Would you care to introduce yourself?
I am Kate Graves, lead singer singer/writer of the Kate Graves band. I’m from Connecticut; I’ve lived here all my life. I’m home schooled, cause music is everything to me
What got you into music?
Well, I first started out with Ballet when i was about 4 years old. But at that time, I was more interested in hanging out with the neighborhood boys. (haha) but then when I was about 8. My mom took me to see Cinderella and Annie at some local theaters, and I wouldn’t stop singing after that. So finally my parents decided to take me to a vocal coach.
How did you decide what genre you wanted to sing?
I started with Broadway/opera, singing other peoples songs, but then I got into pop, and I believe it was 7th grade, I was listening to Avril Lavinge, and I thought it was a little bit different and I liked it, and then my dad gave me some ACDC and Led Zeppelin, and Pat Benatar, and I really liked the rock music, and decided that I would like to change my style to my own, kind of rock edgy sound.
Who plays the instruments in your songs?
My band plays the instruments and I love them to death! There’s is my Dad ( Glenn Graves) who first started writing with me. He plays guitar, then there is someone my mom worked with named Dave Gernhard plays guitar, the awesome Matt Covey on the drums, and our newest member Josh Vara who plays bass.
Can you play any instruments? If yes which one(s)?
My dad was teaching me to play guitar I have a telecaster. I will admit I’m not that great at it and need to practice. And I also took some keyboard lessons and I have a drum set that I occasionally play, but nothing like Matt (drummer) plays.
Why should people be encouraged to listen to your music?
My music is about real events that happened in my life, or how I feel, and I think that it can relate to many other people. Also, I have many different types of songs. Though I like rock, I can go from the really heavy rock, down to a soft ballad. I think variety is what keeps others listening.
What are your hopes for 2007?
I hope to get a major label, (we have an indie label Slingslang records, George and Scott are great people, who work there we thank them so much!) I want to play out more. Reach out to more crowds of people. We have a lot more songs that we are writing now, and I really like that sound, and I can’t wait to play out again. I also hope to finish high school early. Maybe take a year off before I go to college
Though you're only young, you want to make it big. Why?
I want to make it big, because I'm from a small town, and pretty much no one gets anywhere here. I think that if i make it big, it will show others to follow their dreams, and nothing can stop you. Also, I’ve had a lot of bullying when I was in public schools, and I want to show that I kept going. Music is my entire life. I want to make it my life.
What are your inspirations when you work?
Well, I listen to everything, even if I may not know what it is! If I turn on the radio and I like something I here, ill get a tape recorder and record the sound, and build off that, rearranging to what I want it to sound like. I also carry a notebook just about everywhere i go. I think that inspiration can come from anywhere. I see something and I get an idea in my head, I write it down, and in the next week its lyrics in a song.
What is your process of song-writing?
I follow a simple format. Verse-chorus-verse-chorus-bridge chorus and then usually repeat. And sometimes there is an intro. However, when I first start writing, I don’t really follow anything, sometimes I am just writing random words... or I start out with poems. I do exercises and time myself, in 5 minutes write down everything that’s in your head, no stopping.
Who are your role models and why?
Definitely my mom, cause she is such a wonderful person. My whole family supports me in everything I do, as well as my band. But my mom is always helping people, people she doesn’t even know, and I think that is a good thing to look up too. Giving, helping others. Also, I really love Amy Lee’s voice from Evanescence. It is obvious she has worked very hard for her voice, also Christina Aguilera. She really takes control of her music. She is the leader, and I completely respect her, and her voice is amazing.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I see myself on stage, whether or not I’m famous. My heart is always with the music, and hopefully I’ll have a boyfriend to share that love with, but if not, I’ll still be happy with my music.
If you could work with anyone or any band, who would it be?
I’ve been wanting to sing with the wonderful, country singer Billy Gilman, his voice is amazing! And I would like to write with Amy Lee. It’s between those two.
What are the ups and downs of the business in your opinion?
Music is a hard business to get into. There a lot of people who want the same thing. You have to make sure you aren’t copying anyone’s music, and you have to be respectful and polite to everyone, just in case you run into them again someday. I would say the ups, is the fact that the band and I love being on stage, love writing, and we are becoming a family, so I have two families now. The downs are, I am young, and it’s hard to make friends being out of school, I tend to talk to a lot of older people, however I do have friends, but I have a lot of problems with jealousy and trusting others, my parents are very protective of me. In fact I just went to my first sleepover. I’ve never been to one. And I always have someone with me wherever I go.
What are your passions/concerns for the world?
I don’t like war. I believe we should try getting along. I think people have a lot of problems loving and respecting each other, respect for others cultures and beliefs. I believe that too many celebrities and models are setting a bad example for others. I have so many young people coming to me, guys and girls, with drinking problems, anorexia, etc. I find it quite sad.
Describe yourself in 3 words
Music equals life
If you could do anything for one day, what would it be?
For one day? Hmmm, I would get the band together go to a restaurant of some sort… Ask if we can play. And play all day for whoever comes in
If you were stuck on a desert island with only three things, what would they be and why?
Mp3 player, solar panel to recharge it, and lots of food
Tell us a random fact about you.
I dropped my cell phone in a storm drain. I was with my cousin, and we were going for a walk down the street, and I went to flip my phone out of my pocket and down it went. We screamed, and laughed at the same time.
Thanks so much for this interview! How can people listen to your music?
Thank you! I had fun! You can listen to my music at http://www.myspace.com/kategraves . We will have new songs shortly and working on finishing a CD.
