Kate Teague is about to release something she’s cared for, loved and nurtured, her debut EP. We caught up with her before it was time to let go to see how she’s reflected on the recording process, herself as an artist and her journey across state lines.
Mississippi is well known for its country music and blues. Having stayed there after completing college, have you found that the musical history of it has influenced your own music in some ways?
I think inadvertently, absolutely. Especially considering for the past three years, post-college, my day job was booking 48 southern musicians a year; there is no way it hasn’t affected my writing or musical inspirations. I am so in awe of the indigenous music that surrounds this area. There is nothing like it.
Oxford was an incubator for successful artists (not just musical)…
What made you stay there, to continue making music? Was there anything particularly striking about their music scene which made you more inclined to stay?
I stayed because I had only recently begun forming connections with other musicians in town who were hearing my music and liking it, and I wanted to see where that led me. I also was starting to recognize that Oxford was an incubator for successful artists (not just musical) and it felt too special to walk away from. It still feels special and I am so thankful I stayed.
Do you find that there’s a distinct difference between the atmosphere and music scene in your hometown of Alabama, and Mississippi?
Yes. I don’t feel confident talking about my perception of the AL music scene, because I left when I was 18 and I haven’t tried immersing myself in it since, but all I can say is that I didn’t feel comfortable playing my own music in public until I moved to Mississippi.
When did you decide that you want to pursue music as a career? Was there any major influence(s) in doing so?
I have always known that I wanted my music to play a big part in my life, but I don’t think I decided that I wanted to pursue music as a career until doors started opening in that direction. I’ve always viewed my music career pretty logically, I think. I grew up with parents who encouraged me to pursue my dreams, but also encouraged me to have other realistic career goals in case that didn’t pan out.
What inspired you to write the forthcoming EP? Was there a specific experience which triggered the writing process?
There wasn’t a thing that specifically inspired me to write this EP, actually. This is just a collection of songs I’ve written over the last three years or so. However, I’m really looking forward to writing my first album which will definitely be more focused/ theme-driven.
Each song represents a different period of time in my adult life.
What themes does the new EP encompass? Did you hone in on any specific artists for inspiration?
Well, I didn’t really have any overarching themes in mind while writing these songs. Each song represents a different period of time in my adult life, post-college. Altogether, I do think they speak to each other and tell a story of significant experiences I’ve had over the last few years. It’s fun to listen to them in one sitting and audibly hear how I’ve grown, both as an artist and as a human. I didn’t hone in on any specific artists for inspiration, no.
How do you think people will feel when they listen to their new EP? What particular emotions spring to mind?
Nostalgia.
Your solo project has followed after being in the band, Reels, for some time. What made you want to go solo?
I began confident in the music I was making and I wanted to help mould all of the pieces of a song.
Have you found that your “style” has changed much in the switch from being in a band to going solo?
I don’t think my style personally has changed, but my confidence has definitely increased and I have a much better sense of my own sound and how to articulate that to bandmates.
Are there any local artists who have influenced your new album? Or, any which you’d recommend checking out?
Bonus and Graham have been the most influential to me, but other local favourites would have to be Harlan and Starman, Jr. (who just moved to Nola).
Who are your top five dream-pop artists?
Yo La Tengo, Grouper, Mazzy Star, Broadcast, The Clientele.
Who, or what song/album have you had on repeat recently?
I’ve been listening to Shikoswe’s Back in the Tall Grass loads, and these are my top songs at the minute:
‘Ediacaran Moonrise’ by Barry Walker
‘KAZU’ by Salty
‘Unknown Legend’ by Neil Young
‘Daisy Glaze’ by Big Star
‘Neon’ by Magdalena Bay
What advice would you give to musicians who are only just starting out?
Go to as many shows as you can to learn from those around you, spend at least 15 minutes a day working on your instrument or on songwriting, and listen to feedback from others – but don’t be afraid to not take their advice if your gut is telling you something different.
Listen to Kate Teague on Spotify and Apple Music.
