Born and raised in Louisiana, Kate Peytavin launched onto the music scene with her 2022 single ‘ever fallen?’. Her music combines the influence of artists such as Lana Del Rey and Suki Waterhouse with her own sensitivity and personal experiences, as evident in her lyrics. Her latest single ‘whole heart black’, which came out 02/02, is nothing short of this.
I was privileged enough to have the opportunity to get an insight into Kate’s music career during an interview in which she revealed how she got her start in the music industry, her inspirations and her aspirations. Over the course of the pandemic, Kate began making music over Zoom before making the trip to Los Angeles to work with a variety of producers and industry professionals.
Despite not coming from a very musical family, Kate understands the intricacies of songwriting, beginning with chords and concepts and then working from there. During the interview, she emphasized the importance of seeking ‘fresh ears’ and others’ opinions throughout the creative journey, a process that led to some unexpected but welcomed changes in her latest single, ‘whole heart black’.
One of the most intriguing aspects of Kate’s music-making process is her ability to find inspiration in the unexpected. When asked to reflect on her favorite moment during her experience recording her latest single, she described how a simple switch of lyrics from “world” to “heart” in ‘whole heart black’ turned out to be a happy accident, giving the song a deeper resonance that she instantly connected with. This willingness to embrace spontaneity extends to her production choices, where she enjoys experimenting with different sounds as well as visual motifs to create a unique atmosphere for her music. This is particularly evident in her song ‘killing time’ with the reverberated chorus, which Kate implied had been a spur of the moment decision, yet one she is greatly fond of.
Despite facing challenges in an ever-changing industry where emerging artists are not always taken seriously due to age and lack of experience, Kate remains undeterred, finding solace in her passion for music and her ability to connect with her audience on a deeply emotional level. The universal themes of heartbreak and healing permeate her lyrics, allowing for a deeper connection with listeners, encouraging them to live in the moment, and inviting them to share with her a journey of self-discovery and growth.
Kate draws inspiration from a diverse range of artists, citing influences from the likes of Alanis Morissette, Avril Lavigne and Paramore for her latest single, as well as contemporary icons such as Lana Del Rey and Suki Waterhouse. These influences are present not only in her songwriting, but also in the vintage-feel of her visual motifs, which are shot on film and utilize nature and her surrounding environment.
Towards the end of the interview, Kate reflected on her music career so far and her evolution as an artist, offering advice for young and aspiring musicians. Firstly, to take their time with their craft and to enjoy every moment. What she finds most important is being proud of your work. Kate utilizes the positive aspects of her own perfectionism by not rushing through the whole process and working hard, seeking outsider opinions and making a song as good as it can be. Secondly, to not be afraid to open up and be vulnerable in the studio and in songwriting, which can result in a more personal product that audiences can connect with on a deeper level. Finally, Kate reflected that if she could give any advice to her former self, it would be to not take other people’s criticism too much to heart. It’s important to be proud of the hard work you put into a song, and to be confident in your own ability in your craft.
As she continues to grow as an artist, Kate is eager to explore new opportunities, including directing her own music videos - a testament to her boundless creativity and determination to carve her own path in the music industry. As well as this, Kate is excited by the future prospect of playing live shows and gaining a greater connection with her fans. She revealed that it would be a dream to go on tour with some of her favorite artists, including Suki Waterhouse. Her artistic goals for this year are certainly ones to anticipate.
With her raw talent and unwavering passion, Kate Peytavin is undoubtedly an artist to watch in 2024 and beyond.
Stream 'whole heart black' now!