Thanks for chatting with us Katie! Tell us a little bit about how you got in to music?
My mom. She is the person who instilled music in my heart and soul. She is the director of a Christian rock group and gives private music lessons. She is very passionate about music. She taught me how to play the bass, guitar, and piano. I also play the drums. I've been playing in my moms group since I was 12. My sister Emily sings with my mom now. Emily and my mom actually sing with me on one of my older songs, "Starts With Me.”
Who inspires you, musically and personally?
Musically, Justin Timberlake and Pink inspire me. They are so unbelievably talented. Personally, my mom inspires me. She's the strongest person I know.
It has been two years since you released your first self-titled EP, Katie Bates. What has changed in your life between then and now?
I've grown lyrically, musically, and more as a person. When I recorded my first EP, I was so afraid to release it because of what people would say or think. I didn't even let my family listen to it. I remember after I finished recording my EP in Nashville and when Kent Wells, the musical producer, sent me the final product, I only let one person listen to it. I actually went down to my bathroom, closed the door and listened to it on my headphones. I didn't want anyone to hear it. Now I'm just like you either like it or you don't. I've released multiple songs since then. Everyone has a different preference or taste and that's okay.
I recorded my first EP at Kent Wells Productions in Nashville, it was more of a teen country/pop vibe. Filter, is definitely more mature pop sound. I recorded it in Cincinnati at Blacklite Productions. My co-writer on Filter is Tejai Moore who is an amazing artist and such a nice guy. He's based in Atlanta so we were constantly in contact by phone and email. He pulled out my pop/R&B side.
What is the background behind your new EP, Filter, coming out on March 22, 2019.
The first single was called “Naked.” Metaphorically speaking, “Naked” is about stripping someone's walls down and getting to know that person inside and out. “Naked” is also on Filter so I tried to keep kind of the same sound of “Naked” and have that flow through the rest of the songs on the EP. The lyrics mostly deal with the theme of romance. There's a lot of storytelling.
If you could collaborate with one artist dead or alive, who would it be?
My Grandpa Frank. He died of cancer when my mom was a teenager, so I never got to meet him. My Grandma has tapes of him singing. He was a wonderful singer and a great musician.
What was your first concert?
Raven Symone. My sister was obsessed with the Disney show, “That's So Raven,” so my dad got us tickets when she came to town.
What is on the horizon in 2018 for your music career?
Definitely more music. There's another compilation album I'll be on too. I'm just taking it day by day. I'm grateful for whatever comes my way!
Do you cook? If so, What is your favorite dish to cook?
I make a mean buffalo chicken dip. I like making appetizers and desserts.
With food does your morning start with?
I don't really eat breakfast in the morning. I usually have a protein shake and coffee or energy drink.
Name a something weird you like to eat, but not a lot of people do.
Liverwurst on crackers. Everyone thinks it's disgusting. When I was younger, my Grandma would make it for me for lunch. We called it yucky crackers. I still call it yucky crackers lol
Favorite Nashville restaurant? Hattie B's!
Finally, if you could be sponsored by one food/drink brand who would it be and why?
Nestle Toll House. Chocolate Chip cookies are my weakness. I'm craving them right now!
Twitter: @bateskatie
Instagram: @bateskatie
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/batesekatie
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