We caught up with newcomer Katie Wood about her statement debut single ‘Steve’. She talked to us about some of her inspirations and the importance that visual identity has for her as a form of self expression.
We have had ‘Steve’ on rotation since its release where it has steadily climbed the chart snagging a top 10 place over on Spotify this week. It was a delight to talk to Katie about the making of the song and its nothing short of iconic video.
“Power ballad electric guitar and stunning vocals all wrapped up in a fabulous iridescent silver package.”
Emma Miller » indie top 39
A mix of of glam rock melodrama and old school 80’s pop ballad in the best way possible. Katie delivers a belting chorus, power ballad electric guitar and stunning vocals all wrapped up in a fabulous iridescent silver package ready for immediate consumption.
‘Steve’ is a whopper of a debut made even more memorable by its accompanying music video in which Wood sports matching silver jacket, gloves and one-of-a-kind silver, glam rock platforms, not to mention stylish purple trousers which she lounges in atop a white grand piano. I imagine you shall remain transfixed by it from start to finish as you witness the artist thrust and shoulder shimmy her way through the song all whilst giving powerful, knowing looks to camera (we know you’re watching, Steve!)
One cannot deny Wood’s vocal prowess or style, which is a clear nod to the Queens who came before (Stevie, Kate). However, it is the wit and subtle humour in her songwriting that makes this artist stand out from the crowd, offering us a unique perspective and take on things. Although, wearing shiny platform silver boots does help.
We all want to know, who the hell is ‘Steve’ and would you like us to troll him? But seriously, how did the song come about?
WELL, that’s a big question haha. Literally speaking “Steve” is more than one person I have encountered in my life. But I guess I will leave it open to interpretation for now. I actually wrote most of the song when I was in the shower, I had been playing around with the chords for a while and the song just came together really easily after that.
Sound and visuals go hand in hand. Almost every time I’m writing I already have a strong sense of how the visuals will look.
Katie Wood
Both your sound and aesthetic are so compelling. Is your image an important part of your artist identity? // What inspired the look and video for ‘Steve’?
I think so, in the sense of complete self expression. For me personally, I feel that sound and visuals go hand in hand. Almost every time I’m writing I already have a strong sense of how the visuals will look, I guess it’s part of the process! As for the video I’m really into sci-fi and fantasy films, and one of my favourites is ‘Labyrinth’ starring David Bowie, so that was a huge influence, I also found some common ground between the character ‘Jareth’ and ‘Steve’.
Your release is on the independent label ‘Kerry On The Cake’. What’s it been like working with an indie label?
It’s been really cool, they’re a very new label and it’s been exciting being a part of that process. But honestly I have so much gratitude to work with people that genuinely care and want the best for me and the music, they are the best.
If you weren’t doing music, what/where would you be?
I think I would probably still be doing something creative and still living in Kent, I’ve always loved drawing, especially portraits. So it was kinda between that and music for me…I’m not particularly academic and I failed maths 4 times, so there goes my dad’s hopes of me becoming an accountant.
There isn’t really anything else I want to do, or gain the same feeling from doing.
Katie Wood
Do you have a concept of what ‘success’ in your music looks like to you?
I would say that if I’m able to do this as my full time job, I’m going to feel pretty pleased with myself. So that would probably define how I feel about ‘success’. But to be honest there isn’t really anything else I want to do, or gain the same feeling from doing, so I’m sure that I will always make music and whatever happens, happens!
What is a song you’ll never stop listening to?
Do you have any recommendations of artists we might not have heard of yet?
Lately I’ve been really into the bands: Sunflower Bean, and The Big Moon. My favourite song at the moment though is ‘Sea Of Dreams’ by Oberhofer, I heard it in a really emotional episode of Bojack Horseman and it just really got to me, the song gets more interesting every time I listen to it.
Christine and The Queens would be the dream, she is such an inspiration to me.
Katie Wood
Who would be your dream to support on tour?
This is difficult because there are so many artists I would love to tour with but I think ultimately Christine and The Queens would be the dream, she is such an inspiration to me and after seeing her live I’m sold. I would also really like to tour with Matt Maltese, Angel Olsen and Sharon Van Etten… just putting it out into the universe.
Anyone that knows me will know how afraid I used to be of even showing other people my songs.
Katie Wood
What’s something you’re really proud of?
I’m proud of actually releasing music and putting stuff out there. It sounds a little ridiculous to say but it’s a hard thing to seperate yourself from what you have created. And anyone that knows me will know how afraid I used to be of even showing other people my songs, so I’m proud of that.
Do you have any more releases coming in 2020 and will we ever have the joy of hearing you play live?
I certainly do, I’m so excited to release more music and to just progress in general. I very much hope to play live in the near future, (and by live I mean on social media) due to the unfortunate times we are living in. But, I think It’s more important than ever that we stay safe and strong and when we come out the otherside, I will definitely be focusing on doing some live shows!
Connect with Katie Wood on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
