Katherine Schell
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Interview With Katherine Schell By Chris 20/4/06
Katherine Schell is a fantastic singer songwriter
Her music is very good and powerfull.
She writes with honesty and with great melodies and
vocals
She is worthy of an interview on this site, so here it
is.
So read on and find out what she had to say.
1. How did you get into music?
-I started taking piano lessons at the age of six. I’ve
been very musically involved in various choirs and bands
growing up, but I didn’t really develop a passion for music
until I was about 15. The early teen years were difficult
for me because my youngest brother, Greg, was diagnosed
with leukaemia, and I had also torn my ACL playing sports.
Sports were always a way for me to vent my frustrations. So
with all of this devastation, I began writing music.
2. What were your major influences?
-My youngest brother/best friend, Greg, was definitely the
one person who triggered the idea of songwriting. I really
don’t have one band or style of music that has influenced
me; at least I’m not aware of it yet. I think with my style
of playing piano, there is definitely some classical
influence.
3. If you could have a three band bill who would they
be?
-Catpower, Feist, Sufjan Stevens
4. What has been the highlight of your career so
far?
-Winning the VH1 international songwriter of the year award
for the song ‘Rest Assured.”
5. What has the response been to the album?
-Many people have positively responded to the production of
the album. I was lucky to work with two brilliant producers
on the album – Stefan Clark, and Mat Lejeune. I’ve gotten
good responses to the vocals and the harmonies I use when
singing.
6. What inspires you when writing music?
-First, I think it is really important you understand my
approach to writing. I usually begin with a melody (vocal
line). This melody just pops into my head while I’m in
class or on the train ride home or something. Once I have
that melody down solid, I’ll put piano chords to it. From
there it’s all about elaborating the piano part, or putting
vocal harmonies with it. So there really isn’t anything in
particular that inspires me when writing the music to the
piece. However, when I write the lyrics, I usually write
about something dark. Dark experiences are normally hard
for me to talk about with people. Writing music is just one
way of releasing some bottled up negative energy.
7. What made you want to go out and play
music?
-I wanted to be an inspiration to people. One of the first
times I played in front of anyone was at the Relay for
Life. The Relay for Life is a benefit for anyone who has
had or is fighting cancer. I played ‘Come to Me’ (a song I
wrote for my brother) during the luminary service. When I
was finished playing the song, I looked up and didn’t see
one dry face in the audience. I was amazed to know that I
could have such an effect on so many people. Since then,
I’ve been very active in donating a portion of the proceeds
I make to Special Days Camps for kids with cancer.
8. What are your thoughts on file sharing and the mp3
format?
-Regardless of what happens with MP3 file sharing, it is a
great way for bands to promote their material without
generating more landfill through the production of promo
CDs.
9. Who would most like to record a song with?
-Catpower
10. Do you think the internet is good for helping
artists get known?
-Definitely. Two of the major sites that have helped me get
so much exposure are through myspace.com and facebook.com.
People can just click on my myspace site, for example, and
listen to my music or see when my next shows are. It’s a
great way to connect with other bands too.
11. What bands/artists are you listening to
lately?
-I’m in a stage where I’m listening to a lot of folk music.
Catpower, Feist, Sufjan Stevens are three of my favourite
artists.
12. Who has helped you out the most?
-My family has supported me most on my quest of becoming a
known artist.
13. What has the response been to your music on the
web?
-I’ve gotten positive responses from people that live on
the other side of the world. I’ve gotten good feedback and
made a lot of fans through the internet. You should check
out my myspace page.
14. What is like being an independent artist in
America?
-I like being an indie artist because I don’t have anyone
telling me what to look like or how to sound. I have
complete control over my image and art.
15. What are some of your favourite movies?
-Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Donnie Darko, Royal
Tenenbaums, Life Aquatic, Rushmore, Lost in Translation.
I’m a big Wes Anderson fan!
16. What have you seen recently you really
enjoyed?
-Walk the Line
17. What is next for Katherine Schell?
-My biggest priority right now is working on a second
album.
