Kate Ellis is our Artist of the Day
Kate Ellis is an Americana/Folk singer-songwriter born in Louisiana, raised in New York, and based in London. Kate’s southern country-folk roots come from her father, an important early musical influence – he once played guitar with Hank Williams on the famous Louisiana Hayride, where Elvis and Johnny Cash started out. Kate’s emotional and seductive vocals take you into a world of private beauty, reflection and feelings. The music is always intimate and evocative – you listen and want to be there.
“I hope that whatever people get from the music, they’ll be moved. I hope that they’ll find something that is beautiful and truthful. I don’t think that you can connect with any real emotion without truth."
While "Carve Me Out" was the debut record from Kate Ellis, her forthcoming sophomore album is called “Spirals” and it is scheduled to be released 18th February. It is now available to pre-save/pre-order here.
What is your favorite video game soundtrack?
I've enlisted my son as a special advisor to help answer these questions as he is the biggest gamer in the family. The soundtrack to the PlayStation game “The Last of Us” by Gustavo Santaolalla
Who's your favorite video game music composer?
Jesper Kyd – I remember once watching my son play Assassin's Creed 2 enjoying the architecture in renaissance Italy and I heard this lovely music as the characters raced across the rooftops of Florence.
What’s your favorite video game?
I always used to enjoy the Zumba class on the Xbox 360 Connect as a way to get the kids to do some exercise while they played games!
What game inspired you to do music?
Red Dead Redemption was the first game where I could imagine some of my Folk-Country/Americana style music fitting in. I was born in Louisiana, so I loved the scenes in the game city of Saint Denis which was modeled on New Orleans which I love (I’ve been to the Jazz Fest there many times).
What video game are you currently playing?
Personally I play the card game Solitaire and eight ball pool on my mobile to help me relax. But to answer for 'video games' specifically, my son is currently playing Rainbow 6 Siege - occasionally he goes back to his all-time favs like The Witcher 3 and Sekiro.
Would you ever like to write music for video games? What would it be like?
For sure – I can only hope that someone creates a video game soon that needs some emotional, soulful Americana. Perhaps there's still time to get a call from Rockstar for Red Dead Redemption 3?
How important is music for video games / video games for music?
It's essential! Of all the art forms, I believe that music is the most elemental – it bypasses our brains and connects straight to our emotions. When you combine this with storytelling media like film or interactive narratives in games, it's incredibly powerful. It connects the audience and players directly into the heart of the experience.