A Q&A with Katy for Kings

Neat acoustic pop from Essex star-in-waiting…

What’s the title of your latest release, and what does it mean to you?
The title of my latest release is ‘City’. I’ve been sitting on it for about two years and I just adore how it all came together. I’m really proud of the story-telling aspect of this song, especially in the bridge. It was one of the first songs I’ve written where I’ve really been able to take a step back and listen to something I’ve written just because I like it.

What was the hardest part about putting this release together, and why?
Probably finding the perfect time to release it. I wanted to drop this one straight away but I’m glad I waited. Growing as an artist has always been really important to me, it definitely takes priority over statistics. I never want my audience to get too comfortable, so I love the way it still has the country/folk elements in relation to my first EP but it also brings a pop and slightly more of a band feel, which is something I’m looking to introduce more into my new releases.

Who produced the release – what did they bring to it?
This one, like all my songs, was produced by John Fields. I really do feel like I hit a goldmine because he’s able to take whatever is in my head and programme it into a computer. I’m not very good at music talk, so I’m really grateful that I’ve found someone who doesn’t solely rely on communication. He lets the songs speak and he works around them. I think he’s a bit of a wizard to be honest.

What do you want the listener to take away from listening to your music?
Whatever they need from it really! I have emotional attachments to songs for so many reasons, I think it’s anything less than black and white. I hope they find some authenticity in it, and I hope they feel like it’s something they’d want to come back to. It’s all up for interpretation though.

How does a track normally come together? Can you tell us something about the process?
It’s different with every song! This one was a co-write with someone else on guitar so I naturally took more of a lead on the lyrics and vocal melody. I love lyrics more than anything, I don’t have any songs where I haven’t heavily contributed to the lyrics, they’re kind of like the common thread of all my songs. I have a couple of songs like Back In the Ocean where the concept and chorus existed before I got my hands on it, but I added the verses.

What band/artists have influenced you the most since you started this project, and why?
Taylor Swift. I always say her but it’s never not true. Watching her over the past few years has given me the courage to just do what I want. The way she switches genres and still maintains such a dedicated fanbase and the way she cares for her following is just the most inspiring thing to me.

What countries would you like to tour? Are there any standout venues you’d like to play in?
Anywhere. I’m just a bit obsessed with the world to be honest. I want to see and do as much as possible when I’m ready for it.

If you could pick one track for our readers to listen to in order to get a taste of your music, what would you pick, and why?
Probably ‘City’ right now, I think it captures exactly where and who I need to be at this moment in time.

What ambitions do you have for the band/your career?
Ah so many! They come from very different places though, a bit more of a materialistic one is that I’d love to attend the Brits one day. From the artists to the fashion I just think it looks like such a good night. Also I have a secret hope that one day I’ll very casually bump into Harry Styles there, but don’t tell him that.

Finally, as you leave the stage, what are your parting words?
Thank you so much for having me! I’ve loved answering these!

For more info visit: instagram.com/katyforkings