Katt Lowe and the Othersyde

By Alex Teitz

What do you get when you combine one of the best producers of the modern rock age with one of the best new talents of the digital age? Katt Lowe and the Othersyde. Katt Lowe is an artist influenced by the best of the Rolling Stones, Beatles, Concrete Blonde, The Ramones, Joan Jett, and The Runaways. Her songs have punch and style that avoids nothing.

Her debut CD was produced by Cherie Currie, lead singer of The Runaways. Currie was so impressed with Lowe’s work she not only produced, but also can be found playing keyboards, and co-writing. The duo of Lowe and Currie makes Katt Lowe and the Othersyde one of the best CD’s to come out this year.

FEMMUSIC had the opportunity to talk with Low about the CD, and Currie. For more information visit kattlowe.com

FEMMUSIC: Can you describe your songwriting technique?

KL: I usually write with my guitar, but I have written a few songs on keys. Really all of it comes to me really quickly in my head. I can hear all the instruments, melodies, lyrics, etc.. What inspires me to write a song is emotions. I have to feel it, whether it be about, desire, passion, sex, indignation, or something someone close to me may be going through. I guess it has to be some sort of turmoil.

FEMMUSIC:  In 1998 you moved to Hollywood. What spurred the move, and what did you hope to find doing it?

KL: I always wanted to live here, and I just came to a point in my life where I had to or I would be miserable. In fact I was miserable.  To me the saying, “ if you want to make it, move to a big city,” holds a lot of truth in it. It’s not like Hollywood has some great scene either, it’s more that you are surrounded by other people just like you, giving it their best shot. You can’t put it off till tomorrow because tomorrow is already today.  If you’re not in it, it’s easy to let time slip by. At least for me.

I knew the second I found my place (home) something good was going to happen for me musically.

FEMMUSIC:  How did you meet Cherie Currie, and what did she contribute in making Katt Lowe & the Othersyde?

KL: Ahh.. and there is the good. Cherie Currie, and Sandy West from The Runaways. I grew up listening to those girls and never thought I would be playing with them. I met Cherie through Sandy West, whom I met out here at a club. We had both recently done shows at the Coconut Teaszer, and a mutual friend of ours video taped both of our shows. So when we got our tapes back both of our shows were on it. Although I didn’t know Sandy had mine. So she knew exactly who I was when I came up to her, and we became good friends.  Sandy was so supportive with my music that a week later she took my demo to Cherie with, “ Still N Luv “ on it. Cherie, Sandy and I wound up recording it for a demo for Cherie, who was working on a pilot show, and they chose my song.  During the first recording you have to imagine how I felt watching Sandy play drums & Cherie singing  my song.  I thought I died and went to heaven!

During that time Cherie and I spent a lot of time together and she became my best friend. She had told me in the beginning she would like to produce me, so I held her to it!

Cherie contributed a lot.  She’s a great producer and dare I say a perfectionist! She understood what I was looking for in the songs and even added more. Her vocals are amazing.  Her harmonies are exceptional. I convinced her to also play keyboards on some songs and she gave them exactly what they needed. We also co-wrote two songs together and did a duet on, “ Get Together Soon.”

FEMMUSIC:  What was the best experience making the CD?

KL: I would have to say when Cherie was laying down the background vocals. I have some great memories of her doing this cute little dance with, “ Make it Go Away,” among many other songs. Also working with Alex the guitar player, I think we both drove him nuts trying to get our points across as to what we wanted to hear. We definitely had a lot of laughter, while watching the magic come together. Truly a great experience.

FEMMUSIC:  What was the biggest challenge making the CD?

KL: Cherie, Alex, and I were really the ones who put the most time into it. So I would have to say the fact that we are all perfectionist. Some days we could spend all this time on it, and listen to it the next day and want to do it over again.

FEMMUSIC:  What one thing would you like to change about the music industry?

KL: I think the originality is gone for the most part. You see all the major record companies looking for the next one hit wonder. It’s as if the music doesn’t really matter anymore. It’s annoying to watch so called bands get away without even playing their own instruments. I don’t see the excitement of a new record coming out from the fans. People use to be on the edge of their seat waiting, and now it’s no big deal. Fan loyalty is gone for the most part. Also having to listen to the same 20 songs on every commercial station.

You know those stations are forced by the record companies to play those songs ($$$$), and they are so afraid to play anybody new. I think if a commercial radio station would take 3 minutes out of every hour and play a new artist that would be the best station. Rather then trying to brainwash us with the same 20 songs.

(I know you asked for one thing but that’s a really strong subject for me)

7. As a woman in the music industry have you been discriminated against?

KL: Unfortunately YES! It shocked me. I thought Joan Jett & The Runaways went through that for us. It was the same comment they dealt with. “ We already have enough female vocalists on our show.” Can you imagine them saying that about a male vocalist? I never understood the gender rivalry. That’s ok though, because everybody is replaceable and one-day people like us will be sitting in their seat. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to do their job!

8. What advice would you have for an artist just starting out?

KL: I would tell them to never give up on their dream, and that only you can make it happen.  Be true to your music and don’t try to follow the trendy music, follow what’s in your heart. Read all the books and music trades you can so you have a better understanding of the business. If you really want it you have to work for it! The big record company in the sky isn’t going to beam you up, and shower you with all this money and talent. You have to earn it. Although, yes it has happened and most of us don’t understand why, you are better off thinking you have a one in a billion chance with them, so get out there and do it yourself for now.

9. What’s next on the horizon?

KL: I would like to go on tour, so I can play in front of as many people as possible. That’s truly what I enjoy the most, and live for. I am looking for a good manager with the same vision I have. Selling lots of records!! Help bring some guitar back in music with a real drummer! What a concept, huh?