Kota Wade Out of the Dark Interview

Kota Wade Delivers "Out of the Dark" in Honor of World Mental Health Day

Kota Wade releases a stunning reimagined rendition of "Out of the Dark," title track from her 2018 EP. Taking an acoustic approach, the track features intimate vocals and poignant layered guitar lines. The song's intimate tone and compelling message takes listeners on an emotional, uplifting journey. The single comes out on October 10, World Mental Health Day, an important day that aims to raise awareness around mental health issues and mobilizing support efforts.

Interview with Kota Wade

Question: Why was it important to release an acoustic version of "Out of the Dark" for World Mental Health Day?

Kota Wade: I feel like the acoustic version brings across a new tone that the original hadn't quite tapped into, something more vulnerable and tender, which is what I wanted to really drive the message home for World Mental Health Day.


Question: What message do you hope to spread for World Mental Health Day?

Kota Wade: In general, any awareness is always great, but I would love to show that if you struggle, you're not alone, and there is hope and resources out there for you!


Question: How would you describe your music?

Kota Wade: I've always blended different genres of rock, pop, and singer songwriter styles to create something that I feel helps me carry my message across, channeling my emotions into my lyrics and melodies.


Question: Do you prefer performing live or recording?

Kota Wade: I absolutely 100% prefer performing live! I feel like I come alive when I'm on stage, it's the most comfortable place for me to be! In the studio, it can be hard for me to channel my energy in a booth, I feel I do my best with the energy of a crowd and the ability to move my body freely, which doesn't translate as well in a studio setting, though I do love being in the studio as well!

Question: Which is your favourite song to perform live and why?

Kota Wade: It tends to change depending on our arrangements for our shows. I used to perform more as a full band but lately have been doing more acoustic arrangements, so lately my favorite to perform has probably been "Lifeline", because its one of the few songs I don't play an instrument on so I'm freer to tap directly into the lyrics and get lost in it, rather than concentrate on playing my guitar or piano.


Question: If you could have anyone, in the world, attend a show, who would it be?

Kota Wade: I think I would die if Lady Gaga attended a show, because she truly knows what its like to be a versatile artist, constantly evolving and adapting and entertaining audiences in a way that most performers can't.


Question: What motivates you most when writing music?

Kota Wade: I tend to pull from nature, personal experiences, and fictional stories. As a child, I started writing long before I picked up music, so some times I'll write a short story or poem and translate it into a song. I view the world with words constantly flowing through my head, all of my memories feel like chapters in my own personal book, so its usually easy to turn those into lyrics, as well as works of fiction that I've read or watched as movies and TV shows, I love taking stories and turning them into a musical piece and I think that keeps me motivated when I feel like I have nothing to write.


Question: Which music/artists are you currently listening to?

Kota Wade: Currently I have Aurora, Lights, Pvris, Allie X, and Billie Eilish on repeat, amongst tons of random rock songs I come across randomly.


Question: What or who was your inspiration to go into the music industry?
Kota Wade: I started writing when I was 9 years old and had no idea what I would be in store for, I just knew I had to keep writing and learning and growing. I love creating in every sense of the word, and I spent years grinding to become the artist I am today.


Question: If you could collaborate with another artist, who would it be?

Kota Wade: I would love to collaborate with Billie Eilish and Finneas, they're so creative and fresh, it would be amazing to see how they work and be a part of it.


Question: What is the biggest challenge you have faced along the way to your musical success?

Kota Wade: I can't even count how many obstacles I've had to tackle; every day is a challenge when you're trying to pursue music as a career. I think overall the main challenge is just staying motivated and positive in the face of one of the most frustrating and difficult journeys.


Question: What's a typical day like?

Kota Wade: I'll usually wake up around 8, do a round of social media posts and emails, make breakfast, and head down to the studio we have in our house. Often I'll opt for a day of other creative activities like photos or videos, or some times I'll just sit in my room and write stories, poems, or lyrics. I'm pretty recluse and try to work as much as I can without overdoing it.


Question: Can you share your socials?

Kota Wade: IG: @kotawade Twitter: @kotawade



Interview by Brooke Hunter