Meet Cait Leow

Today we’d like to introduce you to Cait Leow.

So, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Well, my Los Angeles story starts all the way back in Toledo, Ohio. I grew up in a very musical family. My parents are both music enthusiasts and my twin brothers, and I soaked up all of that zeal as kids. We listened to The Beatles and The Monkees instead of N*Sync and the Backstreet Boys. I have always had an old soul because anyone visiting my house growing up would have thought it was 1967 instead of 1997. When I wanted to take up the violin and theatre, my parents were very supportive. Music and acting helped all three of us get through my parents’ divorce and kept our family together in a way. What I miss most about home was rallying around the piano in my dad’s living room and making music with my brothers. We were lovingly dubbed “The Leow Trio” in high school.

When I graduated high school and started attending The Ohio State University, I had a difficult time choosing between music or theatre as my major. I settled on a double major in Theatre and Art History which led me to Los Angeles to pursue acting. I figured if acting didn’t work out, I could always work at the LACMA. I noticed as I started auditioning that I would consistently book a gig if I was singing or playing an instrument. So, about four years ago, I decided that music was going to be my main focus and I haven’t looked back.

I have been in and out of a few bands here in LA and have gotten to play some amazing venues like Viper Room and The House of Blues. Nowadays, my main gig is playing the ukulele and singing my original tunes. I play the occasional wedding or corporate event, and I also write silly jingles about wine for my serving gig in West Hollywood. Theatre is still a big part of my life as I tour with San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus in their ‘It Gets Better’ show. We travel all over the country spreading love and an anti-bullying message to teens, educators, and community leaders. At the end of a week of outreach in the community, I get to put all of my skills to work in our Broadway-style show playing guitar, acting, singing and dancing.

Last summer, I released my first single and music video. I am really proud of both! I had a badass female producer, Kristina Nilsson, work with me on the single. She breathed new life into my voice and ukulele that I love. My dear friend and talented director, Andrew Christofer, brought my dream to reality in the music video. I have always wanted to be the star of a Jean Luc Godard film, and now I am! I cannot wait to get started on my next single and music video because I had a blast working on the first.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Absolutely not! But I treasure my challenges. They have shaped me into a strong independent woman, and I am proud of who I am becoming. Since moving to Los Angeles, figuring out how to survive in a big city has been an ongoing challenge. After almost seven years, I think I’ve cracked the code by building a strong LA family of friends that are always there for me and support my dreams. I am a very optimistic and positive person. I often find the lesson and the light in dark situations, and Los Angeles has thrown me plenty.

In the music business, rejection is a part of everyday life. I have also had to “restart” my music career every time I transition in or out of bands. My journey towards being a solo artist has happened because I feel like I have more control, but at the same, I realize I’ll never be in control. With one band, we were working towards a second album, and then the band leader fired the person recording us without getting the master tapes, so we lost all of that work. That was a low point, but also a huge learning experience for me. Always get the master!

We’d love to hear more about what you do. What sets you apart from others?
Ukulele and short hair set me apart from most other female acts. Being a strong singer and playing the violin, ukulele, and guitar AND being an actress have awarded me many hours on stage. I am all about working toward those 10,000 hours. All of that experience grants me at ease when I perform which I am grateful for. I am also proud of my “old soul” status.

I feel that it makes me unique in a city all about the next new thing. I have always been an open book, and I love to hear other people’s stories. Luckily, in a city like LA, there are millions to hear about and to share with. If you want to hear my story, I have a show coming up on Friday. May 17th at State Social House and it is free!

What were you like growing up?
I was a nerd growing up! Luke Skywalker was my first crush, and I used to write short stories placing me as a character in Lord of Rings and Sailor Moon. I have always had a passion for history. I reenacted the War of 1812 at Fort Meigs in Perrysburg, Ohio with my best friend in high school. My whole life, I have been very outgoing and cheery.

My brothers and I were raised Methodist, and while I no longer practice religion, it was the main facet of my upbringing. Being a part of the youth band at church and singing hymns is a major influence on my music. In high school, I was really into artists like Billie Holiday and Bob Dylan deepening my love for jazz and folk. I am still a nerd. I am already mourning the end of Game of Thrones with only a few episodes left in the series.

Contact Info:

• Website: caitleowmusic.com
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caitleowmusic/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CaitLeow/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/caitscorner

Image Credit:
Eric Carroll, Ayame Foto, Andrew Christofer

Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.