MY SONGS ARE BASED ON REAL-LIFE EXPERIENCES: KATY PERRY

Says Katy Perry, who endeavours to write songs that relate with he audiences; adds that she would collaborate if the music is ‘fun’

After five American Music Awards, 16 ASCAP Pop Music Awards, Five Billboard Music Awards, 10 BMI Awards and 14 People’s Choice Awards, among others, it is safe to say that Katy Perry has established herself as one of the best pop artistes in the millennium. Her songs, stage productions and costumes have always managed to set a global trend. The singer, who has chartbusters such as Roar, Firework, Dark Horse and I Kissed a Girl, to her credit, talks about her musical inspirations, collaborations, and how she has managed to keep authenticity as the most important element in her art. Excerpts from an interview:

You’ve been part of the music industry for a while now. What are the major transitions that you have seen so far?

I think the largest transition that happens every couple of generations is a format transition, one that we’re still trying to understand and effectively apply as an industry. A part of what I think makes a successful artiste is adapting and going with the flow, and not getting stuck in the past ways of doing business, keeping it innovative.

Do you prefer recording studios or live performances?

Nothing beats the energy of a live crowd singing and dancing their hearts out to music you’ve crafted. It’s really rewarding. But there’s a certain exciteme and coziness to creating something new in the studio.

When it comes to music and originals, what are the key elements you keep in mind?

I have a bit of a philosophical approach to words. I aim to keep my storytelling authentic, painting pictures with words, using the art of the English language with idioms, analogies and wordplays.

How have your personal experiences helped you as an artiste?

Almost all of my songs draw inspiration from real-life experiences, and sometimes, working through the painful experiences by writing a song about them helps heal the pain in myself and in others experiencing the same thing.

For your music, where do you draw your inspirations from?

I draw inspiration from literally everything. Most of the songs are based on my real-life experiences. Some are stories I dream up based on a phrase or a snippet of conversation in my day-to-day life. Being a sponge/listener/ observer of life continues the constant stream of creativity.

How do you think have you evolved as an artiste over the years?

Authenticity has always been the most important thread

A still from the song Firework through all the elements of my artistry. That continues to this day. After having a pretty intense and successful decade, I am now focused on maintaining that work-life balance.

How do you think digitisation has changed the games and rules of music industry globally?

We got rid of a lot of the musical gatekeepers with the transition to streaming. But now, it feels like a flood with no sift. I hope we can find a better balance in this musical transition as I am personally overwhelmed by the amount of content in entertainment.

Do you think somewhere budding musicians have become too conscious of social media?

Yes, but I also don’t think they have a choice. There’s so much content to sift through, that if you don’t know how to play the game even a bit, you get lost in the shuffle. You have to keep yourself informed so you can give your music the best opportunity to find its moment.

What do you think of

collaborations? Is it a good way to discover something new musically?

I’m all for collaborations that make sense musically, and that’s why I did one earlier this year with Daddy Yankee (Con Calma). I liked the song, and it was also an opportunity for me to reach out to an audience that may not typically think of me.

If given a chance, would we see Katy Perry collaborate with an Indian artiste?

I’m always open to collaborations as long as the content is fun or emotionally connective.

Tell us about your future projects.

I loved being able to go into the studio when inspiration strikes and releasing music to follow that schedule. My next project will be when that next moment of inspiration pops up!

I draw inspiration from literally everything. Most of the songs are based on my real-life experiences. Some are stories I dream up based on a phrase or a snippet of conversation in my day-to-day life.

KATY PERRY, SINGER-SONGWRITER