Kathryn Cloward’s “Free to Be Me” Is the Self-Love Anthem You Didn’t Know You Needed

Kathryn Cloward returns with a powerful declaration of inner freedom in her latest single “Free to Be Me,” the first release from her latest album Lighthouse. Known for her heart-centered songwriting and radiant authenticity, Cloward continues to shine as a guiding voice in adult contemporary music.

“Free to Be Me” is more than a single. It is an emotional release. The song opens with an uplifting rhythm that immediately evokes a sense of hope, inviting listeners to exhale and lean in. Cloward’s vocals are clear and expressive, delivering each lyric with intention. The track strikes a balance between pop-Americana production and deep emotional resonance, crafting a sound that is both familiar and refreshing.

The lyrics speak to anyone who has ever felt confined by fear, societal expectations, or self-doubt. It is about learning to let go, stepping out of the cage, and living fully as yourself. Cloward’s writing is honest and accessible, making the song feel deeply personal and universally relatable at the same time.

Produced in both stereo and Dolby Atmos immersive sound, the song surrounds the listener in a dynamic, three-dimensional mix. Every harmony, every instrument, every subtle inflection is given space to shine. This approach reflects Cloward’s ongoing commitment to innovation and creative integrity, working closely with co-producer Daniel Fritz to craft an experience that is both sonically rich and emotionally grounded.

As the lead single from Lighthouse, “Free to Be Me” sets the tone for what promises to be a transformative album. Cloward has always written music that speaks to the soul, but this track marks a new level of clarity and confidence.

In a world full of noise, Kathryn Cloward offers a clear message: be yourself, love yourself, and let that light guide the way.

What inspired the emotional journey behind “Free to Be Me”? 

I originally wrote “Free to Be Me” back in February 2021, during a pivotal time of transformation in my life. I was navigating major personal shifts and finally standing up for myself in a situation that had been unfair for years. That experience illuminated a deeper awareness of the imbalance I had allowed in many areas of my life. 

The song itself reflects two emotional landscapes. The first part reveals how I felt caged,  conditioned, and controlled—and my yearning to break free from that energy. The second part expresses the why—why I write, why I create, and why I share. Pouring my heart into music is where I’ve found true freedom and personal liberation. It’s where I feel most free being fully me. 

Although I recorded and mastered “Free to Be Me” for distribution in 2021, it didn’t feel like the right time to release it. I trusted that I’d know when it was ready—and I did. In 2024, I revisited  the track with fresh energy, reworked a few elements of the original production—particularly the  

drums and bass—and decided to release it in Dolby Atmos. This marks the first official release from my production company in full immersive sound, which feels like the perfect sonic setting for a song that’s all about liberation and expansion. 

How did working in immersive audio like Dolby Atmos push your creative vision? 

Exploring Dolby Atmos with my production team felt like a natural evolution of my creative journey—and a bold leap I was ready to take. There was a learning curve, but it was one I  welcomed. We were committed to getting the immersive sound experience just right, and a lot of credit goes to Daniel Fritz for skillfully handling the technical backend to bring our vision to life. 

Working in immersive audio pushed me to think beyond stereo—beyond the usual left and right—and start imagining how my music could feel in a three-dimensional space. It expanded the way I approached layering vocals, instruments, and ambient textures. As a result, my upcoming 10-song Lighthouse album (releasing 8/8/25) will be available in full Dolby Atmos,  creating a more dynamic and emotionally resonant experience.

We’re also bringing this immersive sound to two more upcoming projects set to release in September and November. It’s been creatively energizing—and it’s only the beginning. 

What do you hope listeners feel after hearing this song for the first time? 

I want people to feel seen, inspired, and empowered in their truth. “Free to Be Me” is about breaking out of the boxes we’ve been placed in—or put ourselves in—and reconnecting with the inner voice that knows what freedom feels like. It’s a song born from personal transformation, but it’s meant to be a mirror for others to reflect on their journeys. 

If someone listens and feels a spark of liberation—if they feel less alone, more courageous, or more connected to their inner power—that would be awesome. My entire catalog is about heart-centered expression, healing, and embracing the beauty of being fully, unapologetically yourself.  I hope this song encourages people to trust their path and honor their becoming. 

How does Lighthouse reflect your personal and artistic growth? 

Lighthouse is a reflection of the deep personal and artistic growth I’ve experienced over the past decade, especially in learning not to rush the process. That’s been one of my biggest life lessons:  to trust divine timing and allow things to unfold with ease instead of force. I’ve learned that when we give space for alignment, the right songs, messages, and clarity rise to the surface naturally. 

In that spaciousness, I wrote a few additional songs that now complete the album and thread its message together more cohesively. I also revisited the very first song I ever wrote on my own— from top to bottom—and re-recorded and re-arranged it. That felt like a decisive full-circle moment, like a musical bookend honoring my first decade in the industry. 

As I step into this next chapter, I’m leading with Lighthouse both symbolically and artistically.  The title track speaks to what I now embody: standing in my light, shining without needing to prove, fix, or control anything. It’s about presence without pressure—about being a guide simply by being. That’s the message of the album and the energy I hope to share with others: you don’t have to dim your light or carry the weight of the world to make an impact. Just be you—fully,  freely, and in your beautiful color. 

What role does healing play in your songwriting process? 

Songwriting has been a profound source of healing for me. When I began pouring out songs between 2015 and 2017, I was deep in my wounding—sifting through painful stories,  seeking clarity, and discerning what was truly mine to carry and what never was. Writing became a sacred space to process grief, release shame, and rediscover my voice. 

Now, I’m on the other side of much of that emotional terrain. Life feels lighter, more joyful. I’m proud of the woman I’ve become and the way I’ve shown up—in my artistry, in motherhood,  and in choosing to live bravely and authentically. My son has grown up watching me chase my dreams, witnessing what it means to be bold, compassionate, forgiving, loving, and joyful all at once. 

As he heads off to university this fall, we’re both entering new beginnings. And that, to me, is the heart of healing—being able to welcome life’s next chapter with an open heart, a clear mind,  and deep trust in divine guidance for our highest good. My songs are infused with that journey,  and I hope they help others find their path to healing, too.