Katelyn Henshall Releases Long-Awaited Single ‘What You Want Me To Be’
Katelyn has continued to build momentum following her most recent two singles. In early 2026, Katelyn recorded the tracks for her debut EP A lil somethin’ somethin and is excited to release the third single What You Want Me To Be.
What You Want Me To Be is a ballad of sorts, with a powerful instrumental that builds on the raw emotion introduced by Katelyn’s distinctive vocals and poetic lyrics. Comparatively to her recently released singles, this track is heavier in mood and instrumentals and will also be the closing track of A lil somethin’ somethin. For an original, this is the most that Katelyn has pushed herself from a vocal standpoint, and she is beyond excited to share another layer to her music.
This song starts off with a synthy guitar that builds with a seamless entry of a visceral bass and drums to elevate the story. Some might refer to Katelyn as the Kiwi Lola Young with the dark and ominous themes of this single. This song is for anyone that has felt like no matter how hard they try, they are unable to meet others’ expectations. Katelyn’s lyrics are sparsely haunting and draw the listener in with the repetition of “can’t be what you want me to be”. However, if you listen closely, Katelyn and the band have moments of poking fun at this idea of meeting another’s expectations with the lyrics of, “I wish it was satisfactory, or exemplary”. The killer guitar solo gears the song to a close and the listener is left with Katelyn’s familiar echoey vocals.
The single was recorded in Wellington by Peter Jamieson and produced by Angus Webb. Originating from Katelyn’s dynamic acoustic version, the band worked together to transform the initial idea into a soulful, alt-pop, radio-friendly hit. Katelyn and her bandmates, Dónal, Tane, and Oliver will be performing at Vogelmorn Upstairs for their EP release show on the 4th of September, supported by Ari Leason and Jeline. Described as “well suited for a whiskey lounge”, branding and promotional material for A lil somethin’ somethin draws inspiration from and was shot in a whiskey lounge.
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What You Want Me To Be is the closing track of a collection of singles off Katelyn’s debut EP, A lil somethin’ somethin which will be available on all streaming platforms Thursday 3rd of September.
