Maxim Meyer-Horn

11 Jan 2023
Music

Interview: We Talked With TikTok Sensation Leah Kate About Her Project ‘Alive and Unwell’

For many, pop punk is forever linked to Avril Lavigne, but it regained its popularity thanks to TikTok and brought a new generation of artists to the forefront. American whirlwind Leah Kate can certainly be counted among the genre’s current standard-bearers and released her latest EP ‘Alive and Unwell’ in October. On it, she shows her most playful side and gives us an insight into her world of feelings. The “10 Things I Hate About You” singer still has a few things to say about that, so we were happy to talk to her about this exciting period in her life.

Last year was a crazy year for you. How would you summarize the past twelve months?

Wow, I can’t even believe this year. I still feel like someone who’s handing out their CDs on the street still! It’s been so crazy and so much fun getting to travel all over the world and perform for such amazing fans.

Which moment of 2022 will you forever cherish in your heart?

Getting to scream all of my songs across the globe this year has been truly amazing. Seeing how “10 Things I Hate About You” has made such an impact globally, helping people get through breakups, has been extremely touching.

You’ve released your new EP Alive and Unwell recently. How would you describe the general writing process?

It took me over a year and a half to write everything. It goes through my journey, the ups and downs. I hit my dreams, and I hit my lowest of lows too. I just want my listeners to feel less alone through my songs.

How did you feel when the EP was finally out?

Relieved. It was so exciting that these songs were finally out to be heard. It was scary because I couldn’t tell if this would explode or fail. I’m so proud of the outcome!

What song of the project defined the creation of the project?

Each track has its own little story and its own little moment. “Hot all the Time” means so much to me and, really, to me, encapsulates my true feelings. So does Alive and Unwell just in a very different way.

You’ve toured a lot this year. How was that journey?

Crazy. Fun. I absolutely loved getting to sing along with everyone at all the shows. Getting to see different cities every night and explore was truly so amazing. Meeting the fans was my favorite part. It’s so cool to meet fans from all over the world and sing with them.

Is being on tour an inspiring environment for you to write new songs?

Yes! I definitely came up with a few songs while on tour. It’s so inspiring being on the road, and I’m constantly inspired by meeting new people and being in new cities. There’s honestly no better time to be inspired! Seeing all these fans, meeting new people, and being in all of these cities is super inspiring.

TikTok has played a big part in your breakthrough with “10 Things I Hate About You” becoming a massive hit on the platform. What’s the biggest advantage and disadvantage of TikTok for you as an artist?

I think one of the best things about TikTok is getting to get the public’s opinion of songs before I release them. I trust my fans, and I trust that they will let me know what they like. It’s really cool how the music industry relies on the fans to have a voice in what’s released.

‘Alive and Unwell’ is out now on all platforms

Pictures by Paris Mumpower

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