When searching for new music to listen to and artists to support, I look out for multiple things, but the main things are the passion and honesty the author puts into their art. I found just that Katy Rose describes her music as “humid.”
Katy is a Californian songwriter based in Paris, whose hit “Overdrive” was featured in the Mean Girls soundtrack. Growing up on tours with bands like Crosby, Stills and Nash and in LA recording studios, her childhood was quite alternative; she kept writing poetry, which soon became songs due to her surroundings. At only 15-years-old, she got a record deal and has never left the music industry since then. Besides always writing her own songs, Katy also plays the piano and the guitar.
I was given the opportunity to interview her and ask her about this song, as well as her latest single “Bleed,” which also happens to have a music video. Her following answers will also tell you more about her life story and passions.
When did you start being passionate about music and decide you wanted it to be your job?
I was the first child of two touring rock musicians/artists (writer’s note: her father Kim Bullard, a world famous keyboardist is currently on Elton John’s world tour), so I can’t say that there’s ever been a point in my life where music and a driving passion for the arts wasn’t of paramount importance. I never really made the decision to make music my life. It’s always just been my life!
Has your family always been supportive of your music career?
Oh yes. I’ve recorded almost every song I’ve written in my parent’s studio. My mom and sister sing background vocals for me sometimes, and I have a publishing company with my dad (who I work with often)! It’s a whole family affair. They are all fantastic artists.
What do you love the most about music?
Music reminds me that I am alive. It makes me feel.
If you could collaborate with anyone (dead or alive), who would it be?
Jon Brion and Brian Eno.
What is the main message you want to spread through your art?
There’s such power to be had in honesty and vulnerability. Everyone has the capacity for such power. Fear is the only enemy. There are no limitations. The cage is not locked!
Out of all the music you’ve released so far, what is your favorite song?
I wouldn’t be able to tell you this. Choosing a favorite song is like choosing a favorite child. They’re all unique and special to me in different ways.
What are the inspirations behind “Bleed” and “Overdrive”?
“Overdrive” is a song I wrote at 14-years-old, and I think it was a cathartic little capsule for the angst and self-discovery I was blasting off into as a teenager in LA. “Bleed” was an experiment in writing an anti-love song from the perspective of someone who hung onto a relationship for all of the wrong reasons. It’s about how human loneliness can inspire human selfishness in even well-meaning people.
What’s one of your favorite lyrics from either one?
“I’m cherry cola” from “Overdrive”!
Where does the music video for “Bleed” come from?
With such raw, honest and sparse lyrics in “Bleed,” I wanted the video to be the same. There’s nothing more raw than singing straight to the camera, make-up free and naked!
Do you have any passions apart from music?
Of course! I’m an avid reader and a passionate history nerd.
What would you say is your biggest accomplishment at the moment?
Since I began touring France with my band in the early ‘00s, I always dreamt of making Paris my home. This dream has recently become a reality, which is something I’m very proud of.
What is your biggest wish right now?
I’m very happy with every aspect of my life right now. If things could just continue and bloom from where I am now, I would be ecstatic.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
In five years, I’ll probably be writing and recording music from my home studio in Paris or London, and maybe I’ll have finally learned how to cook!
What are you currently working on?
The full album I’m releasing bit by bit this year is just being mixed. I’m also editing music videos, writing new songs in Paris, working on translating some of my English songs to French and working really hard on getting a tan after a long winter!
Keep track of Katy on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, and listen to her music on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer and Amazon.
Cover Photo Courtesy of YouTube.
