Pop

Kaiwyn: The Doctor Who Prescribed Himself a Dose of Pop-Rock Rebellion

Kaiwyn: The Doctor Who Prescribed Himself a Dose of Pop-Rock Rebellion

Australian-based singer-songwriter Kaiwyn is a man of two worlds: he spends his days as a practising medical doctor specialising in psychiatry and his nights crafting the kind of emotionally-charged pop-rock that settles deep in your bones. While balancing these two demanding careers might sound exhausting, it’s exactly this unique blend of empathy and introspection that fuels his music. His latest single, ‘Good Boy,’ is a vibrant, dance-friendly track that breaks away from the script, serving as a powerful anthem for self-liberation and authentic living. It's a confession, a catharsis, and a massive step forward, lyrically and sonically.

We caught up with Kaiwyn to discuss how he weaves his medical insights into his musical storytelling, the moment he decided to stop being the perpetual people-pleaser, and the unexpected electro-pop edge he brought to his new release. In a refreshingly honest chat, we covered everything from his Malaysian roots and therapeutic songwriting process to the simple power of being real.

Good afternoon, Kaiwyn! Thank you for stopping by and speaking about your new single. We’ve spoken before about some of your singles, like ‘Off & On’, but where did your love of music begin?

“I started writing music during my teenage years and it began with writing poems and blogs, really just trying to make sense of emotions I couldn’t quite say out loud. Over time, those words naturally turned into lyrics. Music became a way for me to process experiences — a therapeutic outlet that’s stayed with me ever since. Even while studying medicine, I always felt that pull to create. It’s something I could never completely switch off.”

Can you tell us a bit about your new single and what it means to you?

“‘Good Boy’ is a really personal one. It represents a shift — both musically and emotionally. It’s about unlearning the need to please everyone and embracing who you truly are, even if that means being misunderstood or seen as the ‘bad guy’. For me, it’s also symbolic of finding balance between two very different worlds — medicine and music — and learning to let go of unrealistic expectations.”

Were there any artists, moments, or experiences that influenced you when creating the release, or was it more about that personal experience?

“Honestly, this song came from lived experience — those moments when you realise that constantly trying to be the ‘good person’ for everyone ends up dimming your own light. I was influenced more by emotion than by a specific artist this time. Still, I’ve always drawn inspiration from storytellers like Michelle Branch, Lily Allen and sonically maybe Owl City for this track — artists who can make vulnerability sound powerful.”

How would you describe the sound on the single?

“‘Good Boy’ is probably my most dance-friendly track to date. It has that nostalgic pop-rock backbone I’m known for, but with an energetic, almost electro-pop edge. I wanted the production to feel alive and freeing — something that captures both frustration and liberation. It’s me experimenting and showing that I’m not confined to a single genre.”

What was your songwriting process? How did it all come together to make the single what it is?

“I wrote the first lines years ago — “I’ve been a good boy all my life, coming to terms with what I like.” It sat in my vault for a while until I revisited it with a fresh perspective. Working with Simon Dobson at Lakehouse Audio helped bring it to life. The process was quite organic: we built the production layer by layer, allowing the emotion to guide the rhythm. It was less about structure and more about honesty.”

You mentioned that feeling of being misunderstood or seen as the ‘bad guy’, did that lead to a specific meaning or message you wanted to feed into the song?

“Absolutely. It’s about self-liberation and self-acceptance. I think many of us are conditioned to be “good” all the time — to meet expectations, to please, to avoid conflict. But sometimes growth comes from saying no, setting boundaries, and reclaiming your own voice. ‘Good Boy’ is a reminder that being true to yourself doesn’t make you bad; it just makes you real.”

What’s the most important thing when you’re writing a song?

“Authenticity. If I can’t feel what I’m writing about, it won’t connect. I’m not great at faking emotions — whether in medicine or music. So, I try to stay genuine, even if it means exposing the uncomfortable parts. I also think melodies should serve the story; every lyric and chord should have intention.”

Do you have any advice for bands and artists who are just starting out and trying to make their mark?

“Stay curious and patient. Don’t rush to sound like anyone else — your uniqueness is your strength. And remember that every small moment adds up: the late nights writing, the open mics, the one person who messages to say your song helped them — that’s impact. Most importantly, create because it makes you feel alive, not because you’re chasing validation.”

What sort of a reception have you had with the single so far?

“It’s been amazing so far. The feedback from both listeners and radio has been really encouraging. People seem to resonate with the message of letting go of expectations, which is what I’d hoped for. Hearing that the song helped someone stand up for themselves or move on from a toxic situation — that means everything to me. Making my story into everyone’s cautionary tale!”

Is there anything you would like to say to our audience? How can they connect with and support you?

“I just want to say thank you to everyone who’s listened, shared, or reached out — your support genuinely keeps me going. You can find me on Spotify, Instagram, YouTube and Bandcamp. And if there’s one thing I’d love listeners to take away from ‘Good Boy,’ it’s this: don’t be afraid to rewrite your own definition of what being “good” means.”

It’s clear that Kaiwyn isn't just making music; he's practising a form of sonic self-therapy that resonates deeply with anyone who's ever felt the squeeze of expectation. His commitment to authenticity makes his pop-rock not only catchy but incredibly meaningful.

While ‘Good Boy’ encourages us to embrace our truest, slightly messier selves, Kaiwyn is already looking ahead, continuing to write new music that explores the complexities of the human condition. In a world that often demands we stay neatly in our lane, this doctor-musician proves that the most healing thing we can do is drive straight off-road and find our own unique rhythm. Keep an eye out for what he crafts next; it’s bound to be both honest and electric.

You can stream the new single above, and for more from Kaiwyn, be sure to follow him today on TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and X.

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