New Mexico artist KOTA! generated a significant amount of hype having only released a few songs to the world. Now, following the release of her debut album, KOTA!’s latest new single ‘Eyes Wide Open’ gives audiences a potent taste of her rousing anthem-pop sound. 

Photo Courtesy of KOTA!

Albuquerque-based artist KOTA! has released her new single, ‘Eyes Wide Open,’ as she shares details about her new album and how she plans on making an impact in 2025. 

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The artist boasts music that is as eclectic as her fashion sense. Inspired by the likes of No Doubt, Nirvana, Rage Against the Machine and Cyndi Lauper, KOTA!’s aesthetic – which you might call nice-girl-meets-dystopian-cyberpunk-character – is indisputably unique in the music world. 

KOTA! has been the first to admit that her upbringing played a huge part in helping her to arrive at this uniqueness. Both of KOTA!’s parents were writers, and they encouraged her creativity at a young age. She notes that she spent time on horror film sets as a kid and that these experiences of watching creativity blossom helped inform her when it came to writing her own music. 

At the age of 9, KOTA! was penning and recording songs in a family friend’s recording studio in her hometown. She spent the years that followed this gaining a newfound confidence and astuteness when it came to music. In her teenage years, she became versed in the piano and guitar. She also attended the Hollywood Pop Academy for four years (which probably explains why she sounds like the Full Package Pop Star despite only landing on the scene recently). And she has performed numerous memorable gigs throughout her career, to audiences numbering in the 100s. 

Now, having been talked about as a rising star in recent months, KOTA! kicked off 2025 by releasing her long-awaited debut album. With songs written in the world-famous Rockfield Studios in rural Wales, as part of the Pro7ect writing camp, KOTA!’s debut album was as promising as critics and fans expected it to be.

The artist’s newly released song, ‘Eyes Wide Open,’ is the lead single to be launched from her new album. ‘Eyes Wide Open’ is a remarkable single, as well as being one that confirms just how commanding KOTA! is as a pop artist. ‘Eyes Wide Open’ is an ode to taking chances, following your heart, and not missing out on opportunities before they pass you by. The song is carried by KOTA!’s voice, which is rousing while also being incredibly sincere.

‘Eyes Wide Open’ follows on from her previous singles, ‘Killin’ It’ and ‘Dead Pretty’. These songs alone confirm that she is consistent in her ability to entertain audiences. Keep your eyes and ears open for what KOTA! does in the coming months.

‘Eyes Wide Open’ was released on January 23rd, on the same day as she released her self-titled debut album. You can stream KOTA!’s songs here

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