Like words to a page in a diary, writing the lyrics to a song can help overcome a burden or emotional quake within one’s soul, providing a pathway for venting, analyzing, discovering. When that quake hit Kady Z in her core, she funneled her emotions into her newest EP Daddy Issues, released April 2. Each of the five tracks represent a different stage in the process of grief, taking the listener through her journey from beginning through recognition.
We caught up with Pop-Americana singer/songwriter to talk about the story and process behind this concept EP.
CN: For our readers who may not be familiar with you, can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
KZ: I’ve been called the songbird of my generation by people who’ve heard me…that good. #daddyissues
CN: Being the daughter of Pia Zadora, you have music inherently running through your veins. At what point did you realize you wanted to be in involved in music? Who were some of your influences and which artists do you draw inspiration from today?
KZ: I think music chose me, as silly as that may sound. The Beatles, Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughn, Peggy Lee were huge influences growing up. I would say The Civil Wars have been a huge influence of late, as well as Lana Del Rey, Gwen Stefani and Robyn. I know I am all over the place!!
CN: You have stated in the past that you recognize yourself as “dark” especially when it comes to your lyrics and songs. Can you walk us through your songwriting process?
KZ: In my experience once the concept is there, then you can really build. Usually, my concepts come from sad things, or heavy things. So, yes, the lyrics and songs tend to be dark because its my way of working thru something.
CN: Let’s talk about your recent release Daddy Issues. It’s a concept EP where each song is one of the five stages of grief. What led to the idea of making such an EP?
KZ: I had just found out from the lochness monster aka my new stepmom, that my father had decided (no thanks to the the creature from the black lagoon aka the lochness monster) to erase my mom, brother and I, from his life. So I called my writing partner/producer Tone and said, let’s write Daddy Issues, cuz I definitely have ’em.
CN: How does each song represent the different stages?
KZ: “Scarecrow” is the denial, “I Curse the Day” is the anger, “Treehouse” the bargaining and self doubt. “dIM” is the depression and sadness and of course “Last Call” is the acceptance.
CN: Music can be very cathartic for both the composers of the songs and the listeners. How was making this EP helpful for you and how does it feel to be able to possibly help someone else’s progress through their grief?
KZ: For me Daddy Issues was a tool, to help shed layers of emotions that I didn’t know what to do with. It was such a heartbreaking situation but with no resolve, so I had to force the resolve, or the death of someone that isn’t actually dead, they’re just dead to you. I think that when any love relationship ends, one party is always searching for closure that may never come, so instead of xanax and wine for breakfast, listen to Daddy Issues!
CN: In what ways does this EP differ from your past releases?
KZ: I always want my music to tell a story, but this being a concept EP, it’s like a book with different chapters, you get a beginning, middle and an end.
CN: The two lyrics videos that you released are so opposite from one another. “I Curse The Day” is dark with fire, while “Treehouse” is a black and white sketch animation. What was your reasoning behind the two contrasting styles?
KZ: Each song represents the 5 stages of grief, and “I Curse The Day” is the angry song, while “Treehouse” stands for the childlike reasoning that somehow we had control over the outcome. Both very different moments!
CN: If you could describe yourself in one word, what would it be and why?
KZ: Dope. Because it’s my new favorite word. I know I’m late to the party.
CN: What’s on the horizon for 2018?
KZ: Lots of shows, lots of music, and hopefully a lot less daddy issues.
Daddy Issues is available on iTunes and Spotify.
For more information on Kady Z, visit her website: www.hellakady.com.