I love how unique ‘High Maintenance’ sounds! What is the story behind the song?
ellakate: My brother had just gotten out of a relationship with a girl he had been for a while, and it was honestly so hard to watch. He was so sweet and giving to her and it seemed like she never showed him the same love he gave to her. The song pokes fun at the situation, because it was no secret to anyone what was going on. My brother was infatuated and in love, and he couldn’t see how he was being mistreated. It’s essentially calling her out for being High Maintenance and him out for failing to see it.
If ‘High Maintenance’ could be featured in any movie or TV show, which one do you think it would fit best in?
ellakate: I know the show is over, but I think it would be super cool in Inventing Anna.
How has growing up in Atlanta influenced your music?
ellakate: I think the biggest thing about being in Atlanta is the amount of artists and talented musicians who play here. I have gotten to see some of my favorite big artists, like Billie Eilish, but also I get to see awesome smaller musicians just playing in restaurants or markets. Having the opportunity to experience these live shows and gigs brings so much inspiration that just doesn’t travel over the internet.
What is your favorite part about being able to perform your songs live?
ellakate: Performing live lets me connect with the audience. All the way back in elementary school, my chorus teacher taught me that performance is in the eyes, and that is how you convey emotion. Being face to face with an audience provides that opportunity. I want to be able to share a feeling with anyone listening, whether it be fun and sassy or deeper, heavier emotions and experiences.
What do you like to do when you aren’t creating music?
ellakate: I am actually a competitive saber fencer and love to work on that. I also love to bake. Baking cookies specifically, because who doesn’t love cookies?
What are you most looking forward to in terms of your musical career? Any upcoming projects you could talk about?
ellakate: I am looking forward to performing more and just learning more about music as a craft. I have another single release in January, so keep a lookout on my socials for that! The next song I’m releasing is a real contrast to ‘High Maintenance’ and ‘If You Want Me Too’. It tells the story about when I expressed to a friend when we first met that I wasn’t interested in anything romantic. A few months later, he confessed his feelings for me and was hurt that I didn’t want to date him. This song is my response to him and I think you guys are gonna love it! Other than that, I'm back in the studio recording more stuff in December.
Interviewed By Kendall Koval
FOLLOW ELLAKATE: