Katy Rose

Katy rose is an American singer/songwriter her styles vary from pop to rock to electronic beats. At the age of 16 Katy began work on her debut album tilled ‘Because I can’ which featured hits such as ‘Overdrive’, ‘I Like’ and ‘Lemon’ which featured in the movie ‘Thirteen’. Katy Rose parted ways with her record label V2 records in 2005 and is now signed with a Japanese record label and is looking to release next album ‘Tangled but True’ later this year. I caught up with Rose to find out just what she has been up to and what she thinks of the music industry today. 

 

Firstly, your first album was pretty successful, your current sound sounds more electronic is there any reason for that? 

Yes, my first album "Because I Can" (with the song "Overdrive"...) was quite successful all around the world. I am very fortunate, especially because now I have the artistic freedom I've always yearned for to experiment with all different types of music. You say that my new sound is electronic. This is not so. What you must be thinking about was the underground record I released under a different name a couple years ago, "Candy Eyed". This was always my side project, you see. I never even intended it to be linked to me! ha. Those were songs I wrote and co-produced in a couple really wild years where I was living bi-coastal and in cars and buses and studios. I do, however, think that the record itself is very true to the phase I was going through. I tried to get my label to release it; but-long story short- I just woke up one day in a daze of frustration and released it myself. The songs aren't even mastered or mixed! They're all just shitty demos! On half of them I'm playing percussion on a tin trash can and a water bottle! Hahaha.

No, I'd say my new sound is... well... just very me. I've always been an eclectic lover of music. My tastes in sounds and beats and song writing are so vast, there's no way I could fit them all into one little record. And why would I? I think (through bad marketing and corporate greediness) I was promoted as some sort of "Pop-rock and angry girl singer", which really pigeon holed me at the time. Film makers go from action thrillers to romantic comedies all the time. Why shouldn't I be able to express my art in any way I want? 

Good point, have you done any tours in USA lately? 

I've been on tour my whole life! My parents were touring musicians; and I was very much guilty by association. Then, at 14 or so, I was just guilty. By 15 I was out the door and living on planes, busses, and hotels for years and years. Coming home after experiences I'd had on tour was probably the hardest thing I've ever done. You feel like an alien. I went nuts... you name it... I've done it... and I don't regret a thing. Through the darkest times I always come up with the best songs. I have two albums done ( aside from my newest) written as I made my way out of the black tunnel of my brain using cigarettes and matches to light the way. As soon as I sign another deal, we will all decide what to do with the "lost songs". I give snippets of them on my MySpace from time to time; but I promise you they will be released hopefully in my life time. Now, my newest record- on the other hand- is the entire buzz here in my hometown, The City of Angels. I'm finishing it up, shopping it around (AGAIN since my awesome old record label folded), and working on an acoustic live set. So, I assure you, I WILL be back touring the UK (where some of my favorite tours have been)... I just can't tell you when. As for the USA... I'll probably start shows next month. I'm kind of keeping quiet about it... but it is very exciting. 

 

What are your influences and inspiration? 

My influences go on and on. I am the biggest music snob you will ever meet. I'm inspired by everything from Mozart, Edith Piaf, My Bloody Valentine, The Jesus and Mary Chain, David Bowie, The Velvet underground, Nico, Syd Barret, T-Rex, Princess Superstar, Celtic music, Beck, Nine Inch Nails, Air, Sparklehorse, Brian Eno... Literally, I could keep you here all day. Films also really inspire me. I often listen to scores from my favorite films whilst writing. Jean-Luc Godard... Ang Lee... David Lynch...But, let's be real... Who we are most influenced by are the people that surround us. I am deeply influenced by my family. My sister is a living, breathing work of art; and my husband is the most patient, kind, and beautiful person I know. 

What can we expect from you in the future? 

What can you expect from me in the future? Music music music. No matter who funds it, my music will always be there for all of you. I hope I can tour the rock star way I once did... but the music business has changed so dramatically, that I honestly do not know what is going to happen. well, here's what I see: This next record with get enough press and funding and love that I can any where you want me to be. At that point-of course- I'll be making a good living doing what I love again. That means, my husband and I can either hire other people to manage our awesome theatre- that, or we'll sell it. We going to have lots of children who will tour with us when they're little ( just like I did with my parents) When I burn out, we will come home to my glorious Los Angeles hills home we just bought, where I can continue writing and finish my books. People already do hire me out to write songs for other singers; so I'm sure that will continue...I hope... And then it's off to an early retirement in Dingle, Ireland where I will enjoy some peace and serenity for the first time in my tumultuous life... 

What were you doing before you decided you wanted to do music? 

There was never a time before I did music. I'm pretty sure I sang before I could talk and played a tiny violin before I could fully stand up-right. I've never thought of myself as a fantastic singer (because I always had my mom to catch up to... brilliant singer, that woman) and my father (famous keyboardist and record producer). Instead of even trying to out shine them, I became obsessed with Ballet. By 14 I was dancing in the adult classes with professionals. It was my life until one day, at a band rehearsal, I was jumping on the trampoline with my band members; and one of them stole my jump... broke my leg in 5 places. That, along with my very painful osteoporosis, makes it so I can never dance again. Worst day of my life... and yet probably the most life changing. That was when my focus really became about the music. Writing has always come naturally to me. I wrote novels with chapters in elementary school and have kept book after book of my poetry and lyrics since I was literally six years old. I still don’t think I'm the greatest musician or singer; but I do know that God has defiantly given me a gift of expression through language. That broken leg was fate. 

If you can be in any band which would it be and why? 

If I could be in any band, I’d probably want to be in The Velvet Underground. I would’ve just loved being around the Andy Warhol scene when it was booming. 

Do you enjoy performing more or being in the studio? 

Being in the studio and performing are such different things. They both satisfy me. I need both of them in my life to feel whole. Lately, I’ve been doing much more studio work than performing work and have been feeling a little off balance. 

You toured with The Calling in the UK 5 years ago how was that for and are you still in touch? 

I can’t believe it’s been 5 years since that tour with The Calling! I get an email from time to time from those guys and bump into them randomly all the time. The music business in LA and NY is such a small world. 

 

What comes first to you, music or lyrics? 

I am always writing. I can’t stop. I have massive archives of lyrics and lost songs… so lately I’ve been either creating a sick beat or guitar riff, finding lyrics that match the mood I’m trying to portray, and then meticulously building a structure. 

And for the most important question, Starbucks or Cafe Nero? 

I am addicted to Starbucks Soy Lattes. My husband and I are the worst at throwing money away on overpriced coffee! 

For more information visit myspace.com/officialkatyrose.