HOW DID YOUR NAME ORIGINATE?
I use my real name, Katya Richardson, as my artist name.
- WHERE WAS YOUR FIRST GIG AND HOW MANY PEOPLE WERE THERE?
I used to play piano in front of family and friends when I was younger, but my first major performance of my music was at Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles in front of about 2,000 people. This opportunity was through the Los Angeles Philharmonic Fellowship Program, an intensive that culminated in learning how to write an orchestral composition. This was an extremely formative experience for me and I am so thankful for it - I was totally blown away the first time I heard my music played by an orchestra.
- WHEN WAS YOUR LAST DAY OFF AND WHAT DID YOU DO WITH IT?
Apart from the current quarantine and lockdown in LA, my last normal day off was in March. I often like to recharge in nature, either by taking a hike or going to the beach and spending time with friends.
- WHAT IS SOMETHING - APART FROM YOUR PHONE OR WALLET - THAT HAS TO BE IN YOUR VICINITY AT ALL TIMES?
A keyboard! I am very tactile when it comes to composing and I think my piano skills directly impact my ideas. Writing is like a muscle that needs to be exercised and being near a keyboard reminds me to accomplish something musical, no matter how small, every day.
- WHICH SONG BY ANOTHER ARTIST DO YOU WISH YOU'D WRITTEN?
It would probably be “Life On Mars?” by David Bowie. I fell in love with it the first time I heard it. From the lyrics, to the instrumentation, there’s something so cinematic and theatrical to it, yet intimate and timeless.
- WHAT'S BEEN THE MOST SURREAL FAN MOMENT?
The craziest fan moment was after my premiere at the Hollywood Bowl in front of 17,000 people. My composition opened for Steely Dan at Opening Night 2016, and I was brought on stage to introduce the piece and thank the conductor, Thomas Wilkins. During intermission, I was surprised by the number of people that recognized me and asked for my autograph! I felt like a celebrity for a day, it was so surreal.