Today we’d like to introduce you to Kate Grey.
Kate, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I was born and raised in Appleton, Wisconsin and moved to California, alone, at 17 during the pandemic. Growing up, I was active in many choirs and musicals but never thought of myself as a songwriter or real musician. I would compose little songs on the piano and make up some lyrics, but that was about it. Dealing with alcohol abuse from family members growing up, I learned to be independent pretty quickly. Shortly after moving west, I felt this overwhelming calling to just try and make music. I grabbed my laptop and started making songs on GarageBand, knowing that this was something I needed to do in my life. I thought, if I could be that sliver of light at the end of the tunnel for someone going through something similar that I went through, it would all be worth it. Knowing that if I had someone to look up to back then and say to myself, “they turned out just fine, so I will be okay”, would’ve been a game-changer.
I finished high school and I wrote and released my first song, “Class of 2021” about being in a virtual classroom with a bunch of kids my age that I didn’t know. I uploaded the song to SoundCloud with my own GarageBand production and low-quality vocals from a USB Microphone, and it got heard by many more people than I expected. A producer reached out to re-record the song and it was released on all platforms in May 2021. Following this release, I have put out two other singles, both of which I wrote, recorded, and produced myself. For my most recent single, “waistd”, I was able to work with a producer which was the first time I’ve ever collaborated creatively. “Waistd” is a song written in this new period in my life where I’m just conflicted about what the right thing to do is for me. There’s a fine line between setting boundaries while still being close to family, and that’s what this song explores.
Currently, I am an unsigned independent artist. I’m not sure what’s next for me, but I continue to make art every day despite the unknown. I’m hoping to make a full-length album sometime in the near future, writing more about my experiences and ideas. I look forward to continue to connect with others and inspire thought and conversation. My goal is to help others feel less alone through my music.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The music industry can be an intimidating place because there is not one specific direction to gain success, no how-to book. I struggle most to stay authentic to who I am as a person and as an artist, while self-promotion is the main avenue of marketing today. Social media, while it may be important, can create a false sense of reality which I try to avoid. Writing music is the most personal expression of who I am, which could not be plagiarized. Social media can manipulate the art, taking away from the feeling of freely listening. Music alone can be diluted through self-promotion and overall online branding. I have had pressure to try and be influenced by others to gain success and be seen, which does not feel authentic to my brand. On a personal level, it can be painful and challenging to dive deep into trauma to write music. Taking a risk by telling my story to the world can be terrifying because of potential judgment, resulting in hurting the people that I love.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a singer/songwriter/producer who makes mostly alternative pop music. I am currently independent and unsigned and work mostly alone. I use the simple resources I have, creating music on my laptop in bed most of the time. I want to give myself room to express myself, focusing mainly on the feeling of a song rather than overcomplicating it with details or structures. I feel that what sets me apart from others is that I have taken the difficult experiences of my past, and am turning them into pieces of beautiful art.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
On my latest single release, I had written, recorded, and produced the demo of the song in march of 2022. Around this time I was looking for a new apartment in LA and got a name of a realtor to help me look from a family friend back in the midwest. This realtor turned out to be a music producer, and he was the one who co-produced the finished song with me. He now is a great friend and mentor of mine and I could not be happier that it all worked out!
Pricing:
- Kate Grey Merchandise (kategrey.life)
- $ 20-$49
Contact Info:
- Website: kategrey.life
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whoskategrey/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100009316965529
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/whoskategrey
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSTi2fGYfG_9zPeByhNtLyw
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.app.goo.gl/SRp1djSVRwg6h2ad9
Image Credits
Paulina Vitarella The Heist Abby Van Ess
