Australian alt-pop artist Jess Ball continues her emergence as one of the most intriguing new voices in the genre with the release of her latest single, Kiddin’, a deeply personal track inspired by her experiences living with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.
Jess Ball
Following recent single Roundabouts and the acclaimed Where You Go EP, Kiddin’ sees Ball delve into some of her most vulnerable songwriting to date. Blending infectious pop melodies with darker, more unsettling undertones, the track offers an honest exploration of the intrusive thoughts, anxiety and internal battles that often accompany OCD.
Opening with sharp, confrontational percussion, Kiddin’ immediately establishes a sense of unease before unfolding into a captivating piece of alternative pop. Beneath its polished production and earworm hooks lies a tension that mirrors the song’s subject matter, as delicate piano lines and Ball’s emotive vocal performance capture the relentless push and pull between logic and compulsion.
Speaking about the track, Ball explains that she wanted to challenge common misconceptions surrounding OCD, a condition often misunderstood as simply being linked to cleanliness or organisation.
“Kiddin’ is inspired by my personal experience living with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD),” she says. “Through the song, I wanted to capture the chaos and intensity OCD can bring to everyday life, while also challenging the common misconception that it’s simply about being neat or overly clean.”
The song reflects how quickly obsessive thoughts can spiral, escalating from minor concerns into overwhelming fears within moments. By addressing those realities head-on, Ball delivers a song that feels both deeply personal and universally relatable for anyone who has struggled with anxiety, intrusive thinking or self-doubt.
Musically, Kiddin’ further showcases Ball’s evolving artistry. While she first gained widespread attention as the vocalist behind dance hits including EDX’s I Found You (Neptune) and Take Me Home, her solo material continues to move beyond her electronic roots. Drawing influence from artists as diverse as Cigarettes After Sex, Massive Attack, Olivia Dean, Lily Allen, Turnstile and The Cure, Ball has developed a distinctive sound that combines alt-pop, trip-hop textures and introspective singer-songwriter storytelling.
The track was once again created alongside producer duo Antoni Polimeni and Richy Sebastian, collectively known as 1and2 Productions, whose previous work spans electronic heavyweights including EDX, NERVO, Tensnake and Curbi. Their production strikes a careful balance between accessibility and experimentation, allowing Ball’s lyrical vulnerability to remain front and centre.
Originally from Melbourne, Ball has steadily built momentum as both a collaborator and solo artist, earning attention for her ability to transform deeply personal experiences into compelling pop music. With Kiddin’, she takes another significant step forward, delivering a track that is as thought-provoking as it is memorable.
As she continues to carve out her own space within the alternative pop landscape, Kiddin’ demonstrates that Jess Ball is unafraid to tackle difficult subjects while crafting songs that resonate long after the final note fades.
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