Silken voiced Katherine Aly released her latest single, Rules, last week. The single is the follow up to her powerful and compelling previous single, and its equally powerful accompanying video, Pariah.
I interviewed Katherine last month following her thoroughly captivating gig in Glasgow’s intimate Hug & Pint venue.
Katherine Aly
The Ginger Quiff: For anyone who doesn’t know about Katherine Aly, tell me a bit about your background, how you first got into playing music, influences and so on.
Katherine Aly: I’m originally from Greece where I started playing and releasing music but I’ve been an Edinburgh-based artist for some time now. I feel like my music and style of singing do have some eastern and western influences which I quite like and I think gives my sound a unique vibe!
TGQ: I’ve followed your career since the release of The Skin I’m Made Of, I do believe all of your singles have appeared in my blog at some point. How would you describe yourself as a musician now compared to where you were then?
KA: Indeed and thank you very much for the support! I’ve always liked experimenting with my music that’s why I identify as genre-agnostic; The Skin I’m Made Of was a neo-classical, piano song and my last release, Pariah is a synthpop tune so that’s quite some change in my repertoire and songwriting!
TGQ: Do you have a favourite song you have recorded to date?
KA: I do! But it’s not released yet…
Pariah
TGQ: You mentioned your last single, Pariah, which, may I say, was a triumph. A powerful message in the song, reflected in the remarkably affecting video. Tell me a bit more about writing Pariah and how the video came about.
KA: Pariah was a bit of a pain to put together arrangement-wise! My producer and I finally came up with a version that worked out and then recording the vocals was very easy; I recorded 18 vocal tracks in 2 hours that evening, I’ll never forget that!
The message of the song is both very personal but also very communal; I wrote is as a woman who’s faced sexism and ageism and an immigrant who’s faced racism but it goes out to everyone who’s been discriminated against. That’s how the idea for the video came about; having a diverse group of people sharing slurs addressed to them for who they are written on their bodies but then being scribed off as a symbolic gesture against hatred and bigotry. Big love to Stuart Breadner who directed it, Baz Schmaz who produced it and all the beautiful participants!
TGQ: Pariah is an anthem for the disaffected and those who are prejudiced against because of their differences. It is a weighty subject dealt with very sensitively and putting the power back in the hands of those the song is aimed at. Another weighty current topic is the safety of women on the streets, and you just mentioned facing sexism. What is your view of what needs to happen?
I’m keen to hear the views of women who are in the music industry, specifically any observations you have made that need to change as a matter of urgency. I’m aware that this is a deeply complex subject and it’s not going to be solved by flippant questions on a music blog, but at the same time, if any input from someone can help change the views or attitude of a reader then I’m all for it. I’m keen to promote representation and a voice for all.
KA: And thank you very much for doing so! I always say that along with dealing with a problem as it is we should always address its cause too. I’ve never felt safe walking by myself down the street in the night and it’s the same in every country I’ve ever visited or lived in. So I’m going to repeat something we hear a lot lately in an effort to re-direct responsibility and hit the problem to its core; people, educate your sons! It all comes down to good parenting and education; when men learn to respect and value women and non-binary people and see them as truly equal human beings, then this world will be a better place.
TGQ: I couldn’t agree more!
Rules
TGQ: You have a new single, Rules, which came out on the 26th of November. I was fortunate to hear you play this live in Glasgow recently, and I was privileged to have been able to listen to the song for a few weeks now, such that it has become fixed in my head. At the gig you mentioned you started writing it before COVID and lockdown, then it all became even more relevant. Tell me more about Rules and your writing process
KA: It’s true that the irony of recording a song about rules you have to follow on the weekend right before national lockdown during a pandemic, is still something that gives me the chills! Because I’m thinking about how hopeless I was feeling about situations that are out of my control and make me feel exposed as well as vulnerable and emotionally drained; if only I knew what was coming!
In terms of the writing process, I came up with the song a while ago and been performing it since 2019 actually. Recording it to the studio was a quite effortless process too and same with arranging it for the full band performance. By the way Rules is both Joe’s (guitar) and Alex’s (bass/keys) favourite song of mine, which I find extraordinary given that fact that it’s a ballad and that we play may songs that are very radio friendly and what people call bangers!
TGQ: Rules will be your eighth release now. I know the world is a very different place in terms of releasing and promoting music than it used to be. Do you see yourself releasing an album at some point or are you happy continuing to release singles?
KA: I’ve been releasing singles because now people stream music and are much less likely to listen to an album from start to finish, unless they are true music buffs! Don’t worry though, all my releases will eventually lead to a bigger release soon…
TGQ: I shall look forward to that!
Mental Health
TGQ: You have also recently created an inspirational songs playlist made up of songs suggestions you asked for from the fans of your music. Songs that have a significant meaning to them and helped them when times were tough. This is something I find the soothing nature of your songs can do for me. You also posted recently asking if anyone was struggling and I know Glow and Ignite is about mental health. Is mental health and well-being something that is close to your heart? How do you maintain a good balance in life?
KA: I’m glad you find my songs soothing because ultimately this is the reason why I write and share music; I don’t want people to feel alone and equally I don’t want to feel alone with what I’m going through either. Glow & Ignite is a song I simply had to write in an effort to shake my anxiety away and that’s why it’s an upbeat song despite its dark lyrics.
Song-writing helps me maintain balance in my life along with trying to sleep and eat well and of course, as I shared earlier this summer when Glow & Ignite came out, being in therapy. And that brings me back to what I said before about both dealing with a problem as it manifests daily while also finding its root.
Katherine Aly – Live
TGQ: I was delighted to be able to see you live recently in Glasgow’s Hug and Pint. Tell me about your live band, how do you feel now playing with a band rather than as a solo artist?
KA: I honestly feel incredibly lucky to have Joe, Alex and Dimitris on stage with me. Not only are they excellent musicians but also decent human beings, good friends and we’ve bonded a lot during lockdown. I’ve always been part of bands before I went solo and I really can’t do without sharing my music with other musicians; there’s something really magical about it, making songs and performing them with other people that you trust and admire.
My wonderful producer Marty Hailey and I write my songs together and we have great chemistry! Then I take them to the band when we re-arrange them to give them a more live, upbeat character and I’ve given the guys creative freedom to take the songs to a new level with their input. I can’t lie, I adore the final result of how we’re sounding on stage!
TGQ: As do I.
TGQ: Finally, what does the future hold for you, what’s next on your path after Rules?
KA: Oh so much! Take my word for it! Best way to keep updated is to follow my socials and streaming platforms and of course if you want exclusive news and content, definitely join my mailing list!
Katherine Aly: Website Facebook Instagram Twitter TikTok Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, SoundCloud
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