Los Angeles new wave artist Kate Clover loves you to death. Leading an ace band of rangy, rowdy boys, the sensational Clover draws upon the energies of Iggy Pop and Patti Smith with her rollicking, live-wire energy. Bellowing the rolling cry of a natural born killer, Clover cuts an electric figure.
Inspired by West Coast fringe counterculture and gritty innocence alike, Clover explores the intricacies of self-discovery, self-creation, and self-preservation. Earning a reputation for explosive live shows, Clover spent 2019 hitting the road with Death Valley Girls, Crocodiles, King Dude and SadGirl.
Today Clover announces the release of Love You To Death, a frenzied yet poignant classic girl-group meets punk anthem that sounds like a long-lost Blondie or Kirsty MacColl tune through a Wall of Sound haze. Clover’s pleading, ethereal vocals cut right to the quick against the classic three-chord fury surrounding them; at once nostalgic and delightfully macabre.
“I really like the juxtaposition of a super doo-wop sounding song with darker lyrics,” says Clover. “The Misfits are masterful at that. The subject matter of doo-wop songs are generally about desire and love. I thought it would be funny to sing from the point of view of a murderer.”
This song came together quickly after initially appearing as a joke, but they had something, so the track was recorded in Mexico City at Vesubio Studios with Johnny Davilla (Davilla 666) on backup vocals. “Before he sang his part he let out a very excited “wooooooooo,” she laughs. “It made us all crack up so we kept it in the song. You can hear it in the first verse.”
Listen to Love You To Death here:
Kate Clover · Love You To Death
Post-Punk.com had a Q&A session with the LA punk queen about her upcoming EP, musical influences, and writing new music.
What is the inspiration behind your upcoming EP?
The realization in one’s life to stop giving a fuck. That is certainly on the forefront. When we are emotionally pushed to the edge we are forced to change which can be painful but ultimately the most rewarding. That underlying theme comes through in different variations per song. Musically the EP was influenced by X, The undertones, Misfits, Radio Birdman and Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds.
What is it like to work with Brandon (Crocodiles) on the EP?
Brandon is a great collaborator. We have the same taste in music so we know it’s coming from similar influences. A good collaborator is someone who doesn’t operate from their ego and allows the best ideas to lead. He certainly operates from that point of view which makes writing together exciting.
How does living in LA affect your musical influences?
Some of my favorite bands are from Los Angeles. X, The Germs, and Gun Club. I’d like to think there is a similar thread of all of these bands in my music. They are a guiding force.
What was the inspiration for the song–lyrically, musically?
I really like the juxtaposition of a super doo-wop sounding song with darker lyrics. The Misfits are masterful at that. The subject matter of doo-wop songs are generally about desire and love. I thought it would be funny to sing from the point of view of a murderer.
Were there any artists or songs you referenced for inspiration for the track/recording?
The Misfits, The Chordettes song, Mr. Sandman and X. Vocally I was very inspired by Exene Cervenka.
How did the song come together, musically? Were there any artists or songs you referenced for inspiration for the track/recording?
The Misfits, The Chordettes song, Mr. Sandman and X. Vocally I was very inspired by Exene Cervenka.
“Love You to Death” is featured on, Kate Clover’s Channel Zero EP, which is set for release on May 14th.
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Featured photo: Jenna Putnam
