Leah Kate on Her New EP Alive and Unwell
Photo by Paris Mumpower
[UNPUBLISHED:] I believe massive congratulations are in order for your latest single “Hot All The Time,” which I have been absolutely loving. What was the inspiration behind the track?
[LEAH KATE:] Thank you so much! The inspiration behind the song came from these strong feelings I had for a guy that weren’t necessarily reciprocated and all I wanted was for him to think about me the way I thought about him. When things didn’t work out I just wanted to feel hot, like I was killing it in life and felt good in my skin so I could show him that he fucked up. It’s a simple concept, but I have been wanting to convey it for a while.
[UNPUBLISHED:] “Hot All The Time” is the last release prior to your upcoming EP Alive and Unwell. How does “Hot All The Time” play into the story of the EP?
[LEAH KATE:] It plays into the story of the EP because Alive and Unwell is about how life can have its highs and lows, and ups and downs. The song plays on both sides. It stems from a sad place because I wanted this person to think of me and they weren’t but in the end it was a good thing because I realized how to love myself and that I didn’t need him.
[UNPUBLISHED:] Alive and Unwell also will feature your smash hit “10 Things I Hate About You” which has received immense acclaim and support online. What has the response to this track been like for you?
[LEAH KATE:] The response has been insane, it became a global hit and I still can’t believe it. It just went Gold! It’s so crazy… it has hundreds of millions of streams.
[UNPUBLISHED:] What was your process like putting together the EP?
[LEAH KATE:] It was honestly pretty scary. This year came with so many different opinions and so much pressure. I got caught up a bit in focusing on making music that people wanted to hear but then remembered that I do my best when I make music that I love, which is where all these songs come from. I’m happy with it and that’s all that matters.
[UNPUBLISHED:] What do you think will surprise listeners the most about Alive and Unwell?
[LEAH KATE:] The brutally honest nature of the lyrics. It’s definitely the most “in your face” lyrics I’ve written. They are so honest and show a whole new side to me.
[UNPUBLISHED:] What was the biggest challenge you faced in putting together Alive and Unwell?
[LEAH KATE:] The biggest challenge was coming off of “10 Things” because there was so much pressure to follow it up with something just as special. I want to continue that momentum and deliver songs that my fans will love just as much.
[UNPUBLISHED:] Do you have any favorite lyrics from the project?
[LEAH KATE:] My favorite song is definitely “Hot All The Time” when I say “I wanna be hot all the time to remind you, you’ll never be mine.” I feel like every song comes back to this emotion of self-love and power that nobody can take away from me.
[UNPUBLISHED:] Looking back on your career thus far, is there any advice you wish you had been given when you were first starting out in music?
[LEAH KATE:] Don’t take no for an answer! And…If you never ask, it will never happen. I’ve just learned to give it my all and make music I love. Anything is possible.
