Kate Gillespie
Nashville-based artist Kate Gillespie released her new single “Not Having Fun” on July 6th.
Originally from Toronto, Canada, the singer/songwriter unveiled her folk-americana sound with her debut EP titled “Pink & Gold”, released in September 2017.
Inspired by the likes of Brandi Carlile, First Aid Kit and Ingrid Michaelson, the artist is now delivering an honest single entitled “Not Having Fun”, produced by Canadian producer Johnny Simmen.
Currently working on her next EP, Gillespie is a storyteller who’s offering an uplifting message to the world.
“Not Having Fun” is now available everywhere.
Introduce yourself.
Hey! My name is Kate Gillespie I’m a folk – americana singer-songwriter based in Nashville, Tennessee.
What’s your story?
I was born in Toronto, Canada and when I was four years old my family was transferred in Moscow, Russia for my father‘s job as a foreign correspondent. A few years later, we move back to Toronto and I started taking singing lessons. When I was about 13 years old, my dad and I took a trip to Nashville based on our shared love for country music. I was amazed to see that there were other people who were also into this kind of music, as it wasn’t very popular among kids of my age in Toronto at the time. I decided I wanted to pursue music seriously after that trip. When I was 15 years old, my brother, who was 17, died suddenly. And while I didn’t realize at the time, music was most definitely my greatest coping mechanism. When I was 18, I made the move to Nashville.
You recently released your new single “Not Having Fun”. What’s the story behind this record? Who did you work with?
My new single “Not Having Fun” was written as I was realizing that I no longer was having fun in a not-so-serious relationship. Throughout the song I come to admit that I was only staying with this person because I was attached to the bond that we had formed over similar family tragedies in our lives, which is revealed in the third verse of the song. I think that each person becomes a little more honest than the last about emotions that I’ve been denying for a long time. My writing process was really live-self reflection.
The song was produced by Nashville best producer who is also from Toronto, Johnny Simmen and we had my beloved utility guitar player Matt Klevorn record pedal steel on the track.
You released your EP “Pink & Gold” in 2017. How did your sound evolve since then?
Since releasing my EP “Pink & Gold”, I think that my writing has become more honest and my sound has become just a smidge more alternative, if you will.
Listen to “Not Having Fun” here.
What appeals you the most about songwriting? What do you like to write about? Where do you get your inspiration from?
Songwriting is most definitely an emotional outlet for me. Whenever I write a song that makes me cry, I feel inspired to release it or at least do something with it as I feel that my honest message will come through if it might not be my best piece of work. Songs of mine such as “Pink and Gold” and “Not Having Fun” or ones that I wrote through an abundance of tears in one night, and caused big changes in my happiness and everyday life.
What advices would you give to young songwriters?
It’s okay to feel uninspired and it’s okay not to like what you’ve written, as long as you keep trying.
You are originally from Toronto, Canada. How was it like growing up out there? What do you think of the music scene in Toronto?
Toronto is a bustling city full of diversity, art and great music. It has a lot to offer when it comes to genres like hip-hop, jazz, and indie. But when it comes to folk and Americana, in my opinion, Nashville is where it’s at.
How would you define your music?
I write transparently and vulnerably with storytelling, fingerpicking, and a little bit of wit. While I tend to consider myself a light hearted person in my daily life, my music seems to show the heavier parts of myself that are only exerted in that form.
Who are your biggest musical influences?
My biggest musical influences include Brandi Carlile, First Aid Kit, and Ingrid Michaelson.
What are you currently listening to? Any artist you’d like to recommend?
I’ve actually been listening to a ton of old Ingrid Michaelson lately. And even her songs that are a little to pop-ish for my liking, her lyrics always hit home with me.
In your opinion, what would make the world a better place?
I could spend quite some time on this question, but to sum it up, I’ll say willingness to listen to others.
Any upcoming project?
I’m currently writing for my next EP which I plan to release in about a year or so from now. Woo!
What’s your purpose?
My purpose is to share music that lifts people up and heals them, just as it has always done for me.
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