In a music landscape that’s constantly evolving, Kate Klein stands out by being unapologetically raw and authentic. With a unique blend of spiky alt-pop and grunge aesthetics, her latest single, “STUCK,” captures the chaotic yet empowering journey of feeling trapped and yearning for freedom. We sat down with Kate Klein to discuss the personal experiences that inspired the track, her creative process, and what fans can expect from her highly anticipated debut EP, “Love War and Other Human Inventions.” From partying in Los Angeles to building a community in London, Kate opens up about her journey, the challenges of blending diverse musical influences, and the therapeutic power of songwriting.
Can you tell us the inspiration behind your latest single “STUCK”? What personal experiences influenced its creation?
I wrote it during a time when I felt completely trapped in my own life. The idea for the lyrics came after a night out where I was surrounded by a bunch of strangers I had nothing in common with, and I was texting a guy who was acting like a jerk. I felt like I was wasting my life. That was my “A-ha moment,” the tip of the iceberg. I was done with it—I needed to get unstuck.
“STUCK” captures a whirlwind of emotions and experiences. How did you balance the themes of chaos and empowerment in the song?
I balanced those themes by being completely honest in my storytelling. No hiding, no cutesy stuff. Just the raw feeling of being stuck in life. I didn’t worry about swearing or being chaotic in the delivery. “STUCK” is almost like a confession during a therapy session.
You mentioned that “STUCK” is about deciding to run away from your problems but being unable to escape your anxieties. Can you elaborate on this message and how it resonates with you?
I was trying to escape my problems through drinking and partying, but anxiety followed me everywhere, like an uninvited guest. Or she’d be waiting for me at home. The old saying “you can’t escape from your problems” is so true, even though I hate to admit it. I used to literally move to new continents to feel better, but it was almost always just a temporary fix.
The track has a unique blend of spiky alt-pop and grunge aesthetics. What was the creative process like in producing this sound?
I’ve always loved punk and grunge, so that was my starting point. However, I went through a phase where my brain was so saturated with electric guitars that I wanted to experiment more with distorted synths. At the same time, I love catchy pop melodies and 2010s electro-pop hits. I think we’re going through a huge wave of 2010s nostalgia.
You wrote “STUCK” by yourself and co-produced it with Giovanni Bottoglia and Alessandro Fapanni. How was the collaborative experience, and what did each of you bring to the table?
We’re all crazy in our own way, and we love to experiment. Alessandro likes to come up with weird chord progressions that are also memorable and commercial. We just wanted to have fun, which is the core of my artistry. Music always comes first. Giovanni comes from a punk background, is a wizard with Pro Tools and guitars, and brings that edge to the track.
Austin Seltzer, who has worked with artists like Demi Lovato, mixed and mastered the track. How did his influence shape the final sound of “STUCK”?
Austin is simply the best. He’s incredibly versatile and knows exactly what the song needs after just one listen. His ability to bring the song to life is insane, and I absolutely love how he mixes drums and bass, two of my favorite instruments. Having a mixing engineer with a strong ear for a commercial sound is a hit for me.
Your previous singles like “Serotonin pls” gained significant recognition, including airplay on BBC Radio 1. How has the success of your earlier work impacted your approach to creating new music?
Honestly, not much has changed in my approach. I usually write music based on my current mental state and life experiences. Hearing one of my songs on BBC was pretty insane, and getting recognition for the work is a confidence boost, you know? That opened a lot of opportunities.
You’ve cited influences ranging from Avril Lavigne to Post Malone. How do these diverse inspirations manifest in your music, particularly in “STUCK”?
I’ve always been split in two halves: the middle-finger, upbeat side, and the other more melancholic and tormented. I love grungy, empowering guitars and “cry-to-death” ballads. It’s that Gemini code.
You spent time in Los Angeles working with prominent collaborators like Teddy Marquee and Stefano Moro. How did that experience shape your artistry, and how does it reflect in your upcoming EP?
It changed me completely. After working with them and others who’ve worked on some of the biggest hits, I realized how much attention to detail and patience it takes to write a great song. Spending time in LA and NY changed me completely, making me very precise when it comes to production and vocal production. I record and redo until everything feels 100% right.
Your debut EP “Love War and Other Human Inventions” is coming soon. Can you give us a sneak peek of what to expect? How does “STUCK” fit within the larger narrative of the EP?
It’s like a ride on a roller coaster. It’s full of cry-to-death ballads and sigma girl anthems, exploring themes of love and war as powerful, destructive forces.
What themes or stories are you most excited to explore in your upcoming EP?
Mental health, relationships, and heartbreak. I have discovered the beauty and destructive power of love only recently. The EP is a reflection of the decadent society we live in and the feeling of being part of a generation that doesn’t believe in anything. An era where romantic love is lost and replaced by self-love and self-empowerment.
What has been the most challenging and the most rewarding part of putting together your debut EP?
The most challenging part has been melting all my different tastes and personalities together. I was raised on country music and electric guitars, but I’ve always had a thing for punk and chart pop. Imagine trying to blend all that together. The most rewarding part is listening to the whole EP and thinking, “I would actually listen to this even if I wasn’t the writer.”
You write songs about “messy misadventures and anxious insecurities.” How does songwriting help you process these feelings, and what do you hope listeners take away from your music?
Since I discovered romantic love, songwriting has become my therapy. Before, I used to write songs about platonic feelings. It’s kinda creepy, but I have an issue with self-prophecy. Most of the songs I’ve written in the past ended up becoming my reality months later. It’s scary.
Looking back at your journey from Italy to London and your time in Los Angeles, how do you feel these experiences have shaped you as an artist and a person?
I’ve got more of a global vibe when it comes to music and who I am as an artist. I want to break into different markets, but I’m not nervous about it. I went to LA and made things happen, then London, where passion and grind got me some dope results. Same in Italy. We started just for fun—I wanted to write some tracks in Italian to rep my roots, and we slowly built a community. It’s just the beginning, but I’m all about the process of creating and making music, videos, and coming up with wild ideas to bring to life.
