Katie Wood-
Interview conducted on June 13, 2020
By Dan Locke
Katie Wood- Entitled “Uh huh Yeah” the track depicts everything that comes with agoraphobia – the frustration, anger and resentment, but also hope and self-acceptance. Featuring muted tones, 80’s drums and emotional, raspy vocals reminiscent of Haim meets Kate Bush.
What was your upbringing?
I grew up in Ashford, Kent, my parents separated when I was very young and I lived with my mum, then moved in with my dad during my teens. I don’t think I had the most “normal” childhood and it was turbulent at times but I wouldn’t change anything.
How did you discover music?
I remember many occasions being in a car when I was still in primary school, music was playing and I’d be day dreaming about writing my own songs or what it would be like to perform. I have felt connected to music for as long as I can remember. One of the first albums I listened to that made me feel really emotional was “Tapestry” – Carole King.
How did you start to write music?
Probably when I was about 15, I started writing actual songs. I didn’t show anyone anything for a few years. It was a thing I did as a release and it felt very private, I was also scared that I was rubbish haha.
How did you get your first guitar and do you still have it?
My first guitar was a classical guitar, I rented it from school as I started having lessons there every other week. I was only 7 or 8 and I remember holding it for the first time, and it was way too big for me haha!
What was the title of your first original song? Did you record it?
I can’t remember the exact title but it was something along the lines of, and I’m really cringing while telling you this… “your spell”. I was and still am a huge fan of Laura Marling and it was very folky. I played it on classical guitar so you can see what I was going for. I was proud of it though; the feeling of writing is like nothing else.
You just dropped Uh Huh Yeah. Tell me about it?
It’s a song that means a lot to me, the day I wrote it was a very emotional day. I had been struggling for a while, and don’t think I wanted to admit to myself quite how bad I was feeling. I had probably the worst panic attack I have ever experienced (not that any of them are nice) at a supermarket where I was working, I genuinely thought I was going to die. And it really sent me into this realm of fear, from that day forward I just couldn’t feel calm or relaxed. I had to spend about an hour psyching myself up to leave the house and it got to the point where I thought, that’s enough now, I can’t live like this forever. So, when writing “Uh Huh Yeah” I really wanted to capture the anger and frustration that comes with these feelings, as well as the heavy vulnerability it takes to admit to yourself when there’s a problem.
What was the difference from the recording “Steve” to recording “Uh Huh Yeah”?
To be honest the process was pretty similar, both recorded in my bedroom. Although with “Steve” I had a little help production wise. Whereas “Uh Huh Yeah” I recorded and produced on my own. “Uh Huh Yeah” was a little bit of a frustrating process because I am such a perfectionist and very self-critical, I couldn’t tell you how much time I spent recording the harmonies and getting all of the sounds right.
What is Agoraphobia?
A lot of people think that it’s just fears of open spaces or leaving your house. But it’s actually a very complex anxiety disorder. Personally, I did experience fear of leaving my home but only because of any potential situation where I would feel trapped. This led to a lot of sensory overloads because I also suffer with PTSD. Unfortunately, the more I avoided going anywhere, the worse it got. Its very heart breaking for the person suffering but also for their loved ones, as it’s so hard for those who don’t experience it to understand. If anyone reading this suffers with anxiety or any of the above, I’m here with you, and you are, and will be okay.
Are you a romantic?
I am, although it takes me a little while to show it.
What are your feelings about the social uprising going on in the United States?
It’s important, it’s necessary, and things need to change. Things have needed to change for hundreds of years. I hope Black Lives gain the support and justice they need and deserve, not just during this time but indefinitely, us white people owe that much as a bare minimum. We have to educate ourselves, it’s up to us to keep this movement going and use our privilege to navigate to equality. Black Lives Matter.
What song from the past is in your mind right now? And what is the meaning that song means to you?
“Whole of the Moon” by the Waterboys. It’s been in my head since the beginning of quarantine, I’ve even had dreams where the song is playing in the background so it feels kinda sentimental to me now. I feel like it’s about someone that’s reckless, but very wise and knows more about the universe than most people do.
How do you feel the Covid-19 virus going to affect the music business in the future?
Well, obviously live gigs are out the window for a while, I think it’s going to spark a lot of creativity in that respect. It’s strange but I feel like even though there has been very little interaction physically in the industry I think people are connecting now more than ever. I’m intrigued to see what will happen with live online performances.
What have you been doing with your self-quarantine?
Lots of music, preparing for releases. I filmed a video in my room for my new single which will be out soon, I’m really excited about that. Also, lots of learning and reading in regards to the BLM movement. Obviously, it’s not something you can learn about overnight, so I will be continuing to put the work in and educate myself moving forward.
Have you discovered or rediscovered any new hobbies?
Yes! I have started drawing again, I used to draw all of the time but lost track when music took over. I really like drawing portraits just using biro and cross-hatching technique.
Lots of people are doing nightly concerts over either YouTube, Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. What are you planning to do?
Definitely will be doing some more online live gigs, will be thinking of ways to make them interesting. It’s not the same as performing live at a venue but it’s still really great to connect.
Do you think it will be possible to make a living doing concerts this way?
I don’t see why not, I’ve seen many artists monetizing their online performances, I’m sure a lot more of this will be happening in the future.
First it was an article in the New York Times, then Rolling Stones talked about it and finally Live Nation CEO said that concerts may not start again until fall of 2021. Do you think this could happen?
I would love to say no but It’s very possible, although it’s hard to make that assumption as everything has been changing so quickly. I hope it’s not the case as the creative industry has suffered so much already as a result of Covid 19.
With Social Distance being the norm. Do you feel that it might be the end of music festivals for the next couple of years?
Again, I really hope not, but if it’s safer for them not to go ahead It’s probably for the best. I’m sure someone will figure out a way to make a festival possible in some way or another.
What about Holographic concerts in our living room?
That would be so cool, it sounds so futuristic haha! I know it’s something I would be interested in doing or taking part in. It would open up live shows to a much larger audience, I guess.
How do you see yourself in the next five years?
My plan is to progress in the industry, make more art, and make better art. Honestly, I would be very happy just to keep going and keep creating. It’s not something I’m going to give up on. Maybe touring on a regular basis, hoping that a lot more people will be listening to my music by then.
Anything you would like to say in closing?
Thanks for having me and for the opportunity! you can listen to my new single “Uh Huh Yeah” on all your favorite streaming platforms. Follow me on social media:
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