By: Kat Harlton
Photo Copyright: Kady Rain
http://www.kadyrain.com
Austin-based electronic/pop vocalist/songwriter, Kady Rain recently released her new single, “It Wasn’t the Roses.”
Kady Rain teamed up with producer Yuri Zwadiuk (Mary J. Blige, Natalie Cole, and Lil Wayne), to bring the song to life. Zwadiuk highlighted the retro elements of the song and put his own spin on it, crafting a track that can still surprise the listener even after several listens.
“It Wasn’t the Roses” was written in a whirlwind by Kady Rain and Ben Bazzrea during their first summer writing together. It’s a song about one of Kady’s past relationships with an abusive ex and the strength it takes to leave an abusive relationship. Even after it’s over, everything still can remind you of them, to which the bridge lyrics allude.
Kat: Could you talk about the inspiration behind your single “It Wasn’t the Roses”?
KR: It Wasn’t the Roses is about my experience violence. The lyrics are inspired by a one particular event where after threatening to kill me with a gun over a text message he tracked me down the next day and gave me flowers, because that OBVIOUSLY makes up for everything.
Kat: What is your songwriting process like?
KD: Every song we write starts on an acoustic guitar and a vocal, no production. This allows us to focus exclusively on the melody, lyrics, and chords without having to deal with worrying about “sick/dope” sounds, as all of the producers I talk to would say.
Kat: Could you speak a little on your musical idols or role models?
KD: I always wanted to be Patti Smith growing up and I love the Beatles, particularly John Lennon, he’s a cutie for sure! Someone a little closer to my age would be Charli XCX and Dua Lipa, I think they’re both amazing. Charli has a lot of control and influence on her own brand which I love and Dua Lipa is nothing short of a force of nature. :)
Kat: Have you ever been given any advice in regard to your music career that you felt you really connected with or made an impact?
KD: I read an interview with a very successful entertainment lawyer, Paul Rothenberg, and he talked about sustainability in your career and preparing for your life like it’s a marathon. This sounds really simple but it hit me hard this last year with all of the high profile suicides. Success is determined more by a healthy, balanced life than by a large bank account. You have to take care of yourself both physically and mentally.
Kat: What’s on your playlist right now?
KD: Great question! I’ve been jamming some older stuff lately like Elvis and the Hollies but also some more modern stuff like Branchez. I’m getting a little tired of the EDM formula that is being exhausted these days so I find myself drawn to stuff that isn’t so much dependent on a “drop” to be listenable.
Before I go I want to thank all of the people who helped create It Wasn’t the Roses because their names don’t get said as often as the should. First, Ben Bazzrea, the Han Solo to my Princess Leia and the cowriter of this track, he does a lot of behind the scenes work and I cowrite every song with him. Ed Boyer handled vocal production like a pro, and we recorded vocals with Charlie Kramsky at Austin Signal. Last but not least, Yuri Zwadiuk produced, mixed, and mastered the track, harkening back to a time when dance music meant something different.