Getting to Know Liza Kate
Liza Kate's album "Don't Let the Dogs"
Folk artist Liza Kate doesn't consider herself a true folk artist.
"I used to say I played folk music, but then someone corrected me by saying folk music by definition has to be about politics and ideals. I don't really do that. The style is folky but it's more personal with me than political."
Originally from Florida, Kate is all over the place when it comes to musical influences. She grew up listening to metal and hardcore punk (and even hip hop for a little while), which rounded out her love for playing music.
"I loved listening to the crooners my mom listened to. I really decided to get into singing because I was introduced to Harry Connick, Jr.'s music when I was younger. I wanted to sound just like him – even though I don't." she laughs.
Kate recently finished her first full length album, "Don't Let the Dogs," which was recorded at Minimum Wage Studios in Oregon Hill. The album is available at Plan 9 and Shields Market.
"I scrounged up all the money I had – which wasn't a lot – and spent two full days recording it. It was a lot of hard work but I'm completely pleased with the final product."
Kate is a staple in the Richmond music scene, performing often at Gallery 5 or the Camel, and feels that there is no shortage of talent in the city.
"I love artists like Jonathan Vassar, the Great White Jenkins and Josh Small. There are so many others," she says. "I feel like the scene is so big - much bigger than I thought. It's diverse and exciting. There's always something new out there."
When it comes to songwriting, Kate can't pinpoint one thing that influences her music.
"It's more of a collection of different things. Whatever I'm feeling at the moment could go into a song," she explains. "I've even written songs that have nothing to do with me. Sometimes they're stories. But there's usually a touch of me somewhere in there."
Kate plans to tour the east coast and Midwest this fall and after that, spend more time on writing and recording songs.
"I never understood why people were so emotionally attached to my music. I guess there's something in there that speaks to them. I'll keep doing it as long as they keep listening."
Andrew Cothern is an avid music fan and really hated it when people were talking during Liza Kate's last show.
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