Katie Cruel Unveils Single & Video For “Close To The Sun”
Katie Cruel has unveiled her single, “Close To The Sun,” and a new video to accompany the release.
Katie has gained a reputation as a solo performer, playing repeatedly as the invited opener for established songwriting talents like Blue Rodeo, Wilco, Joe Pernice (The Pernice Brothers), and Kathleen Edwards. After taking 5 years to settle back into the Northumberland Hills from where she came, Katie emerges with Ms.Cruel – and this new music sees her embrace sweeping strings, heavy bass, twangy guitars, organ swells, and sometimes thunderous drums that make the trippy washed out folkscape of the tunes reminiscent of something Lee Hazelwood would have dreamed up with the help of Mazzy Star.
First off, care to introduce yourself to our readers?
My name is Katie Cruel and I’m a singer-songwriter from Kendal, Ontario.
Can you tell us about the inspiration behind your new single, “Close To The Sun”?
It’s a love song that is essentially asking someone to stay, but knowing they can’t. Who can compete with the sun? I know I can’t.
Could you share some insights into the themes explored in “Close To The Sun” and how they resonate with your personal experiences or beliefs?
I’ve always had an affinity for simple folk songs with a grand intention. This was just a shy woman asking someone to stay in the only honest language she knows. A song.
You also unveiled a music video to accompany the release. What was the highlight of the video-making process?
This video was presented to me by a plummy English woman, Jemimah Dean. We’ve never met and every time we speak she’s somewhere different. Learning German in Berlin or in Spain working on this or that. She made it for me. She heard the song and made the video, I was so moved. One of the tremendous ways the internet has shone its light on me lately. We’ve become strong friends and I can’t wait to meet her one day!
How do you approach songwriting? Are there any particular rituals or routines you follow?
Songwriting approaches me I think, not the other way around. Heartbreak, fundamental questions I’m grappling with… it strikes when I need answers, or to come to terms with something. There’s an honesty in condensing a whole world of thoughts into a small musical phrase that helps me get to the heart of the thing. And some good hash doesn’t hurt the thread.
As an artist, how do you navigate the challenges and opportunities of the music industry today?
The industry seems ever-changing. Like on a daily basis, so I guess remaining open-minded and creative is key. It’s a drag creating music to be listened to for what feels like, free, but having access to all the music I want to listen to in my pocket is pretty dynamite. Stick to the truths I’d say… play shows and sell merch.
How do you find the balance between staying true to your artistic vision and experimenting with new sounds or styles?
Oh man, I’m a pretty rudimentary musician so I’m very limited when it comes to experimenting. I’m always poking and pestering other musicians to work with me because there are so many styles I want to work in. I’m so open to anything collaborative. I know my strengths, I’m grateful for them but I love learning. I am my artistic vision.
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians or songwriters who are just starting their journey in the industry?
Don’t ever stop working. I’m paraphrasing, but Neil Young said, “If you write songs then it’s your duty to sing them. I mean, everybody knows I can’t sing!”.
If you could work with any fellow musician, who would you choose?
Lucinda Williams, Andy Shauff, Dirty Art Club, Sade, Beck, Steve Albini, The Weeknd, Donovan… it changes every day.
Looking ahead, what else do you have planned for 2024?
I’m opening for Wilco at Massey Hall on July 2. I have a major case of nerves, but once I get through that… Making my follow-up Katie Cruel record!