Garrett Kato – Nighthawks

By starrymag | November 6, 2023

By: Dawn Inchaurregui-Miller

 

 

 

Q) Who would you say were your main influences growing up?

 

A) Mostly classic records my parents had like The Beatles, Simon & Garfunkel, [Bob] Dylan – the classics. But as I got older my taste changed to more heavy stuff then back to more of the style I am now.

 

Q) What was the general theme with your new album Nighthawks? In comparison to your debut album, how do you feel you’ve progressed in life as an artist?

 

A) The theme would be in a sense… no theme. I recorded each song like its individual project and wasn’t too worried about the collection living together as a whole. I feel my mixing and production on this project took a step up as I was more adventurous than in previous releases with instrumentation and dynamics.

 

Q) How much of it was produced by yourself in comparison to music you’ve created in the past?

 

A) Most all of my records I’ve produced and mixed myself with the exception of a few tracks. This record was entirely produced by myself in my studio. I rather enjoy recording and production, so it’s definitely a passion of mine.

 

Q) When you’re writing, do you have a listen around for inspiration?

 

A) I like to take inspiration from all kinds of music and different concepts of music. I think we all store music in our subconscious and when we write we take bits and pieces from hundreds of songs without knowing it.

 

Q) I’ve heard that you kind of lock yourself away from the world when you write. Is that a conscious choice you make from start to finish or do you hide away when you get an idea?

 

A) I used to do this more, but now since I have the luxury of my own studio I kind of chip away at songs over time and I can wait for the right inspiration to kick in to make decisions on the production and writing. It’s my favorite way of working these days.

 

Q) In some of your songs like “Losing Touch” and even “be” you touch on the subject of mental health. In recent years the subject of mental health has thankfully become much less of a taboo. Has it ever felt awkward to open yourself up like that or are you proud to bring awareness?

 

A) I don’t think anyone should feel awkward about anything that is bothering them.

 

Q) Speaking of the song “Losing Touch,” the production of this particular track goes in a direction away from your trademark acoustic guitar finger picking and haunting vocals and almost reminds me of a similar music and vocal styling as James Arthur.

 

A) Yeah, I wanted to try something new here, and have some fun doing a more intense style of singing. It was great times.

 

Q) The song itself has an upbeat feel to it, despite its underlying topic. Did you already know how you wanted to record it, layering the vocals to build over the chorus and the addition of the full band to intentionally make it more upbeat or was that something that developed during the production process?”

 

A) Yeah, it just sort of felt right. Often production elements and writing are happening at the same time, so I can make decisions and get momentum writing and producing at the same time. It’s a very exciting way to create to be honest.

 

Q) It must be cathartic in a sense, probably more so to play your older material, reflecting on how you used to feel?

 

A) Yeah, it’s nice, feels like an old friend coming to visit or something. I’m not who I was then, but I respect that person I used to be.

 

Q) I’ve got to ask about the video for the song “Dumb…” What was the inspiration for that? It kind of felt like watching a musical version of a Seth Rogen movie.

 

A) [laughs] Well, it was the best time making that video. Kind of just asked one of my good friends to co-star in it and have some fun. I think it came out perfect considering.

 

Q) Another song on the new album, “Never Alone,” is one of the most beautiful songs I’ve ever heard. Your voices together are perfect. I was wondering did you originally wrote it to be a duet, or had you written it with Elina in mind?

 

A) Thank you. I didn’t have her in mind really, but I think someone from my label suggested a collaboration and her name came up. I listened to her voice and was totally in awe. Thankfully, she agreed to the collaboration, and it worked out.

 

Q) What do you hope lingers with listeners who explore Nighthawks as a whole?

 

A) I hope the listener can see themselves in a few of the songs, so they don’t feel their problems, worries or emotions are just their burden to carry.

 

Q) Are there any other artists you’re currently hoping to work with?

 

A) Can’t really think of any off the top, but maybe Hazlet or Miley Cyrus?

 

Q) What kind of music or artists are you currently listening to?

 

A) A bit of everything, to be honest. Pretty obsessed with Zach Bryan and Gregory Alan Isakov’s new records.

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who are fans and supporters of the music that you make?

 

A) I love you.