Up and coming artist KATYA RICHARDSON is not only an artist of sorts, but a film composer and vocalist, as well as a pianist. Having started at the young age of 8, she has come a long way, releasing an EP just recently, with much more projects in the works! Find out what she had to say herself from the chat below!
1. Please tell us about the history of your band and its members.
My name is Katya Richardson and I’m a film composer and vocalist based in Los Angeles. I recently graduated from the University of Southern California, where I originally trained as a classical composer and pianist, and have been writing music since I was 8 years old. My new album, Left From Write, marks my first release on Spotify and my first time branching out as an electronic artist.
2. What’s the origin of the band’s name?
I wanted to name this project after myself of course.
3. Where is the band based out of & what is your music scene like there? Are there any local bands you could recommend?
The music scene in Los Angeles is very vibrant, future-forward, and supportive of new artists. I particularly like the jazz and experimental music scene, frequenting venues such as the Blue Whale and Red Cat. When I was first starting out as a composer I had the pleasure of participating in the Los Angeles Composer Fellowship Program in high school, which is a two-year intensive culminating in the premiere of two orchestral works at Walt Disney Concert Hall. The LAPhil is always pushing boundaries in their programming, whether it be through education, encouraging new commissions or programming more female conductors and composers, and I am very grateful for everything they do to support artists.
4. How would you describe your style?
I am greatly influenced by film composers like Alexandre Desplat and Nicholas Britell, and electronic artists Flying Lotus and Son Lux. I primarily write ambient and orchestral film music that centers around cinematic vocals. However, recently I have enjoyed experimenting with synths and more electronic driven sounds. At this point in my development, I’m searching for my voice and unique perspective as an artist. I have found the most rewarding music I’ve written to be the kind that combines all my different backgrounds (classical, jazz, film, electronica) into one. Much of my work revolves around collaboration, whether it be through dance or pop, so I find myself exploring the boundaries of genre quite a lot and bouncing ideas off other artists. My sound is becoming less categorical in terms of genre, and I’m excited to see what will come of that.
5. What have you released so far and what can someone expect from your works?
I just released my debut electrojazz EP, "Left From Write", out now! This album represents a lot of growth as an artist and how far I’ve come in terms of production, collaboration, and exploring genre. Most of my other film-related work is not widely released and is on my Soundcloud, which is stylistically very different and less experimental than this EP.
6. Do you have any new music in the works?
I am always working on film projects! I just finished scoring a short experimental dance film about plastic pollution and climate change, in partnership with KO Productions (UK). I also finished a documentary feature about massage practices around the world and am in talks about collaborating on a new ballet piece in New York.
7. How about playing shows and touring, have anything planned out?
I have never played a show! But that is something I am considering for the future. I’d love to make my music more performable and accessible to audiences.
8. What plans do you have for the future as a band?My current plans are to continue working as a composer in Los Angeles, and eventually release a classical EP. A number of my projects take place in London, so I’ve considered spending a year there in the near future as well.
9. Where can we listen to your band and where can we buy your stuff?
My new EP is on all platforms and I’d love for you all to listen to it! You can also follow me on my Instagram (katya.richardson) to see additional photos from the release.
10. What is it you’d like a listener to remember the most when hearing your music for the first time?
Thematically, my album acts as a narrative and sonic reinterpretation of dyslexia; and while I would love to encourage more discussions and destigmatize dyslexia as a learning disability, ultimately Left From Write is an ode to the human experience, and all the good and bad that comes with it. Most importantly I want my listeners to have fun! All of the music I write is genuine and narrative - as a storyteller, it is most important for me to have my audience walk away changed and affected in some way.
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