KOTA! – Dead Pretty

By: Lisa Steinberg

Q) How would you describe your sound?

A) I’d describe my sound as very eclectic, pulling from a wide range of influences, but with a focus on the rock and pop side!

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

A) Growing up I loved listening to all the 80s pop and 90s grunge. My favorites were always Madonna, Nirvana and No Doubt.

Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “Dead Pretty.”

A) “Dead Pretty” took on its own life after a conversation with co-writer and producer, Gethin Pearson, about how corrupt the music industry has become and how so many “artists” are just in it for their moment of fame. It became an anthem as soon as it was written!

Q) What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?

A) I think even though the song is from a very personal place of being my own artist and what I’ve seen in my time, I think the theme of being anti-establishment resonates beyond just singing about being a famous popstar.

Q) How does the video for the track play into the message behind it?

A) I wanted to make the music video almost ironic, pulling from the lyrics “put up on your wall like a pretty little popstar,” so I literally printed out giant self-portraits for the set design. I filmed it all in my own house on my own camera, which gave me the freedom to play around with my vision!

Q) “Dead Pretty” was cowritten by you and Gethin Pearson. What is your song writing process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics? 

A) Every song I’ve ever written has started in its own unique way, so I wouldn’t say I have a process, per se. Gethin is an amazing producer, but also one of the most passionate writers there is and he pushes his artists to bring out what’s deep inside to channel into your most personal lyrics. I cried, I laughed, I screamed, and I wouldn’t trade the experience for the world!

Q) Gethin also handled production on the track, but how much of a say do you have in the production of your music?

A) We’re a great team, to be honest! We start by going through reference tracks that have inspired us both and from there we’ll either usually start with the story right away or we can decide the overall tone of the song, i.e. does it call for acoustic guitars, or do we go full industrial with samples and synths? The song’s emotions tend to guide the production, whether moody, upbeat or somewhere in between!

Q) With “Dead Pretty” out now, will there be a full album or EP coming in the near future?

A) Yes! This Fall will be when my very first full length will be dropping, and I can’t wait for everyone to hear all the different energies I channeled into it!

Q) Where are some of your favorite places to perform and what makes those locations so significant to you?

A) I used to own an all-ages music venue in Hollywood called AMPLYFi, and it was definitely my favorite place to play! With it being all ages, a whole different energy of younger music fans was always so fun to be able to experience!

Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?

A) My current obsession is with Bebe Rexha, and I would love to make a girl power pop rock banger with my queen!

Q) What artist/musician are you currently listening to and why do you dig them? 

A) I’ve been listening to a lot of Kenya Grace lately because her music never fails to put me in a good mood!

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

A) I love each and every one of you and am forever grateful for the support and love, besties!