Kate London is a local artist on the rise. After performances at The Date Shed, The Hood Bar and Pizza and Bart Lounge, and winning second place at the CV Open Mic Competition, she just released a new single, “Love Me Right.” For more information on Kate London, visit her Facebook page at www.facebook.com/katelondonmusic. Kate was kind enough to recently answer the Lucky 13; here are her answers.
What was the first concert you attended?
The first one I can remember was Reba McEntire in the fifth-grade. I loved country as a kid … wore Wranglers and everything.
What was the first album you owned?
I think it was Reba McEntire, or Garth Brooks on cassette. Ha ha!
What bands are you listening to right now?
These aren’t really bands but artists: Banks, Solange Knowles, Rihanna, Bethel Music.
What artist, genre or musical trend does everyone love, but you don’t get?
Hmm … that’s hard. I think everyone gets moved by music in different ways, and that’s cool. Right now, I don’t think there is a trend I don’t get or dislike.
What musical act, current or defunct, would you most like to see perform live?
Lana Del Rey. She is so inspirational to me, and I love her sound and style.
What’s your favorite musical guilty pleasure?
Probably Beyoncé. I slay!
What’s your favorite music venue?
House of Blues in San Diego. I grew up there and saw a ton of shows. My favorite was seeing Britney Spears there right after she went crazy and cut her hair off.
What’s the one song lyric you can’t get out of your head?
For some reason, it’s Beyoncé, “Crazy in Love”: “Got me lookin’, so crazy my baby.” For some odd reason, I’ve had that stuck in my head for about a year.
What band or artist changed your life? How?
Gwen Stefani comes to mind. No Doubt was my first real pull into knowing I wanted to be an artist. As a teenager, we can feel uncertain about who we are and just like we don’t fit in. I was so drawn to her and their music; I feel like it got me through high school. I still feel so connected to her; it’s like we grew up together. She inspires me with her fashion, music and faith. When I listen to them today, I can see myself in my room as a teenager. It takes me back and also shows me how far I’ve come and makes me smile. I’m still just a girl!
You have one question to ask one musician. What’s the question, and who are you asking?
I’m going to go with Jay-Z and what I would ask is: “What’s the No. 1 mistake you made or think artists make in their career that prevents them from getting where they want to be?” I think he’s been so instrumental in developing some of the major artists of our time and would have some great insight to share.
What song would you like played at your funeral?
I always loved the song “The Funeral” by Band of Horses. Seems appropriate.
Figurative gun to your head, what is your favorite album of all time?
There are so many! Probably No Doubt’s Tragic Kingdom.
What song should everyone listen to right now?
Solange from the A Seat at the Table album, “Cranes in the Sky.” It’s so beautiful all around and moving. (Scroll down to hear it.)