We have seen Kate Perry in many ways.
As an innocent gospel singer in her youth, shooting custard through her bra in the California
Gurls
music video
, as an
American Idol
jury,
or putting an entire stadium on its feet in the most-watched Super Bowl halftime show of all. times ... That is why it is somewhat strange to see her through Zoom in her home in Los Angeles, in front of an XXL fireplace,
wearing a sweatshirt, chewing gum and laughing at the cuteness
of your dog
Nugget
while answering questions from half a dozen European journalists.
Things of this so rare 2020. Katy Perry's 2020 has also been a special year, but for reasons different from those of most mortals.
In addition to suffering some of the consequences of the pandemic and confinement, the American pop superstar has been a mother twice: in late August, she gave birth to
her first daughter
, Daisy Dove, almost at the same time that she released her fifth LP,
Smile
With him he seeks to redeem himself after the controversy he generated
Witness
, his previous work, weighed down in some way by what Perry herself described as "pop with purpose" and by searching for new sounds that departed from what his own.
fans
They were used to it, maybe because of that and because of the difficult times that he has had to go through to get here, including depression and suicidal thoughts, this recent batch of songs focuses more on that effervescent and playful pop of his beginnings, with a clear message: optimism and positivity at all costs.
"If we have no hope, we have nothing," he says at the start of one of his long speeches, which at times seem to be taken from a self-help manual. "
If we do not have dreams it will be very difficult to wake up and feel that we can continue
.
We have seen how our priorities were blown up ... The house of cards has fallen and we have all had to restructure our lives.
It has been a challenge that each one has had to face in their own way, "he continues in reference to the pandemic. Facing that, the singer of
Roar
already sees a near future in which «
we'll all need to dance together again and have a glass of champagne ... or the whole bottle
.
We will have to toast, that's for sure.
Whatever it is that this year took from us, we will more than make up for it when the time comes. ”Until then, and no world tour or concerts by
streaming
In sight, your newborn daughter occupies most of your time.
«I climbed the mountain that is my career, I enjoyed the views and then I decided to fly to this new place.
Being a mother is the most rewarding job you can have in life, but it is hard, full-time work.
What I'm learning now is how to get that
balance between being a powerful woman and a powerful mother
And now, in this moment of vital transition, in which every morning she chants Buddhist mantras for 20 minutes with her fiancé, the Hollywood star
Orlando Bloom
, motherhood «is all the cliches that are said about it and many more.
I guess that's why we continue to have children.
You think that everything else will satisfy you: fame, money, this and that ... But no, it is the love for your children.
That's the secret sauce. »If there is a song that defines the new stage of Katy Perry and her contagious optimism -almost imposing- that is
Resilient
, of which he has recently launched a
remix
by the Dutch DJ Tiësto and with the participation of
Aitana
.
"I see something in her ... I see myself in some way!", He says about the Spanish singer, who continues to take steps to gain a foothold in international pop. "Some artists dedicate themselves to this for the money, for the sex blah blah blah ... Instead, Aitana works for the common good, she exudes positivity from every pore.
I have always wanted to bet on new voices, on young people like her, because I want to be part of a movement capable of empowering people.
I'm willing to pass the mic and share the stage with artists like her
, an incredible messenger of light and love, the kind of people I like to align myself with. ”If there is a regular and decisive collaborator when it comes to influencing Katy Perry's music, it is
Max martin
, the Swedish producer who has shaped the
hits
catchy and successful of the last two decades, from the
Baby One More Time
from Britney Spears to
Blinding Lights
from The Weeknd.
He is the shadow hand behind Perry's greatest hits, from
Hot n 'cold
until
Never Really Over
, and she is tremendously grateful: “Max has been a great mentor, he has been very patient with me.” In fact, Perry extends that thanks to the other Swedish producers he has worked with, an increasingly influential clan in the world. music industry.
“They know how to communicate, they are kind and they understand the fundamentals of pop music like no one else.
There must be something in the water they drink there, but I also think it has to do with the musical education they receive as children.
They understand music in a very simple way, and that is important, because the hardest songs to write are the simplest.
You just have to ask the
Beatles
... ». Between caresses and caresses
Nugget
, the singer also takes the opportunity to claim the ability of music to go beyond entertainment or escapism, its usefulness as a political tool beyond ideological trenches. «Art has always played an important role when it comes to remembering people that they are the ones who have the power and who can use their voice, "he says solemnly.
«Music does many things: it brings joy, hope, it helps you get closer to any feeling that you need to enhance ...
If you want to be happy, all you have to do is play a Carole King song.
and you'll see.
If you're sad or introspective, you put on a Billie Eilish theme.
Music helps us to speak for ourselves, especially in moments when it is difficult to find your own voice. »And she, in moments as difficult as those we have had to live, has decided to be the voice of optimism and hope, what a good need we do.
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