Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Leah Kate

Pop singer-songwriter Leah Kate is an artist on the rise, and you should add her to your playlist immediately. Born and raised in Los Angeles, Leah has mastered the art of penning honest and relatable lyrics about her journey to self-discovery with a feel-good dance-worthy sound that will have you on your feet. Her latest, “Bad Idea,” is no different. Pop Culturalist caught up with Leah to learn more about her and her new single.

PC: How did you discover your passion for music?
Leah: Singing was always therapeutic for me, even at a young age. I used to record home videos of myself singing karaoke to my favorite artists’ songs as a six-year-old. Then at around ten, my brother and I started making a bunch of music together. The first song we did was called “After Party,” and it was a dance song about heartbreak. After I made that first song, it was clear to me this was everything I wanted to do.

PC: You’ve had a lot of success already in your young career. When you look back, is there a particular moment that stands out?
Leah: Thank you! I’ve had a few exciting moments that have been really inspiring and exciting. My first New Music Friday placement on Spotify was awesome and very exciting for me! When I had my first show at Soho House in NYC, I was so nervous no one was going to come. But it ended up reaching max capacity! It was a moment I’ll always remember. Also, of course, when my EP hit a million streams, I was over the moon.

PC: Tell us about your new single “Bad Idea” and the inspiration behind the track.
Leah: “Bad Idea” was initially about a guy who I knew very well that I should not have pursued due to him obviously being a bad idea. However, it touches more on how we’re all not perfect and to follow your instinct and your gut. In my opinion, sometimes you have to go with what feels right at the moment even though it may be a bad idea.

PC: You’ve been working hard in the studio. How does this next body of work differentiate itself from your 2019 EP, Impulse?
Leah: Very hard! For this new project, my lyrics are more vulnerable, honest, and show a different side of me. My sound is funkier and edgier, still feel-good and fun, but with a slight ’80s twist on my first couple of singles.

PC: Of all the music you’ve released thus far, if you had to choose one song that best encompasses you as an artist, what would it be and why?
Leah: It would absolutely have to be “Bad Idea.” The song is badass and inspires someone to follow their heart and just go with what feels right, which is pretty much me in a nutshell.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: First album you bought?
Leah: Christina Aguliera!

PC: First concert you attended?
Leah: Justin Timberlake!

PC: A venue on your bucket list to perform at?
Leah: Staples Center and Madison Square Garden—the two arenas in my favorite cities that I’ve lived in!

PC: A must-have on the road?
Leah: If you’re traveling through upstate New York, Dinosaur BBQ!

To keep up with Leah, follow her on Twitter, Instagram, and Spotify. Pick up or stream “Bad Idea” today.