By Claire Cen '26, Loomis Chaffee
MCW Film.
With over 500k followers on TikTok, 21-year-old Sarah Kinsley is one of the most promising rising artists of today.
A Chinese-American California native, Kinsley was classically trained from a young age, and grew up performing in youth orchestras. While studying music theory at Columbia University, she began producing her own music, eventually gaining fame on TikTok after the title track of her extended play, The King, went viral. After releasing another extended play titled Cypress in June of this year, Kinsley has embarked on her two-month tour with nine destinations, some venues already being sold out.
Kinsley, as both female and Asian-American, is extremely underrepresented in the music industry, and the success of talented minority individuals like her is ever-important in the present day. Characterized by her vivid storytelling and controlled, breathy vocals, Kinsley is undeniably skilled in not just her music itself, but how she presents it to the world. Looking forward, fans of Kinsley can count on new music in the months after the conclusion of her tour—perhaps even Kinsley’s first full-length studio album. Though her music has had plenty of classical influence, Kinsley’s next project may include more direct inspirations, such as taking a page out of BLACKPINK’s book and sampling a well-known piece.
Additionally, Kinsley’s lyrics have been centered mostly with falling out of love and coping with the aftermath of loss. Perhaps in her next release, there will be more songs about falling in love and the whirlwind of emotions associated. Ultimately, wherever her next venture takes her, Kinsley will undoubtedly craft a new piece of art that resonates with us all.
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