Interview by Carol Wright | Photographer: Hannah Grinham
We got to chat with singer Kate Stewart about her latest single “Numb,” the accompanying lyric video and growing up in Maida Vale.
Everyone in your family is a performer in some facet. Did it seem natural for you to follow in your family’s footsteps or was there ever a time when you thought you wouldn’t pursue a creative career?
It never even entered my mind to follow a different career path! Ever since I was able to talk I was singing, dancing, and acting. When I was younger, I would make up characters and force my friends to put on an act so I could learn how to become a better actor! My family and I are so incredibly passionate about all things show business, it runs through our blood. My dad still continues to play on stage while my mom is not really in the spotlight as much anymore! But, she still knows everything there is to know about music and business. That’s why it was totally natural for me to follow in their footsteps, and I’m so happy about that. Both my parents are so supportive of me and my brother, we are like the von Trapp Family!
London has such a unique and rich music history and Maida Vale where you grew up is known for its musical roots. Did you often feel inspired by your environment and the entertainers coming in and out of that area?
In all honesty, I really was continuously inspired! London, as a whole, is such an inspiring place, there is so much to see and learn. I’m not only happy I grew up in London but I’m grateful! I got to grow up in such a busy and fast-paced environment that shaped me into the person I am today. I love living life in the fast lane and always being super busy, which makes London the perfect place for me. In London, there is never a dull moment! And about six years ago, I did a live session at Maida Vale studios; and that felt very nostalgic. I felt all the feels, I was excited, happy, and thrilled to be singing in such an iconic building that just happened to be where I grew up. I’ll never forget that moment.
Tell our readers about your song “Numb.” Did you pull from your own personal experiences to write the song?
In a way, yes! More often than not, I write about experiences that I may not currently feel but, I have definitely felt in the past. I wrote “Numb” in New York with Swagg, who is an incredible producer/songwriter. It’s so memorable to me because it was the first song we ever wrote together. It was on the first day we met and an hour into the session I knew we had clicked musically, it’s crazy to think about. We wrote “Numb” about that feeling you get in a relationship when you know it’s coming to an end. You’re neither here nor there with your emotions or the person, you’re completely checked out. I wrote it because I’ve definitely been in a place where I have felt that feeling, and it’s hard when you’ve fallen out of love. Sometimes love isn’t strong enough to keep a relationship going and there have been times when love just isn’t enough.
Do you ever feel nervous or vulnerable putting certain songs out or is it more therapeutic reflecting on relationships through music?
As surprising as it may seem, I don’t actually. I often feel more nervous that people might not like it or it might not get as much love as I had hoped. Every song I’ve ever put out is a song I have put a lot of hard work into, so I love every song I’ve written and continue to write. I want people to feel the same as I do about it! Writing music has been a sort of therapy for me, I write about the things I feel and release them into an art form. I’m lucky to be able to have this skill.
The accompanying lyric video was directed by Lucas Wilson who has a distinct eye. Did you learn a lot through collaborating with him on the video?
This lyric video was my idea, I just wanted to show my personality and show that fun side of me! My previous video for “Hate You” was quite dark, mysterious, and moody… so I wanted to show a completely different side on this one! I wanted to be light and happy, so people could see all the different sides of me. Lucas captured what I wanted perfectly, not only because he’s a friend of mine but because he made it easy to work with him while capturing my vision.
What advice do you have for aspiring musicians?
Always stay true to yourself, always trust your gut while taking your time, and that it’s a marathon, not a sprint!