We’re here with Kate Proudlove, aka Grey Tower Heights. Thanks for joining us in the virtual RGM lounge today. Grab a brew and take a seat.
What was life like for you before you got into music?
I was really lucky to grow up in a musical house and started playing the piano when I was 4, so I don’t really remember a time that it wasn’t it my life. My dad was either singing or whistling, so there are a lot of songs I learnt from him that I could sing to you that I’ve never heard the recordings of. A musical turning point was when I figured out I could play whatever I felt like – it didn’t have to be what I was learning in my piano lessons. I don’t know how old I was when I “wrote” my first song, but I do remember feeling quite naughty that I was playing something I made up.
It seems like being a social media curator has become added to the many jobs of a musician, how do you feel about this?
To be honest, I used to really struggle with it. It’s easy to get sucked into feeling like you have to present yourself in a certain way and that feels so alien to me. Putting your true self out into the world is tough, but I’m slowly getting comfortable with it. The older I get, the more at peace I am with myself; that definitely makes it easier to engage with an audience in an authentic way.
What’s your view on the Music industry today?
In many ways, I don’t think there has ever been a better time to be an independent artist. Yes, you have to shout to be heard, but there are ears out there for all types of music and there are so many ways to connect with fans who are into whatever your niche is.
Where do you feel you currently sit within the music industry?
That’s a tricky one! In various different guises, I’ve been around for more years than I care to remember, but GTH is my first solo project. Although I have released songs under this name, I think it’s only just finding its voice. I have a clear vision for Grey Tower Heights now, and I think the music I’m producing now reflects that.
What’s the biggest thing you have learned recently as you progress with your music?
Don’t be afraid to experiment; different is great and it’s ok to be weird!!
I hear you have new music. What can you tell us about it?
My new single, Dolly, is a real departure for me. The structure, the timing, the sounds – it’s like nothing I’ve done before and, I think, because it’s so experimental, it’s hard to pin down genre wise. The structure and lyrics came together pretty quickly but I took a lot of time over the sound creation. There are 3 sections that each have a different lyrical perspective, so it was important that the sonic experience reflected that. Theme wise, Dolly centres around objectification and consent; it is a challenging, and hopefully, thought provoking listen.
What was the recording process like?
Me, keys and a computer – recording is my happy place! Honestly, I can just disappear for hours when I’ve got my head stuck in a studio project. There was so much curiosity and play in putting Dolly together, it was a really joyful experience. Allowing myself to explore and take risks with the sound design was really liberating, and I’m so excited to share the results.
What was the biggest learning curve in writing the new tunes?
Letting myself lean in to not always feeling comfortable. There is a brilliant David Bowie interview doing the rounds on Instagram (pretty sure I’ve reposted it myself!) where he talks about allowing yourself to feel just out of your depth creatively.
It has taken me many, many years to get to this point, but I’m all about pushing the boundaries now. As an artist, you are always showing something of your inner world when you share work and it’s terrifying. Not everyone is going to like it, not everyone is going to get it, but the worst thing you can do is it try and shape your work (or yourself!) into something that you think other people will like.
Would you change anything now it’s finished?
As a singer, I can get obsessive about whether the vocals are good enough – I’m always listening to tracks and thinking, there’s a little crack there, I could have done that better etc. I am a perfectionist in a world where perfection does not exist! So no, I’m really happy with the track (today at least – ask me again in a week!).
What was your worst experience on stage?
It involved a candle, a hymn book and a small fire. Let’s leave it there.
Tell us something about you that you think people would be surprised about.
I absolutely love the Eurovision song contest. It’s like the musical equivalent of the world cup! I live in hope that the UK will win it again within my lifetime (I plan on a long life so I can see my dream realised). Actually, you know what, Grey Tower Heights should be representing the UK! Seriously, we’ve tried going down the mainstream pop route and it has spectacularly failed – the UK needs to get weird. Whoever decides these things, song for Europe or whatever, I’m down – GTH is good to go!
Is there anything else you would like to share with the world?
I have lots more releases planned over the coming months – I hope you’ll come along for the ride x
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