Kate Cosentino
Singer/songwriter Kate Cosentino has just released her latest single “I Don’t Know Where We Went Wrong” and it is stunning. The self-written single is about heartbreak - the kind of heartbreak that leaves us with no answer. Emotional, honest and vulnerable, the new single was produced by Rocco Fiorentino.
By combining her straightforward storytelling, her striking vocals and Rocco’s great production, Kate Cosentino painted a remarkable song.
“I Don’t Know Where It Went Wrong” is the second single of Cosentino’s upcoming EP, out on May 20th.
Go stream it now :)
Photo credit: Sara-Anne Waggoner
Introduce yourself - what's your story?
Hi! My name is Kate Cosentino. I'm a singer/songwriter raised on guitar hero 3 and the indie & jazz scenes in Kansas City. At 7 years old, I started playing guitar with the goal of becoming the next Eddie Van Halen. After being introduced to Regina Spektor, Nora Jones, and voice lessons, I started writing my own songs. From a young age I discovered my dream was to write and perform songs that move people like the music I love moved me; moves them to cry, moves them to dance, or moves them to think from a new perspective. Throughout high school, I wrote and released two albums and a single and set my sights on going to Belmont University to study music business and songwriting. After a handful of amazing musical experiences such as opening for Felix Cavaliere, and writing an original song for American Girl Doll, it was off to Nashville. I spent four years getting my degree and performing around Nashville. I graduated in 2020 and kicked off my first year doing music as my full-time career with a Kickstarter for an EP and with opening for Katy Perry in Colorado Springs. Now I'm a full-time artist and songwriter playing the Nashville scene, writing songs for podcasts, artists, and more, and am set to release an EP on May 20th!
"I Don't Know Where It Went Wrong" is your new single - what's the inspiration behind this song?
The saddest heartbreak to me is a heartbreak with no answers. Not getting closure with someone you loved is so painful. After being blindsided myself in a relationship that was going amazing one day then they suddenly had a change of heart out of nowhere - the only way I could process it was through song. Having been in multiple long-distance relationships, the line "I have to ask before you call and when you pick up I hear you not hear me at all" really hits the nail on the head for me. Sensing someone being distant but trying not to make it worse is a very emotionally volatile state of being. I wanted this song to bring comfort to anyone going through that because I know how lonely, confusing, and painful it is.
Could you describe the songwriting/production process for this song? When did you start working on it? Who helped you create it?
I wrote the song by myself when I was home in my childhood room. I was learning how to play You Missed My Heart by Mark Kozelek after hearing Phoebe Bridger's cover of it. The guitar tuning I used to play that song immediately put me in my feels. I just had to write a sad song. I then brought it to my producer Rocco who put the magic in the track. My session players Scott Mulvahill, Mat Bubel and Tim Galloway added some extra magic into it as well.
What did you feel when writing this song?
It felt so therapeutic to finally get hard emotions I had tucked away out onto the page. It was sad but also freeing to put my feelings into words.
What made you want to release "I Don't Know Where It Wrong" as a single?
It has a sound most separate to the rest of the EP. It's a sad girl, an atmospheric piece amongst more groovy, pop songs. I wanted it to have its own moment and to reach people who resonate more with this sentiment than that of my other songs.
What can you tell us about the artwork?
For the EP I wanted to do a Wes Anderson-themed photo shoot. The whole record is tales from my college experience. I was (and still am) a huge film nerd and my favorite place to go for fun in college was The Belcourt Theatre in Nashville to watch indie movies - I know that sounds disgustingly hipster of me but I like what I like! :) Sara-Anne Waggoner is a photographer/set designer in Chatanooga I've followed for a while and was obsessed with her unique style. She shares my love of crazy patterns so I knew I had to have her create the set design and photos for this EP. This single’s artwork is me in my throwback lingerie, big hair, being sad and pensive in my bedroom.
What can you tell us about your upcoming EP Note To Self?
Note to Self is a collection of songs from or about my college experience. It has stories of hearbreak, of being a non-commital college kid, struggling with body image, and feeling imposter syndrome. It comes out May 20th! I will have an EP release party in Nashville at Diskin Cider at 7pm on the 20th. I am so excited to share all of the art and music that capture this part of my life.
As an artist, what is the most challenging part? And what is the best part?
The most challenging part: Not burning out. My music is something I'm so passionate about that I could work on it for hours on end. There are so many jobs to do when it comes to a release and it can quickly get overwhelming. It's hard to take breaks and not feel guilty but breaks are s beyond necessary.
The best part: connecting with people who think your art is meaningful to them. It's seriously the most surreal and life-changing experience. Anytime someone has an emotional reaction to a song of mine, I feel like we're already super close friends who get each other on a deeper level. It's magic.
What are your thoughts on today's music industry? If you could change one thing, what would it be?
The music industry today is amazing and crazy. I love that anyone can post a Tiktok and find people that resonate with them. I love that everyone has a really eclectic taste in music now and music discovery is filled with a wealth of amazing, innovative creators. If I could change one thing, I'd change the hustle culture to be more sustainable. Yes it's amazing if you can post 4 Tiktoks a day but I want other creatives to feel confident in their choice, their speed, and their way of pursuing a music career. Maybe it's just the reality of the industry right now but I also think it's sad if you turn your career into something you don't enjoy doing. Kind of a tangent.
What does singing and songwriting make you feel?
It makes me feel human to my core. It's a time when I can express human emotions in a way that's connecting me to others. It's therapy. It's a time to feel alive.
What advice would you give to artists out there?
Listen to your gut! If something feels fun and exciting, follow it. Pursue it and make amazing art from it. If it starts to feel exhausting or you loathe it, stop it or allow yourself to take a breather. Sometimes rest is all you need and I'm giving you permission to take a break! And not feel guilty for it! It'll help you enjoy everything more!
Besides music, what are you passionate about?
On the more serious side, I'm very passionate about discussing body image issues. I sing a lot about it because it's been such an emotional part of my human experience that I think people should feel less alone in. On a lighter note, I'm super passionate about rollerskating, movies, video games, and Jack Black. I know too much about him. He is the greatest. Also - good food. My latest obsession is Bao buns.
In your opinion, what would make the world a better place?
Bringing back a sense of community. One beautiful thing about the pandemic, despite all its hardships, was finally reconnecting with my neighbors. It felt like a community I grew up in. We'd hang out just because we ran into each other, loan each other groceries, or other random things. I think creating environments where we feel supported and loved by other people and at least part of our day is focused outside of ourselves, would bring a lot of goodness.
What biggest life lessons have you learned so far?
Life is happening now. Don't spend so much time planning for the future.
Maybe just automate your Roth IRA contributions.
What message do you want to deliver to the world?
Honestly, I feel it's similar to the above. Life is happening now. Your human experience is so beautiful and unique but also, beautiful in that it can connect you with others. Cherish that.
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