Katie Laffan new ep ‘Spacer’ launched in Whelan’s
By Aideen O'Flaherty
FRESH from playing a sold out headline gig in Whelan’s for the launch of her new EP ‘Spacer’, 21-year-old Katie Laffan is riding the wave of success as her genre-spanning sound continues to reach bigger audiences.
The past pupil of St Paul’s Secondary School in Greenhills learned to play guitar through watching tutorials on YouTube, and set up a home studio in her bedroom in her family home in Walkinstown, where she started recording her songs as a teenager.
Since then, the versatile musician has performed on the leading music show Other Voices, and received critical acclaim for her performance at last year’s Electric Picnic festival.
Katie released her second EP, ‘Spacer’, last month, and spoke to her local newspaper about the sound of her new EP, and what it was like to feature Dr Norah Patten, who hopes to become the first Irish person to go to space, in her latest music video.
Can you remember what the first song you wrote was like?
It was a very cheesy pop song, with a ukulele. It makes me cringe when I look back on it, but it’s where I was when I was 16 so I’m very proud of it also – as conflicting as that sounds!
What inspires you to write songs?
My life, and writing songs about things from the different perspectives of different people. Sometimes, if I see a movie, I like to write a song about someone’s story in the movie. You can get inspiration from anywhere. For example, my song ‘Dreams’ is from the perspective of the subject in Amy Winehouse’s song ‘Addicted’. It’s an answer back, creatively, in my opinion.
You recently opened the BT Young Scientist and Technology exhibition, what was that experience like?
It was great. It’s a really amazing event for young people so it was great to be a part of it.
How would you describe the sound of your new EP, ‘Spacer’?
Different. I always like making a sound that’s never been heard before. I think some of the EP might be a bit unnecessary, but it’s interesting. The intro has been sampled from a song that I made for a bit of a laugh with my friend, and it’s been purposely chopped and pitched down to introduce a new sound.
How did you feel when you found out that the gig for the launch of your EP was sold out?
Really encouraged. There was so much support there. It was incredible and I didn’t expect it.
What do you hope people will take away from ‘Spacer’?
The idea of the EP leans towards developing a sound with my production and lyrics, and for people to listen to it with the intention of where it could go. The whole EP is themed around being so interested in something that you seem like you’re a bit of a spacer about it. In order to be interesting, you have to be interested. You need to be able to stick your neck out, take risks and not fear failing.
What was it like to have Norah Patten in one of your music videos?
It was great to have Norah Patten in the video for ‘Aversion’. She has dedicated herself to being the first Irish astronaut in space, and I think it’s so interesting that she’s doing that. The name ‘Spacer’ has kind of a triple meaning. It’s about the sound being lo-fi, spacey and ‘out there’. Also, the word ‘spacer’ is a well-known Dublin adjective that I relate to, while all tying together with Norah Patten’s story of becoming a ‘space person’.
Are there any plans for an LP or a tour in the future?
Not just yet, but hopefully I’ll get there.
TAGS Life
