Previously known as Colette Kavanagh, Irish singer KOLETTE, has experimented with a variety of music genres, and her voice suits them well. Adapting to an array of musical genres is not a difficult feat, as KOLETTE was surrounded by a creative circle with her parents; her dad played the piano while her mom sang, along with her aunt, a singer in the Dublin Opera Society. Her influences range from her Roy Orbison to Julie London, among others. Her career catapulted in 2007 when she was a guest singer on Bob Wootton’s (Johnny Cash’s guitarist) ten-day tour, which motivated her to write and record her own music. She’s a staple in her home country of Ireland, performing regularly, and her song “Rebekah’s Lullaby,” was featured in the award-winning short film Skunky Dog.
KOLETTE’s latest single and music video for her EDM-infused, “Change My Life,” features KOLETTE and her friends cascading into a magical forest, unbeknownst of the outcome. They each get led away, being studied by a couple of “droids,” and after the trio are thoroughly studied, allowed to leave, then running into replicas of themselves; the clip ending shows them embracing their clones and each of their friendships (clones and all) lead them out of the forest. KOLETTE chatted with us about her interest in sci-fi for the video and single for “Change My Life,” her inspiration behind the video, what’s next for her, and her fun music favorites.
Growing up with creatives in Ireland, you were surrounded by music and performing. How did that influence/shape who you are as a singer today?
KOLETTE: Ireland has a rich history of songwriting and storytelling; it’s almost as if it’s in our blood. My father’s family was made up of musicians and my mother too loved to sing. Part of everyday school
life was preparing for the next big show in well known Dublin theatres. The nuns were great teachers as well as beautiful singers, so I suppose they too had a great influence on me.
Your career was kickstarted on a 10-day tour with Johnny Cash’s guitarist Bob Wootton. How did that experience encourage you to pursue your desire of singing and performing?
KOLETTE: Before the Bob Wootton tour, the industry seemed exclusive and expensive for young singer-songwriters to create and record their music. With such a positive response from the many audiences of the tour, it gave me the confidence and encouragement I needed to get myself out into the industry.
Your latest single and music video for “Change My Life” finds you in the EDM world. What draws you to that genre?
KOLETTE: It’s definitely the beats. I want to be able to make music that gets people up and dancing without thinking too much and just having fun.
The video for “Change My Life” features you and your friends in a whimsical forest, not knowing the outcome. Then you all get led away by two “droids,” returning near the end as replicas of yourselves. What was the filming and collaborative effort like for it? Did you have a lot of input with ideas for the video?
KOLETTE: I really love Sci-fi and always wanted to include it in my work and the EDM scene is great for creating a video however abstract you want. I came up with the concept with my videographer and we
filmed it in a day. I mainly handled casting and costumes while my videographer directed and edited the piece.
Is an album, EP and/or more singles in the works soon?
KOLETTE: Yes, of course. I’m currently working with my London based producer (Grammy-Award winner) Philip Larsen and hope to be releasing a single in the next coming months. It may take a little bit longer than normal due to the pandemic but it’s in the pipeline.
Fun Questions
Who was your first concert, and who has been your favorite so far?
KOLETTE: My first concert was when I was 18 years old, and I went to see great Irish singer/songwriter Van Morrison in Dublin. I loved it but it wasn’t nearly as much as an experience as seeing Willie Nelson in the 3 Arena. His down to earth approach and style of writing is both incredible and inspirational to me.
What was your first album on cassette, CD and/or vinyl?
KOLETTE: My first vinyl was “Bad” by Michael Jackson. I spent a lot of my youth as a huge fan of his music, dancing in my bedroom to his songs for hours on end.
Which five albums and/or artists would you not want to live without?
KOLETTE: That’s a hard question, as there’s so many but to start with I’d say Michael Jackson, Willie Nelson, Enya, Kylie Minogue and James Blunt.
How have you been keeping your creativity up during quarantine?
KOLETTE: Well, being a mother, wife, homeschooler, cook and cleaner during quarantine has put my creative side on hold for a while. I haven’t been writing as much as I’d like, but I have been listening to lots of
different styles of music and beats.
Do you have a guilty music and/or entertainment pleasure?
KOLETTE: Yep, I love rock and heavy metal. I annually attend a rock festival close to where I live which showcases many tribute bands of rock legends such as The Doors and AC/DC. I can never confine myself to favouring one genre of music because I find myself enjoying them all.
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