LA-based and raised electro-pop songstress Leah Kate returns with new single “bad idea,” landing on Spotify’s New Music Friday (US) and accompanied by a lyric video montage created by the rising artist herself in light of shelter-in-place orders – WATCH HERE.
“bad idea” marks Leah Kate’s first release of the year, following her 2019 Impulse EP with singles garnering support globally from the likes of 1883, Clash, Dancing Astronaut, Earmilk, Ladygunn, NYLON, Ones To Watch, Wonderland, and more. LA Weekly calls the newest offering “feel-good pop” while HollywoodLife asks, “if Leah’s voice is the sound of temptation, how could anyone not give in?”
Written with Charlotte Lawrence and Lennon Stella collaborators Hayley Gene Penner and Louis Schoorl, Leah aimed to craft a tantalizing yet relatable anthem prompted by her own personal pursuit of forbidden love. Enhanced by hypnotizing drum beats and lush vocals, Leah confesses on the track, “When you take me by the hand / forget about all my fear / but I know that you’re a bad, bad, bad idea. / Could we keep this a secret / that nobody needs to hear? / ‘cause i know you’re a bad, bad, bad idea.”
According to Leah Kate, “We all have imperfections, and can have distorted thinking caused by love or desire, and that’s okay. This internal conflict is real, it is normal, and it is something we all find ourselves needing to address at some point. Sometimes doing something that seems like a bad idea can be exhilarating and fun, and it ultimately helps us to learn about ourselves and grow. I want my listeners to feel a sense of comfort when they may be in a similar situation… to know that they’re not alone, and can bring a little light to the situation.” She continues, “I am a big advocate of following your gut and listening to your heart. Whether someone is making a choice about what job to take, what to say to someone, if they should move to another city or not, or a romantic situation like mine – this internal conflict extends beyond making bad choices with just lovers. Look for the light and the lesson when making any choice, and lean in when your gut tells you to. Living and learning is fun!”
Leah Kate’s collection is a true embodiment of her lifelong journey in search of confidence and self-identity paralleled by her IDGAF attitude. The artist to watch captures the young female experience, by looking inward at her own, to deliver bops that will uplift you no matter the situation. In an interview with Wonderland Magazine, she says “My tracks range in topics: ‘Girl on Girl’ is about an experience I had getting cyber bullied over Instagram, and my want for girls to lift each other up, not be mean to one another… ‘BFF’ touches on my experience of how a best friend can be your worst enemy when you don’t even know it.”
Fusing honest and vulnerable lyrics with feel-good dance-worthy production, it’s no surprise she’s racked up millions of streams independently since her arrival in 2019 and has landed on Spotify’s US and global New Music Friday playlists as well as Creamy, Dance Rising, Friday Cratediggers, Pop Right Now, Pop Rising. Sad Beats, etc. Leah Kate’s music has also been featured on Freeform’s The Bold Type, MTV’s The Hills: New Beginnings, and more.
I was lucky enough to catch up with this musical sensation and talk all things music, and about her brand new single “Bad Idea”;
Photo Credit: Grant Spanier
Hi Leah and welcome to OLC! It’s a pleasure to have you here. So tell me growing up who inspired your passion for music?
Leah: As much as I looked to different inspirations, I feel like I found my passion for music within myself. I remember watching 1-800 commercials for different artist’s CDs as a 5 year old and being like I can’t wait to do the same for my cd one day. Then as I grew older, around 8 or 9, I started writing a bunch of songs with my little brother and developed my passion with him. I wouldn’t be where I am today without him because he is such a talented producer. Working with him helped me figure out that my own passion even existed because we did it together.
How did you start songwriting? And do you remember the first song you wrote and who or what you wrote it about?
Leah: I started songwriting when I was around 9 years old. I would send melody ideas to producers who worked with my favorite artists and spam their emails. The first song I wrote was with my brother, it was called “after party.” I don’t know what I was thinking of after parties because I definitely had not been to one yet but it was a song about a heartbreak!
When you write your songs do you like to take the stories from your own personal experiences?
Leah: Yes always!
Let’s talk about the new single “Bad Idea” due on May 15th, what inspired you to write this song?
Leah: “Bad idea” is based on a true story. I was unsure if I should pursue someone or not as I knew it probably wouldn’t end well. But doing bad things can be fun sometimes though and fuck being perfect!
Who helped you work on the single?
Leah: I worked with my two favorite collaborators- Louis Schoorl who produced it and Hayley Gene Penner! They often work with some of my favorite artists such as Charlotte Lawrence and Lennon Stella, etc.
Any plans to do a video for the single also?
Leah: I did a cool vibe/lyric video here at home for it! It’s out now too! 🙂
Can we expect a new EP to follow this release? And if so is there anything you can tell me about it?
Leah: I’ll be starting with 3 singles that have SUCH a vibe and that I think are so much fun. Then the album will come later this year!
I noticed you have 20k plus followers on Instagram and are verified as just Leah, and I have to ask 1.) How does one even get that many people to follow them lol and 2.) How big of a part do you think Social Media plays in an artist’s career?
Leah: Ha! I had like 500 followers until I started putting music out and it just started growing organically. People who find me and like me usually hit me up on IG and I always like to respond and engage with my fans and listeners! I think social plays a big part, sometimes I wish it didn’t, but it does make putting out music so easy and accessible.
What does the rest of 2020 hold for you?
Leah: TONS of new music!
Before we go is there anything you’d like to say to all your OLC! followers?
Leah: Staaayyyyy tuned for the next few songs, they are so much fun!
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