, Britney Spears, Utada Hikaru, Björk, Madonna and Michael Jackson have all played a part in shaping his approach. Their influence can be felt in his interest in atmosphere, strong pop songwriting and the meeting point between sadness and the dance floor, although “phan thiet” remains distinctly his own.

That independence is an important part of Kiey’s work. With full control over the lyrics, composition and production, every element comes directly from his own perspective. His invitation, “Welcome to my art!”, feels particularly fitting here. “phan thiet” is not simply another electro-pop release, but a personal piece built around a place and the feelings attached to it.

Following the solitary world explored on his debut album, Night To Myself, Kiey continues to make music that finds beauty in isolation. “phan thiet” turns a specific location into something wider and more relatable: a reminder of the places people carry with them, even after they have moved on.