FOCUS: "YOUR OWN WORDS" - interview to KATE GRAHN

FOCUS: "YOUR OWN WORDS" - interview to Kate Grahn

Talking about the latest release 'Do I Like Him (Or Is He Just Ignoring Me).

This is the melodic version of the phrase ‘I want what I can’t have.’ It’s the pop rock rendition of getting the ick the minute someone starts liking you. Sonically it’s if Hayley Williams and Olivia Rodrigo had a baby that needs therapy. You won’t be able to stop yourself from smiling while scream singing this song.

Hi Kate. Can you talk about your music project?

This latest release is the fifth single of my upcoming EP "Late Bloomer" which is a collection of songs I wrote while I was dating in my early 20s. The songs on the EP convey the authentic and relatable feelings that occur throughout the dating process. I am wearing my heart on my sleeve in these songs and I hope that people feel seen and validated while listening.

What first inspired you to make music?

While I was growing up, every night my mom and I would have dance parties in our living room. As a result, the conglomeration of music that I got to listen to at such a young age inspired my love of a variety of genres. When I was 13 I joined a rock band and we performed cover songs at many venues around LA. I started getting more serious about writing music when I was in college studying contemporary vocals and songwriting at USC's Thornton School of Music. In school, we studied legendary musicians as well as their songwriting which led to my inevitable need to create and perform my own material.

What has been the best performance of your career so far?

I could say that my best performance was when I got up and sang Defying Gravity at my mom's birthday party when I was 10...but I think one of my best performances may have been singing Edge of Seventeen at a USC concert. I had around eight other incredible vocalists singing background. The concert was right after a school shooting had occurred in the USA and I remember using that moment on stage to talk about gun control and how desperately we need it. Although the song was written with its own message in mind, I interpreted it differently given the circumstances of the current climate of the world. It led to a powerful and emotional performance and I still remember the feeling to this day. Here is a link to the performance https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Azix_ZFxU-o

How do you come up with ideas for new songs?

Essentially, if there is something going on in my life that I can't seem to stop thinking about...I will write a song about it. The ideas bloom from life experience.

How well do you know the music industry and its current trends?

I wish I could say I am a pro and I know everything there is to know about the current trends but that would be a lie. I took a few music industry courses at USC, but the industry changes so much and so fast it can be hard to keep up. I try to stay on top of social media but it depresses me sometimes to be honest. I value authenticity and I fear that we as a society do not show that side of ourselves on social media.

Which artists/songwriters do you admire and why?

I listen to a lot of my friends/peers who I went to Thornton with including Maisyn, Noso, and Jackson Sage. I am constantly in awe of their talent. I have also been listening to The Aces a lot lately and I am a big fan of their songwriting and production.

Where do you see your career in five years as a singer-songwriter?

I see myself touring around the world and writing music with anyone and everyone!