Introducing #122 - Katie Wood
Let us introduce you to London’s latest new-romantic - art rock lovechild Katie Wood, who has just released her debut track ‘Steve’. Her music draws in influences from the likes of David Bowie, Kate Bush and Tears for Fears, Katie certainly ticks all the right boxes for us with her new take on glam-rock. She took a moment to talk to us about sci-fi movies, David Bowie inspired music videos and how her debut track came together.
Your debut single is out now, how does it feel? What is the track about?
It feels good! I definitely felt a little nervous anticipating the release, but now it’s out into the world, I'm glad and I can't wait to release the next track already. In terms of what the song is about, 'Steve', I guess, lyrically... is quite a literal explanation of personal experiences, (so I can't say everything) but it's about an extremely unhealthy relationship and feeling powerless within that, although I want people to feel powerful while listening to it and realise they're stronger than they think. However, I'm a fairly sarcastic person so the song does have some elements of humour—it's not ALL bad.
So, you are based in London - what is your favourite thing about the city?
London is great, I've met some of the best people here so I would have to say my favourite thing about London is the people in it. Don't get me wrong, it can be lonely at times, but for the most part there is an underlying sense of community that I really like.
Along with the track, you have released a video to go with the song. It has some major glam rock and sci-fi vibes - what is the inspiration behind the video?
Yes! I would be completely lying to you if I said the video wasn't inspired by David Bowie, specifically in 'Labriynth' but also Marc Bolan of T-rex, and do you remember The Darkness? In my opinion 'I Believe In A Thing Called Love' is a musical and visual masterpiece so that whole vibe has inspired me since I was little. I feel that glam rock and sci fi correlate in so many ways which is probably why I love both things simultaneously. The two often blur the lines between masculinity and femininity, and there's a flamboyance to their nature that I find myself comfortable to be in.
Do you watch sci-fi films then? If so, which ones are your favourite?
I am a HUGE fan of sci-fi films, I love how easily you can get drawn into another world. That's something I really want to express through my music, to create a realm that encompasses and compliments both the music and visuals. But yes I love anything from 'Blade Runner' to 'Back To The future', and films like 'The Arrival'. Although I've got to say fantasy films also get me, 'The Never Ending Story' is very much on my list of favourite films. I am a bit of a Trekkie too (please don't judge me). I may or may not have a Star Trek themed tattoo somewhere!
Who would you say are your key musical inspirations?
I enjoy a lot of different kinds of music, and I try to expand what I'm listening to but I do have my go-to inspirations. I’ve got to say, Kate Bush and David bowie are continuous streams of inspiration for me, I can't fault that level of artistry and songwriting. I love Sharon Van Etten, Christine And The Queens, and I’ve recently become such a Caroline Polachek fan, I feel like she has that world you can dive into I was speaking about earlier.
You attended the Institute of Contemporary Music to studying songwriting, how was that experience? Do you feel the experience of going there helped shape you into the artist you are now?
Erm, it's hard to say... I met some truly incredible musicians and I'm proud to say they're some of my best friends now. But I don't always think being in an environment surrounded by nothing but musicians is beneficial for me personally. I found it quite hard to come out of my shell, and I don't think until the last year or so I've been comfortable enough to express myself how I've wanted to. But that's probably nothing to do with where I studied, I learnt a lot from amazing people and wrote a lot of terrible songs along the way, so I guess that was necessary.
Now the track is out there, what next?
Well...I won't say too much but there's definitely more music to come! As we are living in some very hard times right now I won't be gigging yet but there will be some live streaming and probably too much online content haha but we've gotta be creative somehow right?! Plus I love connecting with people. I’m excited to see what the future brings, but for now I'll be working hard in my room making more music for you all to hear!