Not Quite Hollywood BACK TO ALL PRESS
Here at NQH, I listen to a lot of music as I do my job. Often I’m so focused on what I’m doing that a particular song is ending by the time I realize it’s been playing. “She Hates Love Songs” not only made me stop to give it my full attention, it also left me in deep thought. I found myself playing the song again and then listening to the other songs from Katie’s first CD, Terrible, Terrible.
Based in Seattle, Katie Davis has been gathering an impressive following not only in the Pacific Northwest, but across the country and abroad. With a new CD on the way, Katie is poised to remind us that life and love can be tough and that’s where our strength comes from.
Your songs are very well known for their melancholy tone. What led you to write your songs this way?
Sad songs are my favorites. And that’s just what comes out when I sit down to write. At shows, I try to break it up with covers from ACDC and Guns N’ Roses. You’d be surprised -- it’s always the happiest people who love my saddest songs.
Does writing music ever affect your mood or vice versa?
I had a great year in 2005: first shows, first album. I didn’t write one song. I was too happy.
How does Katie Davis wind down after working on her songs?
A stiff Manhattan. Or a hard dose of reality television.
Let me reproduce a line that one of your fans wrote about you: “Somehow, after 7 months and countless times around and around I’m still touched and still need to tell others. You can feel this. You can have your heart held gently. There’s such tremendous depth and shape and sad nights and brisk lonely mornings and defiant acquiescence...” How does it feel to know that your work stirs such powerful emotions in your listeners?
It feels good on my ego. And it feels like a charge, like a dare, like I have a lot to live up to on my next album. I didn’t know when we were recording these four songs in a basement over red wine that anyone but my friends would listen. I’m surprised and happy every time I have to press another run of CDs. And I was frikkin ecstatic when my “I heart sad songs” bumper stickers started turning up on cars other than my mom’s.
Your lyrics are very intelligent. What do you think of the songs that are showcased in the Top 40?
I love Top 40. I also love McDonald’s. Highbrow and lowbrow are good together.
2005 was a great year for achievements. You’ve been on national radio and your ranked high on prominent music websites. Any plans for 2006?
I have a run of shows to finish up in March, then I’m taking a long break on a road trip to Mexico in April. When I come home, I plan to return with a force. Things to come include a full-length album, a redecorated website, and a west coast tour.
Was there ever a point you were worried that your music wouldn’t be received as well as it has?
When I first heard the rough mix of Movie, I thought “This song used to make me sad, now it’s going to make me rich.”
You have a lot of shows booked. Do you enjoy performing live?
I had a pretty serious fear of performing live when I released my “Terrible, Terrible” EP. But I met a boy that month who I wanted to impress, so I was playing shows a few weeks later. Now after a year of shows, I still get worked up before I play, but I’m better at telling myself that’s just how excitement feels.
Any favorite live performance memories?
In February, I headlined at the Showbox, one of Seattle’s biggest name venues. I showed up for the sound check and found my name in fancy letters on the giant marquee. It was my first. And you better believe I took a big, dorky picture of myself posing in front of it like a rock star.
Are you working on a new CD?
Yes. Expect news in the next month or two.
Is there anything you’d like our visitors to know about you?
I take bribes.
