Katya
Kyrby Raine
Smoking hot and completely rocking, Katya is a two-fisted reminder that women can blast the amps with just as much ferocity and skill as any male. Recently endorsed by Carruthers Guitars and picked up for retail distribution in the Philippines, the Los Angeles-based singer/songwriter is building a worldwide buzz, even attracting the attention of Jane’s Addiction drummer Stephen Perkins, who plays on her self-titled debut.
• •
There seems to be a drought in solo female rockers lately. Why do you think that’s the case? Is it because the music industry is blocking their paths or is there a general apathy among female musicians to rock?
I have not personally experienced this while pursuing my music. Every show that I do the crowd goes crazy. I have so many people in the entertainment industry embracing my music right now. I feel the power of rock and roll inside of me and it’s invincible. It is a force that is constantly moving forward and upward.
What advice would you give to young women who are just now getting into the rock and roll scene?
Never lose focus on your music. Keep moving forward and be positive. Work on making your music the very best it can be. Always strive to reach the next height.
How do you deal with sexist pigs in the music industry?
I have not had that problem at all. Everyone has been really positive towards me. More and more people are helping me get my music off the ground. They think my live show is incredible and compare me to legends. I have a very strong work ethic and in any business that is a plus. I guess I’m really fortunate that the people I meet are awesome.
What artists fired you up creatively in your younger years?
I love all the rock and roll greats. Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, The Who, Ozzy Osborne, Black Sabbath, Van Halen, Pink Floyd, The Doors, David Bowie, and Rush are just a few of the bands that influenced me growing up. I am endorsed by legendary guitar maker John Carruthers of Carruthers Guitars. He repaired Jimi Hendrix’s guitars and built me a Jimi Hendrix Stratocaster replica. He has built and repaired guitars for many fantastic musicians that are true legends. I feel even more connected now to them because of this.
Where did you learn to play the guitar?
I had a guitar teacher give me a few lessons when I was six years old. After that I started to experiment on my own. I love distortion and feedback. I love making sounds, like a rusty gate opening up with my guitar. My Russian cousin, Mike Kent, was a very gifted guitar player and instrumentalist. He had a huge impact on my guitar playing. He helped me buy my first electric guitar and amp. We would talk about music for hours and our love for rock and roll.
How did you end up working with the drummer of Jane’s Addiction, Stephen Perkins?
I played a local Hollywood club and two producers saw me perform. They thought my live show was phenomenal and offered me studio time that very same night. They told Stephen Perkins I was a female version of Robert Plant. Stephen showed up at the studio the next day to record with me. We recorded the song at the same time. In the second take it was done. I played the solo on the spot and created the weird feedback with a piece of glass. It was awesome recording with Stephen because he plays like John Bonham.
Katya: http://www.katyamusic.com ◼
