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Compilation CD

Kate Akhurst

Kate Akhurst
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Interview with Kate Akhurst By Chris 19/8/08

Kate Akhurst is an amazing singer songwriter from Australia based in LA, her debut album Little Red Riding Hood is a must have album, she is an artist is that is far superior than most artists that are currently in the charts in America and here in Australia at the moment. I have interviewed before but now you can find out about her album and her move to america. If you haven't got the album yet get it, you need it now.

Kate Myspace Page

1. Why the move to LA for your music career?

It sort of happened out of default... I originally came over to work with Vince Pizzinga and record an EP, which then turned into an album, which now spread out to recording more and writing more!! Sometimes I don't know how I ended up in this position, I feel so lucky to still be able to explore music in LA. It's a crazy place!

2. How did you get involved with World Ends Management?

Vince had just signed to Worlds End, and once we had finished a few tracks together he took me into Worlds End to meet Sandy Roberton. Sandy became my manager the next day! Then we all finished the album together... Both Vince and I feel so lucky to be a part of Worlds End. It's an incredible team.

3. What was the inspiration for the album Like Little Red Riding Hood?

A million things! But mainly moving to LA, "like little red riding hood in the hollywoods..." It was a pretty insane time for me, I was dealing with leaving everything behind in Australia, and trying to crack through the shell of a whole new land... oh, and love, of course!!! haha! Isn't everything about love?

4. How long did it take to make the album this including the writing of the music?

It took about 6 months, although some songs on the album, like "Hello Ground", I had written at least a year before I even started writing for the album. What took the most time was flying back and forth from Sydney to LA 5 times!!

5. How did producer Vince Pizzinga get involved?

I actually had been introduced to Vince through another songwriter friend of mine, Paul Begaud. I first met Vince in Sydney, we did two songs together and then he moved to LA. Shortly after I came to LA to finish my EP with him... which now has evolved into THIS!!!

6. Are you happy how the album turned out?

I am. Vince transformed so many songs that I had given up on, he gave them new life. Every time I listen to it I smile, remembering how much fun we had recording it. It was my first album, so I had no idea what to expect... I think I will always look at it like a perfectly captured moment of my life.

7. Are you happy with how it has been received?

It's been really difficult getting exposure without having a major label behind me. But everyone who has heard it, loves it!! So that's more than I could ever ask for.

8. What inspires you when writing music?

I get asked that a bit, it sounds simple, but EVERYTHING. What happens from when I wake in the morning, til I fall asleep at night... Thoughts, faces, phone calls, expressions, the light and dark. It's the whole experience...

9. Has any of the songs off the album been used in any shows or movies?

Not yet!! Although I have recently had some interest, so hopefully it's just around the corner!! It's something I've always wanted to do, to be part of a film.

Kate Akhurst

10. What one thing you don't like about the music industry?

One thing??!! haha, just kidding. The main pain is the current situation of the record companies. Everyone is so scared of losing money, no one is making money, it is drastically changing the future of the industry. It's also changing how everyone is working... which is actually a negative turned positive. I'm so excited to see how it all pans out over the next few years... we are in a very interesting time indeed!!

11. Does it annoy you when you see artists who are in privileged positions in the music industry (E.G. having a major label deal) and screwing it up?

Not at all. I was offered a major deal yet turned it down because it wasn't the right deal for me. Sometimes it's the exact reason it doesn't work out.

12. How did you get involved with writing with other artists?

I love songwriting, I am doing it all day long, so I thought I should try to write some songs for other artists too!! I'm loving it... Vince and I started our own production company called FICTION. We are mainly working with American artists at the moment, and we already have our first cut!! I'm really excited about it, I never knew songwriting as an occupation could be possible!

13. Who have you worked with recently who music you really enjoyed?

VINCE PIZZINGA!! I am spoilt working with him, he understands my music so so so well, it is completely effortless, so really I don't want to work with anyone else. We still have soooooooo much music to make together. I think we'll be in the retirement home spinning tunes from the studio!! Hopefully retirement homes will have studios by then...

14. What have you been listening recently that you really enjoyed and people should check out?

I think Tina Dico is so talented, I never knew who she was until I saw her on KGRL. fm. It is a great radio site for all female singer/songwriters, be sure to check out her live session at Largo!! I also love The Ting Tings at the moment too, they are so much fun. I was lucky enough to get taken to Coachella this year (by Sandy Roberton), and saw so many cool artists, Hot Chip, M.I.A, MGMT, Santogold, Cut Copy... all so great in so many different ways...

15. What the most daggiest/cheesiest CD you have in your collection?

I have so many, thankfully I left them all at home in Sydney... so I can't recall the worst, but I did buy the Jonas Brothers on itunes the other day, "Burnin Up", I know at the age of 23 I should probably not be listening to them, but I'm in absolute teenage awe, they are the coolest in the daggiest possible way... I'm sure I'll be all "Jonas Brothers who????" in a few days...

16. Any plans to come back to Australia for tour anytime soon?

I come home for Christmas; I might do some Sydney shows... I haven't planned that far ahead, but I hope to do a tour in 2009.

17. What is next for Kate Akhurst?

I have started recording for a second album, you can check out the two latest songs on my myspace... The rest of this year is mainly dedicated to writing, for myself and other artists; I'd love to put FICTION on the map. 2009 will see more recordings and the release my second album of course!!

18. What is the ultimate long term goal for your music and your career?

I like following my nose, to see where each day takes me... If I work my hardest, then I can only be where I am... and I'm happy with that.

19. Any plans to write a soundtrack for a movie one day?

Sure!! Although I have no 'plans' to do one yet, it would be a wonderful experience. I would love to do a cross between "Donnie Darko" and "Eternal Sunshine of a Spotless Mind". I'm a big fan of Jon Brion; I'll be following his film scores for a long time...

Thanks for your time Kate any last words?

Thank YOU!!