Today, we have the honor of speaking with Kathy Sabol! With a track record of delivering soul-stirring melodies and thought-provoking lyrics, Kathy continues to captivate audiences with her unparalleled talent and unwavering passion for the craft. Her newest release has left us captivated. Share with us all about your latest single Need to Know.
“Need to Know” is about running into an old flame who tries to stir up feelings years after moving on and creating a brand-new life for himself. This can be a challenging situation for anyone to navigate, especially when a relationship ends without closure. People will often use the pretext of maintaining a “friendship” with an ex to keep the door open to potential future liaisons. In this song, the main character continues to choose the higher ground by refusing to get involved in no-win scenarios.
The song has a distinct energy and vibe. Could you share some insights into the inspiration behind it and how it came to fruition?
A couple of years ago, someone from my past reached out via Facebook and started reminiscing about “all the good times” by sending photos, poetry, and links to favorite books and music videos. He claimed to be “just enjoying a trip down memory lane” but to me, it was a fishing expedition. I asked how he would feel upon discovering that his wife had sent selfies and song lyrics to an old boyfriend. He apologized for his actions and agreed to stop them. The whole situation seemed a bit surreal, like a cosmic test.
The lyrics of your songs often delve into deeply personal themes. How do you balance vulnerability with storytelling in your songwriting process, and how does this reflect in your latest release?
By putting myself into different characters and changing some of the details surrounding a real-life event that triggered a song, it allows me to share my deep feelings about the experience with other people, yet maintain a degree of privacy. Today’s audience demands authenticity in their music, but at the same time, they don’t want to read your therapy journal. As a writer, you must be able to “dig deep” into your emotional core to create a story that is honest and relatable, but with a unique spin to hold their attention.
Collaboration is often a key element in the music-making process. Did you work with any other artists or producers on this song, and if so, how did their contributions shape the final product?
Yes, “Need to Know” was a team effort. Kate Denman, a Pittsburgh artist and musician, performed the vocals. Vincent Byrne did all of the production work and created the video. When he builds out a music track, he does not use a “cut and paste” approach but instead, adds in different instruments and styles to each verse and chorus to keep them fresh and interesting to the ear. It was also his idea to do the key change after the bridge to lift the final chorus and bring it home.
The music industry is constantly evolving, especially in terms of technology and platforms for sharing music. How do you adapt to these changes, and what role did digital platforms play in the release and promotion of your latest song?
I could never keep up with all these changes on my own, so I am grateful to be able to collaborate with others who are more tech-savvy. I use the DistroKid service to release my songs to all the online channels. I still have a long way to go in expanding my use of available marketing tools. Currently, I’ve been using YouTube videos and Instagram reels to get the word out about a new release.
As an artist, growth and evolution are essential. How do you feel you’ve evolved creatively since your last release, and what aspects of your artistry are you most excited to explore in the future?
I’m getting better at finding the best image for cover art. The picture chosen for “Need to Know” (a woman looking at a golden sunset while standing next to a large oak tree) was a perfect symbol for the resilience and strength of character shown throughout the song. I also suggested making a change to one of the video clips in the final chorus. It took me a long time to find the right clip to replace it, giving me a whole new appreciation for the video creation process, a skill I would like to learn more about in the future.
Thank you, Kathy, for sharing your insights and passion with us today. Your dedication to your craft and commitment to authenticity continue to inspire us all. We eagerly anticipate the next chapter of your musical journey and the stories you’ll share through your artistry.
Social Links:
Website: kathysabolmusic.com
Facebook: facebook.com/people/Kathy-Sabol-Music/100085689211141/
Instagram: instagram.com/kathysabolmusic/
Twitter:
YouTube: @KathySabolMusic
Other: linktr.ee/kathysabol
End of Interview