In this exclusive interview with Katja Macabre, the rising star in the "Bitch Rock" scene, we dive into the inspiration behind her latest single "Brains," her role as an advocate for marginalized communities, and the unique blend of horror and message in her music. Get ready for a thrilling journey into the mind of this 3rd generation immigrant, disabled, female, queer musician who fearlessly challenges societal norms and uses her platform to empower those who feel voiceless.
1.
Congratulations on the release of your latest single, 'Brains.' Can you tell us
about the inspiration behind the song and the choice to address the sensitive
topic of sexual assault?
Thanks so much! The song is inspired by a lot of things, from my own
experiences to films, tv and friends’ stories. The song isn’t just a simple
message of “my body my choice”, it’s a call to arms to anyone who’s experienced
these things to allow themselves permission to speak up, and that they don’t
have to stay silent.
There are people who are here to help and who will listen.
2. Your music has been described as 'angry girl' rock with a powerful
message. How do you see your role as an artist in addressing societal issues,
particularly those affecting women and the LGBTQ+ community?
I’m a 3rd generation immigrant/refugee, disabled, female, queer musician.
I was badly bullied growing up, I have been in horrible relationships, I have
felt like ending it all.
If I didn’t speak out, I’d be part of the problem. People deserve to know
they’re not alone, to have a voice in the darkness.
My role is to be that voice.
3. 'Bitch Rock' is a term associated with your music. How did you come up
with this genre label, and what does it mean to you personally?
The short answer to that is: I’m reclaiming the word “Bitch”!
The long answer goes into detail about my obsession with Pandora from Kerrang!
(Created by Ray Zell), a life long obsession with Halestorm, feminism and names
I got called growing up, but I won’t bother you with that! *Wink*
4. In 'Brains,' you delve into a horror-themed narrative while addressing a
serious issue. Can you share more about the creative process behind blending
horror elements with your message?
I’m a massive horror movie buff so I wanted a way to incorporate some of my
favourite horror movies into this song. I made the bones of the track using
Logic X, with a mix of loops and then programming midi instruments around them.
I took inspiration from “Halloween” (John Carpenter) for the main synth riff
that runs though the song & samples from “Night of the Living Dead” (George
A. Romero) which my brilliant producer Ed Wilcox sourced for me and then added
in. He also wrote some chunky guitar riffs over the track using what I sent
him!
I also know that people are really enjoying being able to pick out all of the
different films I made references to in the music video! I made sure to add a
bunch of my favourite zombie franchise films/tv shows into it (and truth be
told, I struggle with zombie movies as they really freak me out, I’m more of a
slasher girl!), so seeing how people have responded to that has been amazing.
I also wanted to shine a light on the horrible truth that there are worse
things out there than vampires and werewolves, humans are the real monsters.
5. Your previous singles, 'Mother of God' and 'Compliments,' have been praised for challenging societal norms and empowering marginalized groups. How important is it for you to use your platform for advocacy?
Again, I’m a 3rd generation immigrant/refugee, disabled, female, queer musician.
I am in several marginalised groups, so to use my platform to give others like me a voice of any kind is basically the whole reason I do this.
6. BBC Radio 1's Alyx Holcombe described your music as "a powerful message that feels like it’s smacking you in the face in the most enjoyable way possible." How do you balance the intensity of your message with the enjoyment of the music itself?
I’ve been making music for a very long time, I’m only 25 but I’ve been doing this for about 2/3 of my life.
I’ve always used music as an outlet for my own emotions, I love being on stage and having fun with my band mates. I know this stuff is hard for some people to talk about, but for me - if I don’t have fun with it, it’s just fucking depressing. Music is my personal equivalent to using comedy to mask pain, so if I have fun, make silly voices, pull faces, dance and jump around, it’s not so bad.
7. You've mentioned that your music is for those who don't feel they have their own voice. How do you hope your music resonates with listeners who may be going through difficult situations?
A long time ago, I released a song called “S.E.L.F. H.A.R.M” (if you go far back enough on my YouTube page you can still find it), the comments section on that song is enough to speak for itself.
I used to sit in my room and stare into my mirror crying, wishing and hoping someone would just fucking understand me. I used to ask the musicians in the posters on my wall why I wasn’t playing shows with them, why I was on my own and felt like everything was so horrible.
I write the things I write because I hope to whatever is out there, that no one feels the way I did back then.
To any kid who might see this, who’s going through a tough time, you’re really not alone and I promise you, I have been there! It does get better.
Use me as your proof.
8. The visuals for 'Brains' pay homage to classic horror movies. Can you share your love for horror and how it ties into the themes of your music?
Hell yeah! I love horror films! As I said before, I’m really into my slashers! Anything with lots of gore, satirical scripts, good music, plot twists and killers of any kind!
My partner and I did a 31 films of Halloween this year, where we attempted to watch a horror film every night of October! We got 29/31 (we couldn’t find silent hill or orphan online anywhere!), I was pretty impressed!
At the time of writing Brains, I just wanted something to really reflect the horrors of humanity, and to say that it’s not a movie but a “real horror show” that we live in.
It was just a fun twist for me to play around with horror movies as the theme for the video, as an avid horror movie lover!
As a side note, my favourite horror films are:
Evil Dead
Saw
Scream
Freddie Vs Jason
Halloween (the original John Carpenter)
American Psycho
9. As a bisexual artist, how do you feel your identity influences your work, and how does it shape the themes you explore in your music?
I think, as much as I make it clear to people that I am a bisexual person, that part of who I am is just that….part of who I am. If knowing that means that people have another reason to relate to me as a person/artist, then that’s reason enough.
10. You've created a unique sound by blending elements of punk, rock, rap, and metal. How do you approach combining these genres to create your signature 'angry girl' sound?
In all honesty, they’re just musical genres I like. I don’t understand why I should feel the need to pigeonhole myself into one specific style of music, when I like so many!
It’s just been lucky that other people like it too and just as much as me, if not more!
11. In 'Brains,' you introduce the characters Johnny and Barbara from Night of the Living Dead. How did you decide to incorporate these fictional characters into your narrative, and what do they symbolize in the context of the song?
Truth be told, it was an absolute accident! “Johnny” was the first name of a guy that came to mind, then I remembered that “Barbra” was the name of his girlfriend in the movie, and the rest of the song just poured out!
I ended up turning him into a bit of a horrible rapist shit-bag for the purpose of my song, but that’s not to be reflected onto the character from the movie, or onto my wonderful friend Matt who played him in my music video!
12. Your music often challenges the patriarchy. How do you see the role of music in dismantling societal norms and contributing to a more inclusive culture?
I think it’s mostly just a case of speaking my mind. As someone who was raised to be very open minded and liberal, I’ve never seen much point in being against having an inclusive culture. That just seems wrong to me.
So if my music is a way to show people that side of the industry, then that works for me! Let them know we’re not shutting up any time soon!
13. Can you share any memorable reactions or stories from your fans about how your music has impacted them or helped them navigate difficult situations?
I have a comment on YouTube from someone called @bladethomas5994 from 8 years ago that says:
“I really appreciate that there are people like you in the world that have the decency to let people know that they do matter. If I could have had at least one friend like you when I was younger it would have made a world of difference on what I've done. I really hope people can see you as an example and learn how to treat people properly. That way there are less people who turn out like me.”
Let’s go with that.
14. As an artist, how do
you navigate the balance between self-expression and the expectations or norms
within the music industry?
I think I really struggle with the whole expectation and norms thing, but I do
my research, check what my peers are doing and if I can put my own spin on
things. I’ve never been one for doing things by the book, but maybe one day
I’ll figure it out!
At the moment it’s mostly just “have idea, do idea, post about idea, fans seem
to like it, good, ok, next thing!” And that works for me!
15. With 'Brains' released just in time for Halloween, do you have any
special plans or events to celebrate the occasion, or any messages for your
fans during this spooky season?
Sadly the spooky season is now over, but I never stop watching horror movies,
in fact I plan to watch Krampus over the holidays, just to carry it over with
me!
But my message to my amazing fans is: You are all amazing. Thank you all so
much for your love and support, I can’t thank you enough! Stay you!
16. Looking ahead, what can fans expect from Katja Macabre in terms of
future projects or collaborations
You’ll just have to keep your eyes peeled! We’ve been cooking up some great
stuff in the studio this month!
All I can say is, you won’t be disappointed and it’s going to be a lot of fun!
Brains - Katja Macabre [Official Music Video] (youtube.com)
Katja Macabre (@katja_macabre) • Photos et vidĂ©os Instagram
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