Kate Cosentino
I rarely feature cover songs on my music blog because it’s hard to find GOOD covers these days.
American singer/songwriter Kate Cosentino has just released her brand new single “Call Me”, which is a cover from Blondie, originally released in the early 80s. Cosentino’s rendition is genius. It is jazzy, it’s colorful, it’s unique and brilliant. And that is why I had to feature her for this new single.
Kate Cosentino has created her own musical universe and identity, and it’s clear to me that the world will keep hearing about her - whether it is an original or a cover, Kate Cosentino will always create something that truly represents her true identity.
“Call Me” is out now !
Hi Kate, how are you? What have you been up to since our latest feature?
Hey hey! I am doing just swell. Not much has happened since we last talked. Well actually, I did make it onto Season 23 of the Voice on Niall Horan's team. Oh and I got engaged! Oh AND I have a new single coming out May 26th. So a few big things since then.
You recently were one of the contestants on NBC's The Voice. What did this experience teach you as an artist and performer? Any favorite memories from this experience?
The Voice taught me that nothing is more powerful than being your authentic self. I really stuck to my guns singing songs (when I had the choice) that reflect what I like to do as an artist - jazzy, witty, and fun. I also dressed in my usual funky clothes and acted as I always do - goofy but also not afraid to talk about things like body image and other issues that matter to me. Fortunately, my personality and flair came off fairly accurately as the show was released which led me to meet a ton of new amazing people/fans that really value what I do or see a part of themselves in it. I always felt that way watching people like Melanie Martinez so I'm glad I could do the same and that people have liked me for me. It also makes it easier when people don't like what I'm doing because that's the point of making art. Clown couture and dad jokes are not for everyone but I'm glad the people who dig it are finding me!
So many amazing memories come to mind from being on the show but most of all just the general bubble of hanging out with my castmates. We had such a stellar group of not only amazingly talented people but extremely kind-hearted people. Living in a hotel together felt like being in college again. After filming, we'd all play Jack Box or watch Drag Race or go to Target together. I miss living in that little community. Everyone was inspiring. They're definitely a forever family for me.
You're about to release your new single "Call Me" - what made you want to cover this classic?
I covered Call Me on this season of The Voice in my knockout round which I unfortunately didn't make it through. However, I am so proud of that performance. I got to flip the song to be more my own which is my favorite thing to do as an artist. Time was limited though on making arrangements with the band on the show so I didn't get to go quite as jazzy as I would have liked. This version is my fully realized arrangement. I'm excited for people to hear my vision and I hope my old coach Niall is proud of what I made this song into outside of the show!
Could you describe the production/recording process for this song? What did you feel when recording it?
The production process was speedy! I came back from filming the show and felt this overwhelming sense that I needed to put out my own version of my swan song. I was so proud of that performance and want people to be able to hear it how I envisioned it. So I called my good friend Tony Chetta (he produced my original song Prettiest Girl in the Room) to see if he could squeeze in recording this song with me to release right when this season of The Voice ends. Fortunately, he was up for it! I went to the studio one day and mapped out the arrangement. I put down some guitar and bass parts and Tony filled in with keys and other parts. We worked together to choose certain sounds and give the song somewhat of a modernized big band feel. I wanted a marriage between post-modern Jukebox and more modern pop production. We got together one other day to cut vocals and create a series of layered background vocal parts. Then messaged back and forth a bit and it was done within a few weeks. I am truly grateful for Tony's vision, efficiency, and partnership always.
In your opinion, what makes a good cover?
The BEST covers, in my opinion, completely twist the song. They either take on a different style, genre, feel, or a new meaning to the lyrics. The melody is the most crucial element to keep mostly the same but apart from that I love when a cover sneaks up on you and puts a new twist on something you already love rather than being a karaoke of the original. Some favorites of mine are Sure Sure covering The Talking Heads song This Must Be The Place or Prep covering As It Was by Harry Styles. I hope my cover of Call Me is a fresh new twist on a Blondie classic!
What can you tell us about the artwork and the upcoming music video?
The artwork for the single may or may not be the outfit I wore for my performance on The Voice with me holding a landline phone. The makeup was too cool not to do again. The photo was taken by my fiance Bennett Win.
The upcoming music video is a La La Land-inspired jazz bar performance video. My arrangement has a sexy, jazz lounge feel so I wanted that environment. I also wanted to pay homage to the clown couture I wore on The Voice, and generally wear as an artist, so I reached out to Megan O'Cain from Netflix's show Next in Fashion to collaborate on an outfit. She loaned me a stunning pink and green dress that totally matched my colorful, clown-inspired fashion sense. I am beyond ecstatic I got to wear one of her pieces. Lastly, the band in the video has a few familiar faces. Three friends from season 23 of The Voice cameo as my band including Domenica Coka, Alyssa Lazar (Team Chance), and JB Somers (Team Kelly). The rest of the band are some of my favorite local musicians including Liz Kelley on guitar, Carmen Diane on bass, Chris Sheldon on trumpet, Natasha Blaine on vocals and Taylor Friesth on drums.
How's it like to be a woman in the music industry? What message do you want to give to women out there?
Being a woman in the music industry has challenges of course but I like to focus on the positive because we need women to keep doing music! There is room for everybody! Lift up your fellow females, learn from each other, and collaborate. Cling to the people who lift you up and share your name for opportunities. Hire other women and support them too because we all grow with each other! And while there are bad men/people in the industry as there are in any industry, there are also men who are amazing, supportive, and great to work with. I try to stick to a policy of working with people who are good people. 10/10 would recommend.
Could you list a few records that influenced the music you are making today?
Regina Spektor - Far
Lianne La Havas - Blood
Phoebe Bridgers - Punisher
Remi Wolf - Juno
What biggest lesson have you learned since the release of your debut single?
I think I've learned since releasing music that your music is affecting people more than you think or always see. Sometimes I release something and get a ton of sweet messages. Sometimes I feel like no one saw it and then months later someone tells me the song changed their life. Putting out art is important no matter if one person sees it or 1 million.
What can we expect to hear/see from you the rest of the year?
Expect a lot of fun, very Kate content coming your way! A new original is in the works as well as some live show dates.
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