Kim Carnie releases uplifting pop track Middle of Hope written for multi-award winning documentary
Out Friday 6 September 2024 | Self released
Accomplished singer and composer Kim Carnie is set to release her latest single Middle of Hope on Friday 6 September. The upbeat pop-inspired track conveys a sense of looking to the future with anticipation and positivity, celebrating the openness of queer culture and the support available.
Written for the multi-award winning documentary Kim Carnie Out Loud, which explores Kim’s lived experiences and the profound impact that being in a secret same-sex relationship for six years had on her, Middle of Hope has apoignant message, and wistful yet positive sentiment. The track sees the highly sought-after songstress reflecting on her own desire for acceptance and community.
While filming the documentary, Kim met with members of the queer community from across the world and these people and their stories directly influenced her songwriting at this time. Middle of Hope is inspired by Liz Dyer, the founder of Mama Bears – a group for the mothers of LGBTQ+ children to connect, support, educate and empower each other, based in Texas and supporting people globally. The group, which now has tens of thousands of members, aims to make the world a better and more accepting place, offering invaluable tips and resources for allies.
Kim Carnie said: “Mama Bears do a lot of incredibly important work and Liz’s allyship was like nothing I’ve seen before. When I started writing for the documentary, I saw it as an opportunity to experiment with the music I write and create. I have always loved pop music so writing and recording Middle of Hope was a lot of fun. The song is an anthem of openness and it’s a joy to share that with the world.”
Performing alongside Kim Carnie’s velvet vocals on the atmospheric track are Innes White on guitar and backing vocals, Phil Wilkinson on drums, Graeme Smilie on bass guitar, Conor Smith on electric guitar and pedal steel with Ailis Sutherland, Josie Duncan, Laura-Beth Salter and Aidan Moodie providing additional vocals.
Following a series of successful screenings of Kim Carnie Out Loud at film festivals around the world, Middle of Hope has been awarded ‘Best Song in a Film’ at the Milan Independent Awards and ‘Best Music in a Feature Film’ at the Austin International Art Festival.
Set for its UK premier on 5 September at the GFT in Glasgow, the documentary has received a number of additional accolades including: Winner of Best Feature Documentary Film at Sofia International Film Festival, Winner of Best LGBT Film at Sweden Film Awards, Winner of Best LGBTQ+ Film at This is Your Way Film Festival, Malta and Nominee for Best LGBT Film and Best Documentary at Cannes Film Awards.
Since launching her solo career in 2018, Kim has featured on some of the UK’s biggest stages as well as world-renowned film and computer game soundtracks from Netflix’s Outlaw King and Black Mirror to Hallmark’s A Scottish Love Scheme.
Named Gaelic Singer of the Year in 2021, the beloved singer-songwriter is also a widely respected composer, creating commissions for the Edinburgh Storytelling Centre, Blas Festival and Piping Live! among others.
Middle of Hope will be available to download and stream from Friday 6 September 2024.
Award Information for Kim Carnie Out Loud
WINNER
Best LGBT Film, Sweden Film Awards
Best Narrative Documentary, Luleå Film Festival, Sweden
Best LGBT film, Stockholm City Film Festival
Best LGBTQ+ Film, Your Way Film Festival, Malta
Best Inspirational Film, Milan Independent Awards
Best Song in a Film, Milan Independent Awards
Best Feature Documentary Film, Sofia International Film Festival
Best Cinematography, Sofia International Film Festival
Best Director Of Photography, Sofia International Film Festival
Best Documentary, Alternative Film festival (Toronto, Canada)
Best Music in a Feature Film, Austin International Art Festival
Best Actress in a Long Feature Film, Austin International Art Festival
Best Cinematography in a Feature Film, Austin International Art Festival
LGBT Documentary, Jury Award, Feminist Border Arts Film Festival, New Mexico
Best LGBTQ+ Film, Chicago Filmmaker Awards
Outstanding Excellence in LGBT Films, Women’s International Film Festival, DE, US
OFFICIAL SELECTION
Feminist Border Arts Film Festival, New Mexico
Voices Rising Film Festival, New York
Fort Smith International Film Festival, Arkansas
Pembroke Taparelli Arts and Film Festival
Palm Springs LGBTQ+ Film Festival
NOMINEE
Best LGBT Film, Cannes Film Awards
Best Documentary, Cannes Film Awards
Best Feature Documentary, This is Your Way Film Festival, Malta
Best Director at Alternative Film festival (Canada / Toronto)
NOMINEE (winners TBA)
Close up Edinburgh Docufest
FINALIST
Best Documentary, RFA (Robinson Film Awards)
HONOURABLE MENTION
Athens International Monthly Art Film Festival 2025
Upcoming Screenings
22 August 2024 Fort Smith International Festival, Arkansas
05 September 2024 GFT, Glasgow
22 September 2024 Sea Change Festival, Isle of Tiree
19-29 September 2024 The Palm Springs LGBTQ+ Film Festival
15 October 2024 Voices Rising Film Fest, New York
05 November 2024 Inverness Film Festival 1-3 November 2024