Welcome to 'Artist Spotlight' our new series where we introduce you to fresh and exciting artists you need to hear now!
Our next pick for "Artist Spotlight" is alternative-pop singer/songwriter KOTA! Incorporating her love of pop, rock, fashion, aesthetics, and witchcraft, KOTA! has created what she dubs as her own "whimsical little world" where eclectic ideas, visuals, and sounds can co-exist freely in a uniquely fun and authentic way.
In an interview with Haus Of Cult, KOTA! reflects on her origins of discovering music, her stint on the singing reality competition TV show The Voice, tarot cards, new music, and more.
Let's start from the beginning. What first drove you to music in the first place, and what were some of the earliest influences you can remember?
KOTA: I don't have any musicians in my family, but my parents are huge music enthusiasts, so there was always music from the 80s and 90s playing around the house. I was born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, which is not a small town but definitely not like LA. Growing up, my parents were creative and were screenwriters, so [creativity] was always around me. I was nine years old when I came to my parents with a song that I wrote, and this would have been in the early 2000s, but somehow, we found someone on the internet to make me a backing track for the song. One of my Dad's best friends happened to own a recording studio in town, and he was so nice that he let me come in to record. I was nine years old and terrified because I had never sung in my life, and it was so new. After that, I started doing voice lessons and writing music non-stop. Unrelated to music, we ended up moving to California, and that definitely helped me grow. It's been a lifelong journey for sure.
Back in 2015, you took part in the massively successful musical competition series The Voice. What was the process like getting on the show, and what was that experience like as a whole?
KOTA: For me, I think I had a unique experience. I auditioned several years before the season I was on and made it through a few pre-show auditions. At the time, I didn't want to pursue the show at the time, and the contracts were very strict, but a few years later, they reached out again and were short a few artists that year and the contracts were so much better, and it just finally felt right and I was like, Let's do this! I went straight to the hotel, and we had two or three weeks to train with local coaches and the band before the first audition.
That was crazy because I came into the show late, so most of the people already had their songs chosen, and the songs I had on my list weren't available. I was getting stuck with songs I had never heard before, or they weren't my genre, so I was very stressed at first but eventually worked it out. Thankfully, my band leader was the best guy ever, and we found arrangements that worked. I can say that the music side of the show was my favorite part because there were a lot of other aspects that weren't the most fun. It was very affirming, though. When I started music, I was tone-deaf with a squeaky voice. Still, I worked so hard to even consider myself a singer, and to see Blake Shelton, Gwen Stefani, and Pharell Williams turn around for me within ten seconds of singing was a huge boost that I needed.
Following The Voice, you've released a plethora of music as a solo artist and now have launched your latest project, KOTA! It really feels like this project is the perfect representation of your personality, and it seems like you're having a lot of fun with that freedom. Would you agree?
KOTA: One hundred percent. This project and album I'm putting out now is so different from anything I've ever done. I've always worked with collaborators in one way or another, but this was a totally new way to collaborate. I was working with so many new people, and they were able to get things out of me in a different way, and I had to force myself to be present and be out there and let people know who I am. I had to start from zero with strangers, but they could flip things around that felt right and got me out of my comfort zone.
You describe the music of KOTA! as living inside your "whimsical little world." What is your vision for this project, and what do you want it to represent on a personal and musical level?
KOTA: The word "World" is so important because every song has its own character and energy. I have a chill 90s-sounding song, a Rage Against The Machine-sounding song, and then there is this pop girl side. There are so many different sides to my world regarding my music, aesthetics, characters, and stories. With my last song, "Killin’ It," I wanted it to have Dungeon & Dragons vibes with fighting and swords but also have this girly cyberpunk stuff. I always have to find ways to represent all of these things, and I've been able to do it. It's been fun trying to piece all this random stuff together and make it make sense.
Your latest single, "Under My Spell" just dropped. What does this song mean to you, and how did it come together?
KOTA: During my writing sessions, one of the tricks I had to [combat] writer's block was to bring in some Tarot decks. I had an inspiration deck from a friend, and I pulled a card that said "Spell" and then pulled an "Empress Card" from a tarot deck, representing a woman, spooky, magic, witchy vibe. I walked into the session, and the producer had a song ready to go that was perfect for the theme of witchy empowerment and casting spells. It came together within a few hours, and we had a demo finished by the afternoon. I love the inspiration that came from such a magical place.
That segues perfectly because your love of witchcraft is a huge aspect of your personality.
KOTA: Yeah! Tarot helps so much to inspire something in me. I love having crystals with me and take them with me to all of my writing sessions, so it's always a constant thing of making sure the vibes are right.
KOTA! wearing the 'Hollywood Cemetery Necklace'
Obviously, you have a very unique and eye-catching style. How do you find inspiration when putting together outfits and overall aesthetic for your music videos and the content you create?
KOTA: I might be the most Pinterest-addicted person in the world. [Laughs.] I have a board for every thought I've ever had. I'm always on Instagram and seeing what my friends are doing; it seems everyone is doing cool shoots! Before music and songwriting, fashion was my first thing. Textures, aesthetics, and design have always been a huge part of me. I love to find things, curate, and shop in thrift stores, which I've done since I was a kid with my mom. Fashion has always been a really fun and creative outlet for me.
Jumping back to witchcraft, you have collaborated with The Pretty Cult significantly as of recently. As a Witch Archetype Oracle Deck owner, What card most resonates with you?
KOTA: What's funny is that even before The Pretty Cult made the Witch Archetypes, I modeled for the “Kitchen Witch!” I was very homey, and I totally fit that vibe. I swear, I'm a different witch every day, but I think the "Eclectic Witch" is what I vibe with now. The word "Eclectic" already encompasses me, but I still very much relate to the kitchen witch. [Laughs.]
What are some of your favorite The Pretty Cult items?
KOTA: I love the black velvet bell bottoms and wear them daily, even in the snow. [Laughs.] My husband even steals my shirts and hoodies from The Pretty Cult because it's [truly] for everybody!
What's next for KOTA and everything else you have in store for the future of your career?
KOTA: The album will hopefully be dropping in November or December, with at least nine songs. However, playing live is my favorite thing and where I feel the most comfortable. Being on stage lets me unleash it all, so I'm really looking forward to playing more shows and maybe touring!
Watch the music video for "Killin' It" by KOTA! below
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