Kate Clover’s highly anticipated album, “The Apocalypse Dream,” is slated for release on April 5th, 2024. With the hauntingly beautiful and powerful single “Damage Control” already making waves, this record promises to captivate listeners.

Kate Clover shared how she discovered her artistic voice while crafting her second album, enabling her to create music that resonates deeply with her vision, free from the constraints of external opinions.

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You can discover ‘Damage Control’ featured on the Best Power Pop of 2024 Spotify Playlist.

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Was there a particular moment or experience that struck you, signaling that you were onto something special with this project?

The moment I stopped caring what other people thought and was myself. I had to find myself a bit while starting this project. I didn’t know yet ,so I through myself out into the world to see what I was made of. I found my voice.

The decision to seek opinions on your new songs is intriguing. When did you realize that external perspectives could contribute to your creative process?

I write for myself, I feel that’s how you have to work if you’re making honest art. You can’t chose what people like about you or what resonates. It just happens. I like to eliminate that control and let people I trust or who’s taste I regard tell me what they like. By that point, it’s good to hear the feedback. Success, outwardly in the music business is a popularity contest decided by other people. So why not start from the beginning. Before anything is out.

Success can take on different meanings as time goes on. When envisioning success for this new record, what does that picture look like now?

I like this question because people project their own expectations onto artists a lot. Success to me, is waking up and loving what you do. Being able to play music and create songs that resonate with others. I’m not doing this to be graded, make money (although a nice perk) or fulfill my ego. It’s something that feels natural and I want to be able to share it with others. Truly, connecting to other people is success to me.

As an artist, the act of baring your emotions to the world is profound. Does this vulnerability come naturally to you, or is it a constant journey of finding comfort?

You’d think that would be the case but I’ve found that it’s the easiest way to bare your soul. You can say how you are feeling in anyway you’d like. A poetic phrase could have a deeper meaning to you that no one else would understand. Of course feeling vulnerable can be uncomfortable but you got to stand behind it if it’s honest. I trust that. You have to at a certain point because if your self conscious you’re not being an artist. Art is communicating what’s unspoken. So if you feel it, say it. Express it. That’s the point to me. If you’re being honest you shouldn’t be afraid.

Imagine you could collaborate with three co-writers of your choice for new songs. Who would you select, and what qualities or dynamics draw you to them?

Ric Ocasek, he was a master at writing pop songs. I loved the arrangements of his work as well. Minimal yet melodic. Too bad he has passed, it would’ve been great to hear more music from him.

Pete Shelly, again what a songwriter. He could write hooks in the most angular of chord progressions.

Ray Davies, he can write any type of song masterfully.

4th one, Joe Strummer. Oh man, for so many reasons hahaha.