Photo Credit: Allan Wan
When we first exchanged words Kate Clover was out west, making her way through the US, playing everywhere from the Continental Club in Texas to Philly, celebrating her 2024 release, ‘The Apocalypse Dream.’ We talked about the album’s beachy connections, dance fads, and more like her excitement for her international dates, especially Barcelona. All of that and then some in this new back-and-forth exchange.
Kendra: A lifelong resident of LA and no matter what you keep coming back. You know, I lived there 16 years and finally had to cut the cord because I just was not built for that level of – well, any of it. What draws you back, other than it’s always been your home base?
Kate Clover: The city changes every five years or so. There’s so many lifestyles you can live. You have to find what you’re looking for a bit more in this city which makes you appreciate it. You want your way.
Kendra: Because you did get away for what was supposed to be four days, but wound up being four months when you took a trip to Mexico City. On what day did you decide that you were probably going to stay and make the most out of your time there? And was there anything you learned about yourself as an artist during those months that you feel you wouldn’t have learned if not for that extended trip?
Kate Clover: Don’t live in fear. You’re wasting your life being afraid and not following your heart. There’s always time to change. Write the best songs you can.
To put it simply.
Kendra: You’re back home – for now because you’re touring a lot this year – but as far as ‘The Apocalypse Dream’ and Los Angeles, I’d love to know if you had to compare the album to a beach in SoCal, which would it be and why? Or, would you say it’s more of a skatepark?
Kate Clover: Interesting question. I’d say Venice Beach. All walks of life and always a spectacle.
Kendra: Let’s talk about “Like a Domino” because in my 16 years in LA – plenty of that time was spent going to talk show tapings for the musical performances. Were you inspired by any late-night host’s show in particular for this?
Kate Clover: Not one in particular. The host was played by my friend Michael Heiges who I think is one of the funniest people. He was the cook in my Crimewave video. Some people are magnetic on camera and Heiges has the charisma and comedic timing to hold it down.
Kendra: What about the dance in the video, The Domino? It’s not everyday rock music gets its own dance move. How’d that come about?
Kate Clover: I love dance fads. I think it’s a fun part of pop culture. Rock n’ Roll should be fun or at least the fun should be part of it again. The Mash Potato, The Twist; I love these dances because you don’t have to be a good dancer to pull them off.
My friend Sandi Denton is an amazing choreographer and dancer. She has a dance troupe called Rated Z Dancers. As soon as I wrote the chorus I knew I wanted it to have an accompanying dance. I had a meeting with Sandi and she created “The Domino.” The rest is history!
Kendra: Again, you’ve got a lot of time on the road and in the air coming up because you’re not only touring the US but also heading overseas to the UK. Are you hitting any new venues or cities that you’re excited to knock off your bucket list?
Kate Clover: We haven’t played Barcelona yet and it’s our first stop on our European tour. I’m looking forward to that show.
Kendra: Time for a side note – With it being April, I’m asking everyone to think of a pair of tickets to any concert ever that they’d want to find in their Easter basket. Artists can be living or dead, past or present. Which concert or tour would you have loved to see?
Kate Clover: Sex Pistols and The Clash “Punk Special” show at the 101 Club in London in 1976; The Kinks in 1964; The Clash “Give ‘Em Enough Rope Tour” when Bo Diddley was their opener.
So many more but those came to mind first.
Kendra: Lastly, with ‘The Apocalypse Dream’ out on April 5th and a tour already booked – what else can fans expect as 2024 rolls on?
Kate Clover: The unexpected!
