Katja Glieson is one of the hottest names on the music scene right now with her single Look At Us taking over the charts!
The Australian-born singer now lives in California in the United States, but is also a viral video star with her videos she has starred in bringing in over 51 million views. We chatted with her to find out more...
Music News - How has your experience been picking up and moving to the United States from Australia?It has been an insanely exciting journey! Never, in my wildest dreams could I have imagined being here. I have been in love with the United States ever since I can remember. The hardest part, of course was leaving my family and friends behind and venturing out on my own. What made it a bit easier, was a few months ago, I brought my dog over. I cannot live without her. She is a big, white, fluffy Samoyed named Kestra - here’s a pic of us in my music video of ‘Look At Us'!
Music News - What do you miss most about Australia and the music scene there?I certainly miss being able to raid the fridge and the pantry at my house! I am sure my mother will be so pleased to hear that! But I mean come on, isn’t the best thing about having your parents around is the fact that you can eat their food? In Melbourne we have the coolest Jazz/Funk scene in Brunswick. You can literally walk down Johnston street, go into the different cafes, restaurants and bars and hear amazing music.
Music News - What is the best thing about living in Los Angeles, California now?Well the weather is a given. It is absolutely gorgeous all year round. I think the best thing about LA, for me, is it’s a hub for people like me. There are so many wonderfully talented people all congregated in this town. I have met and worked with some really amazing people.
Music News - You have just released your latest single, Look At Us... What is this song about / mean to you?Look At Us is a celebration song. I grew up overweight, bullied, and for so long I felt so bad about myself all the time. I know so many people go through that. It is so hard to get yourself out of a self-loathing rut. The truth is everyone deserves to feel good about themselves. It doesn’t matter who you are, where you come from, what sexual orientation you are. You are fabulous and have a gift to give to the world. This song is about surrounding yourself with people who are positive influences in your life, getting dressed up and celebrating - hopefully dancing to the song too.
Music News - Where do you draw inspiration from when you write songs and what’s your favorite part about the process?Everything inspires me. I am a bit of a weirdo. I love observing people. Not like grabbing a telescope and watching through my bedroom window observing, but when I interact with people, or seeing people interact with each other. I try to draw from all my experiences with friends, relationships and fans. My favorite part of the process, is when an idea just pops into my head at the strangest times. Sometimes I’ll be at a party in mid conversation and a lyric or melody jumps in there. So I get out my phone and document it straight away. I have the memory of a goldfish, so it won’t wait until I get home.
Music News - I understand that you are planning a upcoming tour... Any chance you will be coming to the UK?I am so grateful I have been asked to join a couple of tours this year. I am joining the Social Fest LA, Summer Jam tour and Extreme Tour, as well as performing at more PRIDE events. Unfortunately, they are all United States based. But I really really hope to tour the UK soon. I have never been there! I know that the UK has some of the best people in the world! You guys are so supportive of music.
Music News - If you could perform with anyone, either living or passed, who would it be?I would have to say Carlos Santana. I know he hasn’t been too active in the music scene recently, but it would be a dream to work with him!
Music News - What embarrassing songs might I find on your IPod? Dora the Explorer soundtrack! Ola!
Music News - And finally, is there anything you want fans to know about you that maybe they don't yet?I am pretty open with fans. I chat with them a lot on Twitter
http://twitter.com/KatjaGlieson, and I broadcast a lot on Periscope and share a lot of my day to day experiences (@KatjaGlieson) so there’s not a lot they don’t already know about me! I like being open and honest with everyone. We have a really great street team called #SpecialAgents where the people who support me most talk about what we can do to get my music out to more people. I call them my FANly. Fans who became like family to me. We love having new members on the team
http://katjaglieson.com/register. And we really love and support each other in whatever we are going through!
