My wonderful trip!

Hey guys! As most of you know, I was lucky enough to go on an amazing trip this April. I’m so grateful for the experiences I had and the people I met. I’m back in Vancouver feeling refreshed, recharged and inspired, and maybe a bit sad that it’s all over (for now).

Anyway, I thought I would write a little bloggy blog about all my experiences…

So first I went to TORONTO-

I was in Toronto for Canadian Music week, which pretty much means the entire industry (or most of us), gather in Toronto for the week, and share knowledge, network, showcase and attend seminars. Everyday there were amazing panels of industry people that were there to educate us about the ever changing music industry. I learned so much and it was really cool to catch up with some of my artist friends that live far away. Beyond the actual conferences, there is live music every night, and I had a showcase! It was really happy with the way it went and was grateful that I had the chance to play amongst all the other amazing artists. My Mama came to Toronto with me  which was lovely, I don’t get to see her as much as I’d like to so it was great to have some quality Mom and daughter time. Plus on top of that, she’s amazing at absorbing information from the seminars and so much fun to be around. I left Toronto, slightly overwhelmed with the amount of stuff I learned, but really excited to apply it all to my career.

Next came- NEW YORK

Well New York was awesome for the obvious reasons. I had some shows in the evenings, but in the day time I just walked, and walked, and walked, and walked… and walked. Like seriously guys, I left my great Aunt and Uncles apartment in Manhattan at around 9AM every day, and went everywhere I could… to Soho, Grand central, the Upper East Side, Times Square, Central Park, Ground Zero, the Statue of Liberty… and the list goes on and on. I usually didn’t go home until 6 or 7 and it was only because my legs had started to ache from walking 9 hours straight. I indulged in Pizza and Cupcakes and a piece of expensive chocolate or two. I sampled perfumes, wandered into expensive stores and even got good at my “Oh yes, 200 dollars for that t-shirt, that seems perfectly reasonable” face. It was nice to have the solitude for the first few days, It gave me a lot of time to reflect and as cheesy as it sounds… appreciate how wonderful my life is. Just when I was getting lonely wandering around by myself, my friend David Blair showed up to hang out in the city. David and I always have so much, so we skipped around the city with massive grins on our faces for a few days too. As much fun as we were having, we were both pretty heavily affected by the atmosphere at Ground Zero. The energy there is something I can’t even explain, solemn, and heavy yet totally peaceful. As emotional as it was I was really happy I went  On a lighter note…. The show’s I got to play in NY were pretty cool. All the venues and other artists were really supportive and I was blown away by how many people showed up to the venues purely because they enjoyed live music and wanted to discover new artists! Sooo… I think that pretty much sums up my time in NY… After visiting; in particular Times Square I’m not sure my senses will be stimulated ever again.

And last but not least was- LALA LAND

Ohhh California, what a lovely place you are. I must say, I felt like I fit into California quite well… flip flops, messy hair n’all.  I had way to much fun there. My wonderful father accompanied me on this leg of the trip. He was an incredible chauffer but what he’s really the best at is being my jester. Like seriously, I sometimes wonder why I have such a weird and abstract sense of humour… then I hang out with my dad and it all makes sense again. It was great to have him around to hang out with. The trip started with working with a guy named Bill Lefler (Ingrid Michaelson, Gym Class Heroes) and his friend Rob Giles. We had some much fun writing and recording these songs and lemme just tell ya, I have NEVER been so excited about a song in my whole life. I literally dance around like a maniac to it at at least one or twice a day. Anywhoooo, after a few days with Bill and Rob I had a couple days off. Besides the warm weather, California boys, and having my Dad around… my Mom even came down for a few days which made it even more lovely! We went to the beach and Disney Land, hiked and walked the Hollywood strip. I know I keep saying this but it was really nice to have some QT with them. The only thing missing was my little brother and our two rambunctious puppies! After my days off, my Mom flew home and I got back to work writing up a storm! I worked with this guy named Josh Lopez (yes, J-Lo for short). He won a Grammy for his work with Will.i.am. You guys remember that song “Amercian Boy”… yep he wrote that. We wrote this super fun diddy called “Superficial” with our friend Scrote and had a blast doing it.  The last few days in Cali were spent with Scrote and Rob Shrock… the ones from Portland. Read the blog before this one for a little info about working with them and all of their awesomness. We mostly recorded background vocals and did some fine tuning on the songs we’ve been working on for the last few months and it was exciting to see how they’re coming together. Beside’s all that writing, I hung out with my manager Todd, and discussed our plans for world domination. Yeah that’s right, you heard me. Oooh and I had an in office showcase for the Warped Tour staff, which as most of you already know was extremely successful. To sum this whole thing up… the trip was way better than I ever imagined. I got to play show’s, write songs, spend time with my amazing family, pow wow with my manager, and meet and engage with wonderful inspiring people. Happy Kate? YES MA’AM. 

 Okay, omg this has been the longest blog ever. If you have read all the way to this point… you are an amazing person and…

 I love you very, very much.

Xoxo

k-mo

Portland trip

Hello all!
At first I thought I was going to write a blog about absolutely everything that is going on in my life, but quite honestly, that would take me three years to write. So instead I thought I would write about just one of the amazing experiences I have had over the last few months.
I recently returned from Portland OR, where I was lucky enough to meet up with some incredible writers/producers. Scrote and Rob Shrock. Scrote resides in LA so he flew up for the weekend and Rob lives in Portland where he has a totally vibed out home studio. I work with a lot of writers, and although I respect and value each one of them, last weekend was a totally different experience for me. Generally speaking, when you get in the room with a writer or producer, it’s a pretty straight forward and linear process. I get there, we make small talk and then we say “Okay, now let’s write a hit song”. They do usually ask me what my genre is and I usually respond hesitantly with “folk, pop” or “Colbie Caillat with an edge”. What was so cool about last weekend was that Scrote and Rob took a lot of time trying to discover who I was as a person, and almost more importantly what I REALLY wanted to be as an artist. We literally just got into the studio and started picking up instruments and well, making music. I played piano, acoustic, and electric guitar and we experimented with sounds and listened to some of my favourite songs. By the end of the two days we had around 7 rough song ideas, and what was so cool was that I was able to pin point the ones I liked and the ones I didn’t totally black and white, and the ones I liked had a kind of sonic consistency that I often struggle to find. Although we didn’t end up with any finish tracks, musically speaking the weekend was probably the most productive one I’ve ever had. I go back at the beginning of March to start demoing the songs we worked on, and eventually (if all goes well) we’ll record them in LA. So stayed tuned, I have a feeling I’m gonna be really excited about these
Anywho, now I’m in Winnipeg hanging and making music with Mr.James before we head out on tour again. See you there?

-kmo

PS. Here’s a new little diddy for you:) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3FtZ-Y46XBM

Haven’t done this in a while…update!

I have to apologize for the inconsistency of my blogs. I swear I’m going to try harder. The problem is… I tend to express all of my thoughts in songs and there’s not always a lot left for me to say. That being said, I’m gonna be like SO on top of this whole blogging thing in the next few months.

First off… what I’m listening to. Okay, this is embarrassing but here goes nothing… JoJo. Does anyone else miss the kick ass girl power songs from the 90’s/ early 2000’s? I sure do! Man these songs were well crafted. So yeah, uhhh if there is an overlying tone of girl power to this blog… I apologize but I just can’t help it.

Second order of business… I’VE GOT A NEW SINGLE COMING OUT ON NOVEMBER 15th. KJHAKJH7*^&^$%^RGHJHfkjhfgds9876(*%^&%#&%#***&(*&O(&%*% (random letters and numbers indicate excitement). It’s called Gypsy and it’s all about my desire to be well… a gypsy. Not like those weird present day gypsies on the TLC channel but the kind of gypsy that lives in a Caravan, travels from city to city and can read peoples fortunes. I have the video shoot for Gypsy this Friday with an amazing company called Persona Productions. I don’t want to tell you about the plot… other than, its awesome. These guys are incredibly gifted and creative and I am so pumped about releasing the finished product. I have lots of content for you over the next few months, acoustic videos, new songs, and of course the Gypsy video so if there was ever a time to stay tuned, now is it!
Ya know, the other day I thought to myself…I am so so grateful for the life I have. I get to do what I love everyday, get to be around friends and family that I adore, and have the support of all these beautiful people ( I know you’re a small army but you’re growing quickly). So thank you to my fans for supporting my dreams, my friends for supporting me, and my family for being so friggen awesome, and helping me through all of these crazy ups and downs.

Whoa… stuff just got deep… but actually.

Love you guys,

Kate

Tour Dates w/James Struthers… this month!

-August 25, 2011 Regina w/  James Sturthers, Joni and Janna @ The Club 8:30pm

-August 26, 2011 Winnipeg w/James Struthers @ The Cube 12pm

-August 27, 2011 Kenora w/ James Stuthers and Julien Desaulniers@ Cornerstone 10pm

-August 28, 2011 Wawa w/ James Struthers @House Concert

-August 29, 2011 Utopia w/James Struthers @Utopia Community Hall 7pm

-August 30, 2011 Ottawa w/  James Struthers, Andy Shauf and Mike Angus@ Elmdale Tavern 9:30pm

-September 2, 2011 Fredericton w/  James Struthers and Chris Dalziel @ F Studio 10pm

-September 3, 2011 Wolfvillew/James Struthers @ Paddys Pub 9pm

-September 4, 2011 Halifax w/  James Struthers and The Keats @The Company House 8:30pm

-September 5, 2011 Wolfville w/James Struthers @ Paddys Pub 7pm

-September 6, 2011 Knowlesville w/James Struthers @ Falls Brook Center

-September 7, 2011 Montreal w/ James Struthers@ Café Chaos 8pm

-September 8, 2011 Kingston w/ James Struthers and Chris Koster @The Mansion

-September 10, 2011 St. Catherines w/James Struthers @ Strega Café 8pm

-September 11, 2011 Toronto w/James Struthers @C’est What 8pm

-September 14, 2011 Waterloow/James Struthers @ Maxwell’s Music House 7pm

-September 15, 2011 London w/ James Struthers @ London Music Club

-September 16, 2011 Barrie w/James Struthers @ Monsoon Lounge 9pm

Highs, lows, in betweens and strawberry pie.

So, I think it would be safe to say that I’ve failed at the whole blogging consistently thing, the irony is, I’ve had A LOT to say, but the last 6 months have been about writing new music, so almost every thought worth sharing has been put into a song in some way or another. Blogging is a kind of interesting way for me to reflect on stuff, much like songwriting is but in a more literal way, if that makes sense. So here it is… my reflection on the last six months and the highs and lows, ebbs and flows of a career in music.

When I was just entering into this career, I heard a lot of people say that the industry is full of highs and lows and got a lot of “be carful’s”. I had always known there were going to be ups and downs within the industry but I couldn’t really say that I’d experienced them… until now! I don’t really know if I believe in the whole “good things come in three” thing, but for me, when it rains it pours, and when it doesn’t… I am one damn thirsty singer songwriter. I said right from the start of this whole blogging adventure that I would be as honest as possible, and honestly, it sucks! For months at a time, I’ll have a different co-writing session or meeting almost every day. I feel happy and creative and excited to be writing and recording with such talented people. At times it’s overwhelming, transiting to various parts of the lower mainland, the pressure to bring good ideas and energy to each new co-writer, and to deliver when it came time to record the demos, but I love this kind of overwhelmed. It’s the same thing  I felt singing at Lilith, and what I hope I’ll feel planning my wedding one day, you get the point, things are just good.  Just when I start to settle into this new routine, and feel like I’m gaining momentum… all of my co-writers get busy or my band goes away on holidays, and I start running out of inspiration. It’s kind of bizaar how much can happen, and how suddenly it stops. It’s like everyone in the industry calls each other and says “hey, we shouldn’t communicate with Kate for a few weeks, just to bug her”. Okay so they probably don’t really do this but I swear something freaky goes on. I will literally go from a week with something booked every single day, to a week, where there is not one thing marked on my calendar. I’ve been in one of these fazes for the last few weeks, I get a little grumpy, frustrated, angry, confused, worried, anxious, and uhhh crazy. If there was any room for a bit of doubt it would be when I’m going through one of these times.

I’m actually not writing this blog to complain, but to say it’s taken me a while, but I’ve learned the lesson. Yesterday, I got news that I’ll be opening for Fefe Dobson and These Kids Wear Crowns, in Kamloops, April 17^th (be there), that I’m nominated for an BC Interior Music award, and have a recording session on Friday. I go into the Warehouse studios in just over a week, and have a show on April first in Vancouver and another in Kamloops the next night. All that equates to… a high/flow. Some people reading this are probably thinking “She shouldn’t need validation to feel happy”, and yes you wise ass, your right, I shouldn’t. It’s not the validation that’s making me happy right now, its knowing that there is always an opportunity around and that if I continue to work hard and keep looking for it, it will come. Also, what’s life without, highs and lows, BORING that’s what. In conclusion the lesson learned, is to not get so crazy next time I don’t have a lot going on, to keep focused, and keep looking for opportunities to take advantage of.

So that brings me to the last part of my blog. Has anyone every tried strawberry pie? Does it even exist? I think I’m going to try and make one, I’ll let you know how it goes.

K

PS be on the look out for new music from me, particularily a song called “Cinderella”

Singing Sickie… C’est Moi!

So last weekend was this amazing festival called Live at Squamish. I was so excited for it. The festival took place in Squamish (if you hadn’t already inferred that) which was the small town I was born in. The bands that were playing are all so awesome. Mother Mother was there along with We are the City, Tokyo Police Club, Bad Religion etc. etc. Pretty much there was a hell of a lot of good music going on in a very small amount of time and space. I was booked to play there on the last day of the festival and my band and I had been doing a lot of prep (as we always do) to make sure that we were going to be on point for the show. It was the night before the festival started and then IT HAPPENED. I came down with this body aching, fevering, swollen throating nasty nasty flu/cold. Now, I’m the kind of person that opens the bathroom door with paper towel, and is scared to touch most things in public. And well a big reason for that is because when your a singer and you get sick, your performance is pretty heavily affected by even the slightest sore throat of stuffy nose. So when I came down with this flu thing I was pretty bummed. So for the next two days leading up to the show I slept and slept and slept but unfortunately couldn’t shake the beast. So Sunday ( the day I was supposed to perform) came around and I still felt pretty much as bad as ever BUT, I was not going to back out of that show, not I!  So I slept in as late as I could, showered, attempted to cover up my paleness with some make up, ingested a few gallons of tea, a few pounds of herbal remedies and Advil and headed to the venue. Pretty much I got through the show and I did pretty well! Its one of those things you know? Everyone tells you, “you were so good! You couldn’t tell you were sick at all!” and well they are probably right, and it does help. But I still kept thinking, “What about those notes I didn’t even attempt to hit!” or “well, maybe I want people to think I sound sick!”.  But after some reflection and some sleep, I started to become more proud of myself and also realized that one day when I’m on the tour of my dreams I’m going to get sick, and I’m going to have to do that in front of 10,000 people. I guess the lesson learned is that, I can get through stuff like that.  I just focus and turn on stage Kate, turn on passionate Kate, turn on the Kate that lives for being on stage and turn off the Kate that wants to curl up in a corner with a bottle of NyQuil.  So even though that may not have been my best performance to date, I performed, and I performed well. So I’m proud and I’m really glad I stuck it out. Let this email be a reminder to wash your hands, remember not to stop untill you’ve finished singing abcd…

Love, love, love

Kate

PS. I’m listening to “The Fear” by Lily Allen, kinda “old” I know, but its so damn good!

Blog numero 1:)

  So…. My first blog. I feel a little nervous! I guess I’ll start with what I’m listening to, “Why Georgia” by Mr. Johnny Mayer:) this song makes me feel totally reflective which seems like a good thing to feel for my first blog. One of my favorite things about music is how it can totally change a mood or setting; I know a million people have said that but it never stops amazing me. I swear, you could be eating a bowl of cereal and you would feel like you were changing the world one Cheerio at a time if you were listing to “Viva la Vida”. I think that I’ll always start my blogs with what I’m listening to, because I feel like its a pretty good representation of what kind of a mood I’m in.

 My goal for all this blogging stuff is to be as honest as possible. I’ll be honest about how excited I am about my career and how lucky I am to be living the life I am. I’ll be honest about the struggles and the sacrifices I’ve made. This past year has been the best of my life, I’ve gotten to play incredible shows, record in dream studios, meet the coolest people in the world, live my dream and challenge myself as an artist. This year I’ve also lost a lot of relationships and said goodbye to a “normal” high school or teenage life. So stay tuned for blogs about, success, failure, love, loss, highs, and lows and my life as a seventeen year old singer songwriter pursuing her passion and dream and figuring herself out along the way.