Kate Peytavin claims she comes from “the least musical family in the world,” but that didn’t stop her from becoming the budding pop sensation she is today. The 18-year-old artist is from New Orleans, originally making music via zoom with producers-- but after a week-long trip to Los Angeles, she decided to dive into the world of songwriting.
During a Feb. 1 press conference with Universal Music Group's1824°, Peytavin said she faced challenges being taken seriously in the music industry due to her age and lack of material. At first, she said, “No one wanted to work with me.” It took both persistence and blind faith, but eventually, she signed to Capitol Records.
Since then, she's been releasing singles highlighting not only her passionate songwriting but her euphonious voice. They show off her ability to collaborate with producers to create complete, relatable tracks brimming with the emotion that comes growing pains.
The Feb. 1 press conference celebrated the release of her latest single “whole heart black” released on Feb. 2. During the virtual meeting, Peytavin discussed the creation of her songs, which often revolve around certain aesthetics, photos she finds on Pinterest, and artists she listens to. In her visualizer for "whole heart black" she demonstrates these influences, culminating inspiration from cottage-core and vintage aesthetics, along with touching symbolism.
Peytavin said her new single was inspired by artists such as Lana Del Rey, Paramore, Atlantis, and Avril Lavigne and the characteristic moodiness and teen angst that these artists convey.
While borrowing from musicians she grew up on, Peytavin comes from a new wave of pop artists that have grown up during a surge of social media. With the heightened influence of the internet comes the pressure to make viral songs that make artists blow up seemingly overnight. But Peytavin said she has learned to take her time and not rush things.
“When I first was getting into this, I wanted to make a really good song immediately, and that doesn’t happen,” she said. “You have to spend time writing before you understand who you are and what you want to write about.”
It’s clear to see her development from her first releases to her latest single, “whole heart black” (stream HERE) Kate is on her way to becoming the next big artist in her field. She's the perfect whirlwind of touching vocals, excellent songwriting, and an inspiring personality loved across the internet.
Thank you to 1824° for the opportunity to talk to Kate Peytavin.
By: Izzy Wagner & Izzy Morrow
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