Photo by Vivian Villa-Caratachea
Accomplished artist, tattooer, author, entrepreneur and music maker Kat Von D is out to tap into the most complete version of herself through her craft. Recently marking the release of her latest full length studio album, My Side of the Mountain, Von D is poised to break new ground yet again - establishing a new precedent in the space of modern darkwave.
Bolstered by key contributions from the likes of respected creators including Shep Solomon (Enrique Iglesias, Kelly Clarkson, Natalie Imbruglia) Fernando Garibay (Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars, Kylie Minogue) as well as guest vocalist Alissa White-Gluz of Swedish metal pillars Arch Enemy - My Side of The Mountain is a highly personal, genuinely reflective work that finds Kat lamenting the importance of love, the benefits of isolation and the clarity that comes with sobriety.
Though festively coined as Disco Goth, the compositions on My Side of The Mountain, translate just as poignant as they do provocative. The cadence of the music is infectious as a stylish synth soundtrack. Equally effective in its ability to prompt introspection, the album also proves substantial as Kat Von D bares her vulnerability in the quest for personal growth and artistic fulfillment.
Sourcing her foundation of creative influences that range from classic post punk to practitioners of modern darkwave, Kat evolves as a songwriter and storyteller as My Side of The Mountain offers testament to her continued evolution as an all around artist.
To better highlight her musical pedigree, Kat shared a shortlist of some of the albums that have played a memorable part in her progress as a songwriter.
Corralling generational icons like The Cure, Depeche Mode and Siouxsie with contemporary counterparts like Gunship, TR/ST and Perturbator, Von D's rundown of required listening offers some real insight of the inception of her sound and connects the dots on how My Side of the Mountain manages to channel brightness from the darkest corners.
BAUHAUS - IN THE FLAT FIELD
KAT VON D - This album thrills me. I remember hearing “double dare” for the first time and feeling borderline tribalistic after. I can’t think of another band that’s ever made me feel that way - scared and intrigued at the same time.
IAMX - KISS + SWALLOW
Chris Corner is one of my favorite artists. I love IAMX’s production, vocals, and songwriting. But I also love that Chris is kind of the whole package, from art direction in all his shows to being a work of art himself.
PERTURBATOR - DANGEROUS DAYS
Probably my favorite synthwave act out right now. I love the guest vocals he selects for each album. I added “future club” onto my playlist on Spotify and every time we play that playlist at shoots, it never fails that everyone asks about that song.
THE CURE - DISINTEGRATION
This by far is my all time favorite album. From front to back. I’ve listened to this record so much I’ve probably worn out the grooves on vinyl. Favorite song on this record is “Disentegration” hands down.
TR/ST - TR/ST
SIOUXSIE & THE BANSHEES - THE BEST OF
DEPECHE MODE - SONGS OF FAITH AND DEVOTION
PRAYERS - BAPTISM OF THIEVES
GUNSHIP - DARK ALL DAY
FIELDS OF THE NEPHILIM - THE NEPHILIM
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