Kate Sykes has finally dropped her new single Pills, and it’s one fans have been circling on the calendar for a while now. There’s been a steady buzz building around this release, and for good reason – Sykes continues to sharpen her identity with each drop, leaning further into a sound that feels both raw and intentional. Pills doesn’t just meet expectations, it comfortably raises the bar for what she’s capable of delivering.
The track is produced by Taylor Kimball, a name that carries serious weight in the modern Texas and Red Dirt scene. Kimball’s résumé – working with artists like Koe Wetzel, Treaty Oak Revival, Southall, Austin Meade, and Giovannie & The Hired Guns – speaks for itself, and his touch here is undeniable. The production strikes a perfect balance, giving the song enough grit to feel lived-in while keeping everything polished and cohesive.
Melodically, Pills is a standout. The melody hooks you early and sticks around long after the song ends, while the structure flows naturally without ever feeling predictable. Every section feels purposeful, allowing the track to breathe while still maintaining momentum. It’s the kind of songwriting that feels effortless on the surface, but clearly comes from a deep understanding of craft.
Sykes’ vocal performance ties it all together, perfectly capturing the grunge-leaning country aesthetic she’s carving out for herself. There’s an edge in her delivery that feels authentic rather than forced, adding emotional weight to every line. Kate Sykes remains one of the more underrated artists in the scene right now, but releases like Pills make it hard to imagine that staying the case for long. If this is any indication of what’s ahead, the next chapter is going to be a fun one to watch.