by kristen case
photo courtesy of kati holland
Kati Holland, a talented singer-songwriter whose lyrics are so compelling and her music cultivates the human experience. Kati Holland's new single “Surf Lodge” explores the fear of getting older and losing a symbolic part of youth. The single and its accompanying music video are hauntingly relatable directed by Julia Conde. Kati Holland discusses the creative process, the story behind “Surf Lodge” and collaboration in our new interview.
Congratulations on your single “Surf Lodge!” Can you tell me about the creative process of this song?
Kati: “Ironically, this song came to me right after I dropped a watch at the bottom of a lake. I was really sad because my dad gave it to me when I was 18. But an hour later, I wrote this song driving home. Maybe it subconsciously had to do with the passing of time — or the realization of losing a symbolic part of my youth.”
What's the story behind “Surf Lodge?”
Kati: “I’ve always had a fascination with The Surf Lodge in the Hamptons. To me, it’s the quintessential place where all the well-off, pretty, fun 20-somethings go in the summer, seemingly without a care in the world.
This song explores my fear of getting older (no one stays 22 at The Surf Lodge forever) and the anxiety of being the last one at the party — a symbol of aging out of certain parts of life.
I’ve never actually been to The Surf Lodge, but I can’t help but wonder if there’s an expiration date to going—and if the guests can feel it looming, too.”
The music video for “Surf Lodge” is so symbolic with this universal feeling of the fear of getting older and outgrowing parts of ourselves. Tell me about the process of filming the music video?
Kati: “I shot it with my creative partner/director/all-around badass Julia Conde in Argentina. We wanted to visualize my fear of being the last one at the party, so I became a mermaid surrounded by balloons and remnants of a party (cake, disco ball, etc.).”
You have collaborated with Julia Conde who has directed many of your videos. How has the collaborative process evolved over the years?
Kati: “What’s really incredible is that even though our native languages are different — mine is English, hers is Spanish — we’ve always been able to connect through a shared language: our love for music and art. I’ll be honest, at first I was beyond nervous to open up to someone new in such a vulnerable way. But ultimately, the most important thing is that I’ve been able to trust her — and she pushes me to be completely honest as a creative.”
When creating “Surf Lodge,” how did you dive into those feelings?
Kati: “Unfortunately, I think it’s a really easy feeling to tap into as a female in music! Most of us are scared of becoming older!”
What's the first thing you do when you get inspiration for a song?
Kati: “Record a voice memo! I’ve even had to step out of the shower so I don’t forget, so some of my voice memos have the shower in the background.”
Drop a favorite line/set of lines you have written thus far. Why do you resonate with it?
Kati: “Ah, this is hard because this is my favorite song I’ve ever written. I am obviously biased, but the bridge and final verse bring me to tears.
[Bridge]
Eyes closed, I’m dreaming with my eyes closed
I’m screaming as the walls close
I’m growing up
One day I’ll wake up with my hair gray
I’ll make peace with my mistakes
I’m growing up
[Verse 4]
I’m the dream in your pocket
Of those jeans that you swore that you outgrew
Takes you back to that summer
Takes you back to that girl you once knew”
Did you explore anything new in the terms of music production that you hadn't before in your previous works?
Kati: “In this particular song, the chorus/hook is less punchy than the bridge and less important (to me) than the verses. So I think that affected the production. This is the first time I really ‘went for it’ in a bridge.”
What is your favorite thing to do non-music related in your free time?
Kati: “I love to explore other cultures, whether it’s through food, travel, or music!”
Can you tell me anything about your future projects that we can look forward to?
Kati: “The next project is done and continues the office siren persona, but in a new environment (that’s all I can say!).”