An Interview with the British Singer-Songwriter, Kate Nash About her New Music, How She’s Evolved Over the Years And More!

The English singer-songwriter, Kate Nash has been around the block and has learned a thing or two. Her successful single, “Foundations” in 2007 was followed by the platinum-selling UK number-1 album Made Of Bricks. Her second studio album, My Best Friend Is You was released in 2010. From that album came her second biggest chart hit to date, the single “Do-Wah-Doo”. Nash released her third studio album, Girl Talk in 2013.

More recently, Kate moved to Los Angeles and has been working hard on several upcoming projects.

“I have met a lot of cool female musicians out here and it’s awesome to have a community of relatable girls,” she said. “I’m working on a few projects here at the moment, doing some touring, playing more festivals, writing new music…so it just makes sense for me to set up shop in LA for a while.”

Read more about Kate Nash in the following interview with her:

So when did you first decide that you wanted to be a performer? I read that you broke your foot and were stuck at home so you started writing and recording songs then. Is that true?

Yeah that’s true, I was working in a fast food restaurant and had a heart condition and didn’t get into university. I played a show because I was so sick of being bored and I wanted to feel something and do something different. It’s crazy to me that I even had the guts to play that first gig. I was so nervous.

 Why do you think this is your true calling in life?

I feel pretty strongly about revolution and changing the world and I think music is the most accessible and relatable way to do that. You can reach people in an amazing way. And music is my life.

How have you grown as a musician since you started?

I’m more secure. I think more about every element of a song and a live show. I play more instruments now and have a lot more confidence as a performer. The live show excites me and it’s crazy what you can do with it.

 What music are you listening to now? Anything on the radio that you can’t get out of your head? How about any new artists out there that you are loving currently?

I love D.Wing and Peach Kelli Pop, Skating Polly, and The Aquadolls.

Tell me about your latest release, “She Rules”. Who is that about?

That song is about all the girls in my life that I love. I was inspired after going through a rough time and then I wrote letters to my sisters and realized how lucky I am.

Many of my friends have asked me to ask you also about the inspiration behind one of your older songs, “Dickhead” found on your album, Made Of Bricks?

Dickhead is actually a girl that bullied me in high school. I got locked in a cupboard and when I went home, I wrote that song.

How do you typically capture the inspiration for your music?

Living. Going through the motions I guess. Music is the ultimate release and my best friend. It’s always there for me and always helps clear my head. I feel loved and protected and cool and like I can get better when I play and write music.

What’s been a favorite venue of yours to perform at and why?

Le Cigale in Paris is one of my favorites, and Shepherds Bush Empire! I love London, my true home and I’ve played there with each record. This last time in particular was such a big moment. It felt like such an achievement to have done that independently.

How different is performing in the US then in UK?

In general, I feel like there are more career opportunities for me out here in the US which is why I moved to LA. But there are differences worldwide. I love my fans though, no matter where I play, they always bring it. I have the best most sweetest fans in the world. I truly love and care about them, we’re gonna change the world together.

How was playing at Coachella this year?

Coachella was SO FUN! We were all dressed in pink. I’d just dyed my hair and I had this crazy outfit made and designed by Rose La Grua who is awesome! The show was so cool, we played to a huge crowd. I’m always nervous at festivals that there’ll be no one there, so I am so relieved when people turn up! Me and my guitarist went on a desert hike and saw the Easter Bunny on Easter Sunday too.

Do you have a favorite song of yours to perform? How about your favorite song in general?

I love performing “She Rules” and “Underestimate The Girl”. I also like opening with “Sister”. And watching the crowd dance to “Friend” is fun. Also “Foundations” is fun to perform because it’s a reminder of how I got here.

Earlier this summer, you signed a contract with Warner Chappell Music! Congrats! How does that feel?

It’s something I’m really proud of, especially considering I got dropped in 2012. It feels like I really worked towards achieving that. I’m excited for the future.

Can you tell me about the Kate Nash’s Rock n Roll for Girls After-School Music Club? What inspired you to start that? And what is the current status of this club?

I started it in 2011 because I want to see more female musicians and songwriters. I love girls so much. Right now we are on hiatus, but it’s something I want to fund and run in the future.

You have incredible style and certainly a unique fashion sense and your hair is always amazing! Have you ever thought about starting a fashion line? Does anyone influence your look?

I’d actually love to start a fashion line! Maybe one day! I am inspired by Karen O, Kathleen Hanna, punks, transexuals and old glamorous movie stars. I like wearing pajamas. If I could wear pajamas everywhere, I would.

Living or dead, who is a musician that you would love to work with?

I would love to work with Bjork! She is so incredible. Also Patti Smith.

Who was someone really memorable that you have already worked with?

Tom Biller is my favorite person that I’ve ever worked with.

Thus far, what’s a favorite memory or something quirky that’s taken place with the band (in-studio, onstage, or elsewhere)?

Hmmmmm… Breaking my foot the first night of a 5 week tour was pretty ridiculous. The girls in my band and my tour manager have a saying “another day, another disaster” and my sister always says “what doesn’t kill you, doesn’t kill you”. I love that. My lighting girl Paula says I am the eye of the storm and I have my own rule of chaos.

The tornadoes in St. Luis were pretty wild! We had to go into the basement of our rehearsal space there.

I have the best girl band so we have a lot of laughs. This movie, Frogs, pretty much changed our lives on tour. You should check it out.

Any pre-performance rituals?

I like to have a drink and listen to Hole. Doing my hair and make up kind of helps me get focused too. And me and the girls in my band always dedicate the show to someone and High 5.

When you aren’t performing or writing new material, what do you like to do for fun? How do you wind down?

I love to dance, see my friends and watch TV and movies and eat well too.

How does it feel knowing so many women look up to you for your passionate feminist activism? I know I do!

It’s something I take very seriously. I want to spread girl confidence as far as I can. It’s what I’m most proud of.

Is there anything in particular that you’d like people to take away from listening to your music today?

PURE ECSTASY