Proving Kylie Minogue’s influence spans continents and generations, US pop sensation Leah Kate credits the Australian pop icon with inspiring her song, “My Bed,” with lyrics like “Can’t get you out of my bed… la la la…” serving as a tongue-in-cheek flip of one of Kylie’s classics.
But the “Padam Padam” singer isn’t Kate’s only Aussie connection. She also toured Australia in 2022 with Aussie-born, LA-based trio Chase Atlantic, and can’t wait to return Down Under. “I pray everyday to get brought back!” Kate recently told Rolling Stone AU/NZ.
We caught up with the pop star ahead of the release of her new single, “NASTY”, and Kate should have high expectations for the song. With over a billion global streams to her name, Kate first went viral with “10 Things I Hate About You,” which is still trending on TikTok, is RIAA Certified Platinum, and charted on the Billboard Global 200.
Now back with her latest banger, “NASTY,” finds Kate sticking to her viral breakup anthem formula in a song that’s all about swiping an ex-boyfriend back from his new girl.
Described as “guaranteed to inspire you to drunk text your favourite ex,” “NASTY” is paired with a music video that shows Kate’s bedroom antics as she plots to win back her ex, which you can watch for the first time below.
To celebrate her new single, Rolling Stone AU/NZ caught up with Kate to chat about her love for Australia, her inspirations, her social media game, and more. Check out the full interview below.
Leah Kate’s “NASTY” is out now.
Rolling Stone AU/NZ: What inspired the sound and lyrics of your latest single “What Girls Do”, and what do you want people to feel when they hear it?
Leah Kate: “What Girls Do” was sonically inspired by “Pop the Glock” by Uffie. I love that song and have always wanted to make something similar to it. Its vibe is that of Charli XCX and vintage Katy Perry. It was inspired by a story of a guy who I was seeing, who thought that I had cheated on him with my best girlfriend, and I remember telling him, “What are you talking about? That’s what girls do, they share beds and talk all the time.” And so the song title came from that. It is an empowering anthem for all the unhinged girls like myself!
You have a strong fanbase here in Australia. How does it feel to know you’ve got fans all around the world?
I feel so lucky and grateful! Australia is one of my favourite places in the world, it is so stunning. I have toured in Australia before, I played at the TikTok Awards there. I am just very grateful to know my fans [are] out there. It’s super cool.
Did you enjoy your tour here in 2022?
Absolutely! The Australian fans are unlike any other fandoms. They are so fun, I would do anything to go back and am praying someone brings me out on tour, so I can get back there. It was insane touring there and I pray everyday to get brought back!
And do you have any favourite Australian artists?
Of course it is Kylie [Minogue]! I flipped her song “Can’t Get You Out of My Head”; my song “My Bed” is very clearly inspired by it. Also, shoutout to [R&B band] Chase Atlantic who I toured with – they’re Australian.
When did you realise “10 Things I Hate About You” was on another level of viral compared to your previous songs, and what was it like for you in the aftermath?
I realised when I posted the first video – it gained 10M views within an hour. I was in bed, hungover on a Sunday. I thought to myself, “This is going to be a big one.” I called my dad and told him, “I think I have a hit on my hands, this feels like it’s going to take off.” And nobody really believed me, but it went on to become a top radio hit and everyone was then like, “Oh yeah, you were right”!
How has the experience of having a song go viral like that influenced or shaped your approach to making music?
It just reminds me to make music I love, because I never tried to make that song go viral. I know I was counting, which was a method to go viral at the time, but I ultimately wrote really honest lyrics to me and made music that I love. Some people hated the song, but I still love it so much and feel so good about it. I even had some members of my team ask me not to release it. The song reminds me to always trust my instinct and always go with your gut.
How do you keep a healthy relationship with social media, especially dealing with internet hate?
I think I’m numb to it now. I just try to remind myself that what you see on Instagram is fake. Whenever I go online, I feel not cool enough, or not pretty enough, or good enough. But I remind myself that I’m doing great and that I shouldn’t let it bother me.
Any tips for new artists starting out, especially on using social media effectively?
I would never take no for an answer. Make music you love. Do not ever give a f*** what anyone thinks, because that will hold you back. For a long time I cared a lot about what people thought, and the moment my career started to take off is when I stopped and started making music I love and followed my gut. So, my advice would be to do what you think is best.
What did you take away from opening for Madison Beer? Did she share any helpful advice about the industry with you?
For sure! When I was getting a lot of hate on the internet, especially while I was on tour with Chase Atlantic, Madison would send me 10-minute-long voice notes everyday, making sure I’m okay and reminding me that I’m not alone in this and that she had gone through something similar. She was so supportive, made me feel so much better, and I am so grateful for all her support during that time.
You’ve shown a strong work ethic by releasing music independently. What do you think has shaped that ethic?
I think the fact that nobody believed in me for so long. Growing up, everyone would always doubt me in school. I just told myself, “I’m going to prove all these f***ers wrong,” and so I just went for it!
In a crowded pop music scene, what do you think is the key to making yourself stand out?
Truth. Just writing what is truthful to you. Don’t try to be someone – just write about you and what your truth is, because that will be someone else’s truth too.
Are there any current artists who are capturing your attention right now?
I’m just in Charli XCX-land at the moment. I am just so obsessed with her! Her new album has been on repeat.
And finally, what’s coming up for you in the rest of 2024?
I am opening for Jess Glynne, in the fall, on the US Tour in all major cities. Lots of new music, and some more surprises along the way!
