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Cat
So on today's episode of Cat on the Luz, we're going to talk about music and what it takes to become a music star here in Hollywood, to produce music and to launch a music career. I brought two really special guests that.
Anthony Conley
I had the pleasure to work with.
Cat
Anthony Conley, a director and music producer, and Kat Rardy. She writes her own songs, she produces, she's an actor, and she's a fantastic singer. They invited me to be a part of the music video for her latest song called I'll take you there. It was such a fun, fantastic experience. They are amazing, incredibly talented, and I hope you guys enjoy this really fun conversation.
Anthony Conley
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Cat
Hey Cat Kingdom. Today we're going to talk about one of my favorite subjects in this world, music. And I brought two major, major talents here with me. Not 1, 2, 22 that I had the pleasure to work with. And let me introduce, let me introduce Anthony Callie to my right is a director producer who also writes his own material. You've made so many short movies, music videos. Hi Anthony.
Kat Rardy
Hi. How's it going?
Cat
Welcome to Cat on the Loose.
Kat Rardy
Thanks for having me.
Cat
We're going to explain why you're here. And to my left, Cat Square today, Cat Rardy. Hi baby. Super, super talented singer. You write your own material. You're also an actor and you have this F single out there. I want to take you there.
Guest Speaker
Are you there out now? Everywhere.
Cat
Welcome to Cat on the Loose. It's such a pleasure having you guys here.
Kat Rardy
Thanks for having us.
Cat
This is great. Amazing. I hope you get to sing for us a little bit today.
Guest Speaker
Still a little early, but I know.
Cat
Maybe, maybe in a little bit. Right? Maybe in a little bit. So let's explain how the universe brought us here together. Anthony and Kat, you guys met when you were working?
Kat Rardy
Yeah. So back in 2020 I was casting for a feature film I wrote and directed and she was living in New York at the time and the feature, we shot half of it in New York and I just needed somebody for a New Year's Eve party. And the character's name was Gorgeous Blonde. And Kat fit that description very well.
Cat
I agree.
Kat Rardy
We met over there. So she came on. It was only a one day shoot for us but we've always stayed in contact afterwards and she knocked it out of the park course. But since then we've just always kept in touch until she eventually moved out here.
Cat
Good move by the way.
Guest Speaker
It's so funny hearing things from your lens because from my lens I was like freaking out when I booked that job in New York, when I booked his movie. I love telling this story because when I booked the role, first of all, having an IMDb credits that says Gorgeous Blonde, like what? Like never in my life did I think that that would be me. So that thank you for that charity work, seriously. But it was the first job I had ever booked where when I was, when a self tape request came through, he was like I just want to call you on the phone really quick. And we talked on the phone and he explained the role and he explained the story and he was just so passionate and honest and, and, and lovely on the phone and I was like, this is the first time I've ever spoken with a director before taping. So I really appreciated that. And then he created such a safe, fun, communicative set and it was just such a blast. And I remembered being like, wow, all these guys live in LA and that's so cool. And that's where I want to be. And da da da da da. And then flash forward two years later I was like, hey guys, I'm here and they have not been able to get rid of me since. I don't think I've left them alone.
Cat
Yeah, fantastic move. So you come to la. By the way, before I continue, you're a cat with two T's, so I'm cat with one and you're a cat with twos. And today's cat square taking over the world. So you move to LA and you keep in touch with Anthony and you decide side you're going to pursue your music career and you do have a fantastic voice and you guys are going to listen to it, right? So that, that's like your passion.
Guest Speaker
Yeah, I think I moved out here for both acting and music and I kind of was just playing like the balance game of, you know, what's going to. What needs more nurturing at this time and what's attracting more. And yeah, I just think whatever, whenever, like passion or inspiration strikes, I'm like, okay, let's, let's get the ball rolling on it. Yeah, let's strike while the iron's hot.
Cat
So yeah, that totally. We can do everything right. We can do all of it at the same time.
Guest Speaker
I'm trying.
Cat
So let's talk about the single. I'll take you there. Because I fell in love with the song. It's insanely catchy. It should. We thought. I say that every day. I'm manifesting. It should be on the radio. It should be on the radio. It should be on the radio. It's going to be on the radio. It's going to be on the radio. It's going to be. How did it come about?
Guest Speaker
Okay, so I was in the studio. A friend had set up a session for me and at this time I had been in LA for about a year and I was in sessions two, three times a week, just meeting with different producers, meeting with different co writers and feeling a little frustrated because I wasn't, I wasn't clicking with someone that I felt a real. Like everyone was great and brilliant, but I wasn't feeling that, like that ultimate synergy, you know. And so when I met with this producer, Jeff, Shout Out Jeff, it was like, it just felt so natural and everything I was throwing out of me understood and then enhanced, which was really great. And so we were in the studio and we were just kind of had a start from scratch session and I just wanted to make something that was fun. I just, I was like, I just want to make something that makes me feel good, makes other people feel good, makes me dance and take you there came about and Actually, I think that the hook was the last thing I came up with, because I remember starting with the Hollywood hangout, and then the New York line came in and the Brooklyn line came in. I was like, do I wanna make a song about California or New York? And that's exactly where I was at that point. When I wrote the record, I was like, do I wanna stay in LA or do I want to be in New York? I did not know. So it was so funny that I couldn't pick what I wanted to write the song about. And then eventually I was like, well, I'm just gonna make it about both and make it about nights out. Cause whatever. Why do I have to pick one?
Cat
So you wrote the entire song yourself?
Guest Speaker
Yeah.
Cat
That's incredible. Right? It's.
Guest Speaker
My gosh. Thank you.
Cat
It's really.
Guest Speaker
I will say Jeff came up with the lyric golden hour Silhouette. Because I was like. Because I was like, new York City with the wind in my hair. Then I was like, cruising down sunset.
Cat
Sing it, sing it, sing. New York city with the wind New.
Guest Speaker
York city with the wind in my hair I want to take you there. Cruising down sunset. And then I was like, what comes after that? He goes, golden hour silhouette. I was like, jeff, that's literally the best lyric of the whole song. What? So, yeah, shout out to him.
Cat
Match made in song heaven.
Guest Speaker
Yes. Shouts to him for that, too. Yeah. So then we were just. And of course, moving to la. Right. I'm working with all these LA producers, and the one I find the most synergy with lives in New York. Well, so he goes back to New York. We're working virtually. We're going back and forth. And I'm like. I'm telling you, like, what we're going to do, and it's going to be fine. We're going to work virtually. We're going to finish the song. I'll do the vocals here. I think we had one session in New York and then the song came to be.
Cat
And it's super adorable. And then you decided to partner with Anthony to do the music video.
Guest Speaker
Anthony decided to partner with me.
Cat
Anthony was like, I'm going to do the music video for this song.
Kat Rardy
Yeah. Well, I heard the song and immediately, like, sometimes when you hear a song, because this is me and my team, this is the fourth music video we've done. And usually when I hear a song, like, visuals will just pop in my head. And Kat hearing the song that she had, and it wasn't even done yet, but it was so put together and just so catchy. That I was just getting these flashes of very poppy, very bright colors. Very like, I know exactly where we gotta go. And so. And you know, I pitched her an idea which she was totally okay with. And she brought her own elements of like, there's gotta be a pool. And I was like, of course there.
Guest Speaker
Has to be a pool. I think I had like three non negotiables. One was the pool. Yes. The Sunset Boulevard.
Kat Rardy
Yes.
Guest Speaker
I probably had one more.
Cat
You did. It was the hot guy.
Guest Speaker
Yes.
Kat Rardy
The motorcycle. Yes.
Guest Speaker
I met. So Carlo, who's in the music video, he plays the. The motorcyclist and he plays the.
Cat
You picked hot guy by the cast. That was it.
Kat Rardy
You casted Carlo?
Guest Speaker
I think I did a majority of the casting. And you took care of the crew, correct? I would say yes. Great job.
Kat Rardy
Yeah. Nice job, team.
Cat
So now parenthesis here is my part in the story. Because people listening, they don't know. I get an email from Anthony inviting me, hey, I'm working on this music video. Do you want to be a part of it? I had no idea. I didn't know it was you because he didn't tell me. I did not know the song. I did not know anything. But I was like, yes, I'll do it. Because I knew your work. I knew other things that you had done. So I was like, no problem. I'm sure whoever the artist is, I'm sure it's somebody amazing. Because I thought, you know, everything that he's working with is gonna. But then when I go. So I said, yes, I'll do it for sure. And then I. When I got to the set and I heard the song and I saw your face, I was like, oh, I'm so happy that I'm here. I knew this was gonna be so much fun.
Guest Speaker
You walked up to me and you immediately just started, oh, my God, this song is gonna be on the radio. I'm gonna manifest this for you. Yes. This is like. You are like, you don't even understand. And you just. You were just saying the nicest things. Thank you so much for being a part of it. Thank you for bringing her on. And then I said to you, are those Louboutins?
Cat
Oh, yeah. Because he told me, he said, you're going to play a kick ass music executive that is going to find Kat and is going to bring her to the label and say, look, she's a star. So I'm like, okay, I got to dress the part right?
Guest Speaker
And you did. You slayed. That killed it. You. That little moment where you just tilt those sunglasses down, backtracking. I. I had met Carlos.
Cat
Carlos the hot model, by the way.
Guest Speaker
Carlos, hot model. We'll put his Instagram somewhere. And I met him. We were working a movie premiere, like maybe over a year ago, and I just. He was so lovely. We were just having the best talks about film and acting and everything and moving LA and the highs and the lows. And I'm just looking at him the entire time like, this guy. Like, I'm just, wow. I don't know. I just. Wow.
Cat
I was just eye candy, just gorgeous.
Guest Speaker
And like a beautiful human inside too, you know?
Cat
He's very nice, very chill.
Guest Speaker
Really great guy. What a great group. We got together for this. Really?
Cat
Yeah.
Guest Speaker
And I was like, I don't know what I'm gonna use you for, but we're gonna do something. And then this rolled around and I.
Kat Rardy
Was like, bing, bingo.
Guest Speaker
You sit down to do that thing and bring your bike and. And then him and I have also been talking about possibly doing another project together, so we'll see what comes of that. And then even before you decided to take on take you there, I think I was feeling. I was in a rut. And I had hit up Anthony a few. Six months ago. When did we grab that lunch?
Kat Rardy
Yeah, something like six months ago.
Guest Speaker
Something like six months ago. And I'm like, in. I was in a low. I was in a low. I didn't know if I wanted to be here. I didn't know what I was doing. And I was like, anthony, I feel like has. I was like, anthony, I feel like knows what he's doing. And he. I really value his work and I just want to pick his brain. So we did lunch and I told him all these. I guess I started with, like, film ideas. I was like, these are all my acting ideas. These are all my project ideas. And he's like, but what about music? He's like, what are you doing with music right now? And I was like, well. And then I left the lunch feeling like I didn't know if anything would come of it. And then he was like, here's my shot list and treatment for take you there. And I was like, like, oh, okay, cool. You're down to do something.
Cat
Oh, my God, I love it.
Guest Speaker
And I mean, his turnover rate is unreal. Anytime I. I present something to Anthony, he's. He's on it. I think we're both doers in that way, and we love collaboration and we love bringing people together and. And it's just such a special thing because that's what we all came here for, right?
Cat
Oh, yeah. And I think it's all about energy, right. I like working with people with great energy.
Kat Rardy
1000.
Cat
That's usually what draws me to certain jobs. It's not, you know, money oriented. It's more like the crew who I'm going to work with. And if somebody has, like a bad vibe or bad energy, I'm like, no, but if I feel like a good vibe, that's usually what I'm attracted to. And like I said, when you send me the email and I knew your past works, I was like, yes, I don't have to know much. And I think that's. You see the end result. Like, if you guys go right now, go to YouTube and I'm gonna put your links here on this episode. But if you go to YouTube and you see the video, I'll take you there. It's just such a good vibe video. The results, it's like a fun song. You can be having the shittiest day and you put it on in the morning and it. It makes you want to dance.
Guest Speaker
Suddenly in New York City with the wind in your hair.
Cat
Exactly. And you actually posted something on Instagram, you're like, that's how the. The music video is exactly how you were feeling. You try to translate that in. In. Into the. The video. Right.
Guest Speaker
And kudos to you for. I. I think, you know, you. You plant the seed and you have ideas and you have. I think what makes a collaboration is I'm able to bring to the table certain ideas. Ant was able to bring to the table certain ideas, and he understood what I can't figure out cinematically, you're able.
Cat
To figure out, but because you're great to the camera.
Guest Speaker
Yeah. You're alligator. And, like, I love films so much, and I think that translates into my music. I think I write very cinematically, and a lot of my music videos have little Easter eggs from films and stuff like that. And Ant just understood what the girl in that video needed. And it was. It just. It. It kind of.
Cat
Yeah.
Kat Rardy
Well, dealing again, it makes it very easy when you have a song that's already put together. You know what I mean? And so, I mean, you know, Kat is obviously somebody who's on set, always shows up very professionally. One thing I never had to worry about on set was the wardrobe changes. She just took care of that, which was awesome. You know, she would come up red or pink. Which one? Pink. You know, made my job much easier. So having wardrobe change just on deck. Thank you very Much.
Guest Speaker
I'd be like, how much? How much? Till places. You're like, you got 12 minutes. I'm like, perfect, disappear. I come back a literal, different person. Like, oh, I had some flyaways. Definitely, like, watching the video back, I'm like, I probably could have used a hair person. But I think that it adds look.
Cat
Listen, you did an amazing job. I think we're always tough on ourselves, like you were saying. And I don't know if you have that, but I've had that many times in my career. Like imposter syndrome. No matter how well we do something, we always look at our work. Like, do I really deserve this? Am I doing a good job? Should I give up? You know, am I. Am I a fraud?
Guest Speaker
I'm having it right now.
Cat
No. I'll kill you. No, no.
Guest Speaker
Just kidding.
Cat
Too late for that. We won't let you. But have you ever felt that way?
Guest Speaker
100%. We were talking, we 25 minutes ago. We grabbed a coffee, we did grab a coffee before this to kind of just like go over some stuff and possibly talk about future projects in the works. But we were talking about imposter syndrome. And I think something all those thoughts definitely ran through before moving to LA and then moving to LA. It was like 10, 10 times anything I had ever felt in my life.
Cat
Imposter syndrome, it magnifies everything, right? The good and the bad.
Kat Rardy
I find that the only way I can cope with that is just getting tunnel vision on whatever the work is.
Cat
I agree.
Guest Speaker
I get off social media. I took a around. I think that's what also made me so hyper focused on take you there was. I was able to take a social media break. And social media, for me, I was in that comparison place.
Cat
And you can do that.
Guest Speaker
It was not.
Cat
You cannot do that. I remember when I met you that day of the music video. I wanted to tag you because I do have a really big audience and I'm like, kat, I want people to find you. And you were like, I'm not ready. My social. Your account was private. And I was like, girl, open up. You need to look at social media as your marketing tool. Like, don't compare yourself to others. Who cares what everybody else is doing? I know it's very hard, but, like, you need to open up for your work.
Guest Speaker
And I needed that break.
Cat
Yeah. But I was like, no, I understand. Because, yeah, it can be. It can be so hard because obviously the bigger you get, people are vicious. They start writing nasty people that don't even know you.
Guest Speaker
I think about that more than I think about imposter syndrome, I think about wow, when I start to taste it and I feel that closeness.
Cat
We were talking about that the other day, remember?
Guest Speaker
When you actually start to feel the feeling of feeling seen and feeling perceived and like all that stuff, I'm like, whoa. And I know Chapel Roan is talking about it a lot right now. And it's just like, because you're gonna get both, you're gonna get both ends, you just have to have that tunnel vision like you were saying, and just do it because you love to do it and because it inspires people and someone gave me a piece of advice about imposter syndrome and oh, but somebody else deserves it more and blah, blah, blah. It's because you're making it about yourself and you have to make it about the bigger picture, which is, you know.
Cat
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Cat
Easy. We love that. Yeah, I don't think it's like somebody else deserves it more. I think this is my opinion. I don't think we're competition with anyone. Each one of us individually offer something so unique as artists. Like, my podcast is like nobody else's podcast in the world. Your music is like no other, your vision and so forth. So I think it's really stupid about that too, like comparing with. With other people and going back to chapel. Lately, she's been complaining a lot, right? Like, oh, I'm in the spotlight. Oh, my God, I can't handle it. I can handle it. It's hard, but so. And I'm saying, this is what I said when people ask me about it. We know what comes with the territory, right? You know, if your song is going to play on the radio, you're going to have thousands and thousands of people after you. And I think you need to develop the famous alligator skin and just focus, like you said, on your work and focus on what is important to you and don't let distractions distract you. Really, you need to be real to yourself.
Guest Speaker
But I think something to be said about her stance is just safety as a celebrity. And like, yeah, she talks a lot about, like, the stalking and the threatening her family. Like, there's just like certain things that come with it. Like you said, it comes with the territory.
Cat
Like, if you don't want to do.
Kat Rardy
It, well, maybe she can just hire more bodyguards.
Cat
Exactly. You hire more security. You hire a great team around you, right? You need to be surrounded by people that you.
Guest Speaker
And it is scary. You have to think all those things through. I think, you know, a lot of celebrities that started so young, I know when I wanted this as a kid, I didn't think about that, right. I just saw Britney and I was like, ah, you know, and then you start to get older and you learn and you understand and some people have that realization very early on, and they want to be able to go to the grocery store, you know, and other people are like, well, I could just send someone to do that for me. I don't really want to waste my time at the grocery store.
Kat Rardy
I don't have those issues and I still want some else to do it for me.
Guest Speaker
Yeah, there you go.
Cat
Same. I call Amazon Fresh.
Kat Rardy
There you go. Amazon Fresh. Yeah. Or shop. Right.
Cat
But it's a personal choice, right? Like that you have to do as an artist. If you are an artist and you're like, you want to take your art to the next level, that's the choice that you make. Because there are a lot of artists, they're like, you know what? I'm happy playing underground. I'm happy playing, like a club.
Kat Rardy
Session musicians or something.
Cat
Exactly. Or like, no, I want to be like that artist that my songs will be played on the radio. I want to share my music with millions. It's a choice.
Guest Speaker
I love Frank Ocean and his. He just came into this world, gave us brilliant bodies of work, and then just. He's just a recluse and he just lives wherever he lives in. In la. And really no one.
Cat
There are many like that, and I'm many like that.
Guest Speaker
That's nice. Just drop a couple albums.
Cat
See, and you know, they're actors like that. They're actors that make millions of dollars. They go, they make their movie, and they're not celebrities. You know, there's a big difference between being an actor and celebrity.
Guest Speaker
If every actor gets to choose, though, I feel like, yeah, some people can't. They just. They just receive scrutiny and they're like.
Cat
I don't know, you get to choose because some. Look, let me give you an example, right? You live in la, they know exactly where paparazzi goes. So you choose that life of a celebrity. You know, you're going to be photographed, you know, you're going to be in the public eye, or you do your movie and you disappear. And in between movies, people never, ever find you. They have no idea where you are. They don't know what you're doing, and you never hear from them. And there are so many of them like that.
Guest Speaker
Yeah, there's so many this and struggle to stay relevant. Right? So it's like, there's probably a fear because you. You try and you wait so many years to finally get a yes, and then you do a movie and you're like, well, yeah, if I disappear now, like, what if I don't get another movie? What if I'm not relevant anymore. That's, that's where my anxious brain goes. I'm like, I gotta stay, I gotta stay in the spotlight. Like what if they won't give me another movie?
Cat
Well, I think, you know, like I, and I think I sent you a message about that like a few days ago because I sometimes, every once in a while I hear a little something negative coming from you. Like your own fear, I think, of your own success. And I would say, no, don't say that because I really believe.
Kat Rardy
Yeah, yeah, shut up and just stay positive.
Cat
Exactly. Well, because I, I believe. I don't know if you think I'm crazy, but I believe the universe has ears. Like I think everything you say out loud becomes your reality.
Guest Speaker
Yes.
Cat
So if you say something bad, you know, so I, I'm always like, you know, you need to manifest only amazing things, positive vibes for you, for yourself. And then I don't even know why because I'm not a psychic or anything. I said checket, I said just make sure you're careful with whoever is around you. Don't listen to negativity because I know your work is going to grow and a lot of people are going to start criticizing you and try to drag you down and call those negative thoughts usually come from. And I don't know why I wrote her that message. Like just ignore it, ignore it, ignore it, do your own thing, don't let it get to you.
Kat Rardy
Well, you hit on something very important right there about the type of people you surround yourself with because that is also a fine line between like people who are going to build you up, really help your career, just help your mindset, but also not just a bunch of yes men, you know, or yes women, people who are going to give you constructive feedback, people who are going to sit you down, listen and say listen. That really wasn't a good idea. So it's like it is about who you surround yourself with and you want a good team, you want good friends to just be able to be clear to you, you want clarity.
Guest Speaker
And then having you said another keyword there friends around you, but then also differentiating your friend from your professional team.
Kat Rardy
Oh sure, yeah.
Guest Speaker
I think I was just going to use a therapist as an example. Like of course I'm going to talk to my friends about my boy problems or whatever I have going on, but my therapist is always going to give it to me non biased and also tell me ways to find solutions for the situation and not just spiral with me in a circle like maybe a friend would and I think it's the same thing professionally where it's important to be able to. And some of my. Over the years, I've collaborated with a lot of my friends and we've had to go through learning curves of what our boundaries are professionally and friendship wise. And. How do I say this to you without stepping on your toes? And you know, and I have some friends, like, I work with one friend who she prioritizes, like, if we do a photo shoot, I get my photos back the next day. Like, she prioritizes it because I'm her friend. That, of course, other friends put you at the bottom of the list because, oh, that's a friend. I could get to it later. So I.
Cat
That's more kind of like a frenemy. I always do. You guys have. I always worry about those. They tell you they're your friend. And that's another thing I think I said to you. Like, they tell you they're your friend, they're a friend. They're friend until they see you popping, until they see like your work being, you know, becoming more and more successful.
Kat Rardy
Or better than theirs.
Cat
Yeah. And then they're like, you know, they're the first ones that look at your stories, the first one that look at your social media, but they're not really your friend because I think a friend is like a million percent supportive. They will do anything in this world to put you there. Yes, but most people are not like that.
Kat Rardy
Most people are terrible. I think that's true.
Cat
Right? Unfortunately, you heard it here, folks.
Guest Speaker
I'm the negative one. Okay?
Cat
This is more like reality.
Guest Speaker
No, no, it's human nature. I think. You know, another thing that comes with moving to LA is a lot of people move out here alone. They move out here with no friends, no family, and we are grasping for dear life to hold on to anything that gives us some control, some comfort, anything. So I think that finding those friends is so valuable, like finding those real, true friends who I have such a. As you guys were talking, I'm just thinking about my circle of friends that really, every time I tell them about something that is going good for me, they really are so happy for me and I'm so happy for them. And we're at each other's shows and if we can't make it, there's never any hard feelings because we are all pursuing this same journey and we have that mutual understanding and the people that have that frenemy energy, like you said, you got to just keep that tunnel vision and just wish them the best and on their journey.
Kat Rardy
Cut it out.
Guest Speaker
Because it's hard.
Cat
Cut it out.
Guest Speaker
It is hard. And I think that going back to that Instagram thing, it is hard when I'm. I'm like, I really want to be happy for this person. Why am I angry? Why am I jealous? Why are they getting more opportunities than me? And it's like, I'm angry with myself because I want to feel the happiness and I want to be happy for them, but I can't find it, and it's somewhere lost underneath all that envy. And I'm like, get out of there. And then I use all those emotions for acting.
Cat
I think you need to know that your place is there. You need to focus on yourself. I know it sounds. It's. It sounds crazy and it sounds easy at the same time, but it always works. Like, with your music. Yeah, There are millions of other talented singers there, but you need to believe, like, that your song is so fabulous and your voice is so good that you know your place is there waiting for you. You know what I mean? You just know that with every fiber of your being, nobody can take your spot away from you. You.
Kat Rardy
And she's got the body of work to support it. I mean, like, I've told her that, like, you know, like, a song that's always up on my, like, daily mix is her, like, Memory Motel. That's, like, a year old.
Cat
I know. That is such a good one, too. That is so true. We're talking about take you there, take you there, take you there. But, yeah, you have other really good songs.
Guest Speaker
My first EP was called Memory Motel, and I just. I just was talking to my friend. The. The friend that does photos for me as well. Shout out. Marissa. She. She sent me this huge, amazing, beautiful poem that she wrote. She just randomly texted it to me, and I go, oh, wow, this is almost like if Memory Motel had a 2.0. And she was like, yeah, I listened to Memory Motel and then I wrote the poem. Like, it. It straight up inspired. She's like, I can't believe you made that correlation. And going back to what we were kind of talking about is like, you know, it may be old to me, it's new to somebody else. It's still inspiring you guys, which. Which is incredible to me. I'm like, wow, Something that I wrote in 2020 is still resonating with people and then lost my train of thought. Yeah, it's just. It just blows my mind. Oh, doing it. You know when you have those moments of imposter syndrome and you make it about yourself and then remembering, like, wow, this little song that I wrote that maybe I thought nobody was ever going to hear is, like, inspiring my closest friend. Like, that is so valuable to me and so cool. I'm like, someone that maybe has never written a long poem before just wrote one because they listen to my song. Like, that is so cool.
Kat Rardy
You never know what it is that it's gonna really, like, kick off for somebody. Like, you know, once you. I'm a firm believer that once you put the work out there, you kind of don't own it anymore. You've kind of, like, exercised that piece from you. You know, it's done. It's out there. Let anybody who enjoyed. Who wants to enjoy it.
Guest Speaker
Anthony was. Was texting me a lot after the video, and he was like, do you not want people to hear this part of the song? Do you not want me to post this clip yet? Do you want me, like, wait on this? And I go. I go, anthony, leak it. Yeah, exploit it.
Cat
Leak me.
Guest Speaker
Let's go. Come on, leak it.
Cat
I think we all know this is an insanely tough industry, right? It's.
Kat Rardy
Oh, yeah.
Cat
I don't know if it's the toughest, but probably one of the toughest. And we are in the most competitive place in the world for this industry. And a lot of artists come here every day. Day. Thinking that it's going to be easy.
Kat Rardy
Right?
Cat
Right. And that's why so many people get disappointed. I hear that all the time. They come from, like you said, many times alone, and they say, oh, I'm going to try this out for a year, and I'm going to see how it goes. Oh, I'm going to try this out. I get messages from people all over the world because I do the podcast. They're like, I'm going to start a podcast. How do I make money? How can I? And I start laughing because I'm like, I hope you know how much work you have to put into this before you use the word money, you know, before you grow an audience, like, anything, right? Like in acting, singing. So I think for me, the key is every time you're doubting yourself, like, the hardest days. I know it sounds crazy, but I think the day that you're really thinking about giving up is the day that you have to be the strongest. I don't know. I don't know why. Like, the day you say, you know, fuck this shit. I'm going to move. I'm going to. I'm going to give up my. Is the day that you really? Really? Really?
Guest Speaker
Yeah.
Cat
Gotta be even stronger. Say, you know what? Because that's usually the turning point, that you're doing something right. If that makes sense.
Guest Speaker
Yes.
Cat
Because it's so hard. Like he said, you know, you put the music video out there, you never know. It maybe it's that one day that the right person is gonna look at it and call you. You know what I mean? You just gotta keep going.
Kat Rardy
It's about following your bliss. Quote Joseph Campbell. You know what I mean? Like, if it's really something that makes you happy, yeah, that's what you should just be doing. Doing, you know?
Guest Speaker
Yeah. Going back to money. I think Anthony and I surrendered that idea a long time ago. And I think. Yes, I think too. Yeah, I think it's. I know for. I could maybe speak for you, but, like, I can't not do this. Every time I try to quit and I say, my friends are like. So I go home, they're like, how's music going? I quit. Every time someone asks me how it's going, I tell them I quit. Because it's really. It's a daily gymnastics of having to, like, convince yourself, I'm all right, I'm going to do. I'm doing this because I don't have a choice. It's something that I wake up every day and I'm like, all right, I'm doing this. And actually, I woke up this morning and I said to myself, this is so easy. So what you were saying, like, it's the toughest industry, but those affirmations of, like, no, speak it into existence. This is very easy. I have the most amazing people in my life, unlimited resources, the best collaborators, who I believe in wholeheartedly. And I feel so lucky that I get to work with someone like Ant, like, and my producer, like, just you. And just everyone around me is just so talented and has the purest intentions. And it's.
Cat
I mean, I'm like, what are you talking about? And you have an incredible voice. I mean, you cannot shut up. You cannot stop singing because your voice is, like, fantastic. It's really good. Obviously, you compose your songs, which is something huge for a singer. Right, Anthony?
Kat Rardy
Very big. Yeah. Don't have, like, 24 collaborators on the writing credits, so nicely done.
Guest Speaker
Kevin, I'll write for you too, if you want. Want. Just call me.
Cat
You're writing. If anybody needs a songwriter, here it is a. So what's next for you?
Guest Speaker
Oh, my goodness. Well, I'm working on my album right now.
Cat
Okay.
Guest Speaker
It is a fully independent project. I'm Going to beat myself up at how many times I said, I already know it. It's a. It's a fully independent project and I don't know what else to say about it.
Kat Rardy
Not to spoil anything, but I did get to hear some sneak peeks.
Cat
Oh yeah.
Kat Rardy
On the car right over here.
Cat
Okay.
Kat Rardy
Really good.
Guest Speaker
Anthony is completely hands on in a majority of the music videoage and I'm just really excited. It's a love letter to performing. A love letter to Hollywood. A love letter to New York. And it's just been so much fun. I am having a blast making this album again. Not getting so caught up in the stress of it and the money and not having this and not having that and just focusing on what I do have, which is good ass songs, good ass collaborators and fun.
Cat
Yes.
Guest Speaker
I'm just trying to stick to that fun and just having a blast.
Cat
And everything else falls into place. Right. Like follow your dreams. Follow your dreams. Do it from a place.
Guest Speaker
Focus on their music, focus on the art.
Cat
And that's how I do all my work. Like I focus on something that I love. If I feel like I'm doing something from a place of love and passion, everything else falls into place.
Guest Speaker
Because when the time comes and we can't go to the grocery store anymore and we're not maybe calling all of our own shots and there is a team in place kind of, you know, some other people we have to listen to. I'm going to look back and be like, remember when we were just like at Coda's pool filming the music video and.
Kat Rardy
Yeah. Remember there wasn't a video village full of, you know, managers saying, you switched that out.
Guest Speaker
That sucks.
Cat
You know, I am so glad that you united us. I am so honored that you invited me to be a part of this project. Thank you for being in so thank you for. For choosing me. I have no idea why, but I'm very grateful.
Guest Speaker
And now you are my, like, fairy godmother. That's how I feel about you.
Cat
I know. I think you're adorable. From the bottom of my heart, everything I say to you is.
Guest Speaker
It's in the name from.
Cat
Yeah, it's. I mean, yes, you are a cat. We have special powers.
Guest Speaker
It's true.
Cat
And I hope I get to work with you guys together again. Do you have anything? Anything?
Kat Rardy
Yeah, we're coming up. I'm writing right now.
Cat
You're right.
Kat Rardy
Writing right now. Yes. Writing feature and writing a short. So we'll see what happens first. But my day job is also vfx, so to Pay the bills. So, yeah, whichever one happens first, you know, let's see what happens.
Cat
I know we all have like 10 million jobs, right? Because we have 10 million bills to pay. But it will all pay off, I'm sure.
Guest Speaker
Like I said, 10 million movies to make. Yeah, 10 million mean, like you're paying.
Cat
Your bills so far. We're trying. We're trying some of them. Some of them. Some of them. But you guys are incredible. This was really. I'm seriously one of the most fun jobs I've ever done. It's a really fun music video. It's on YouTube. It's doing getting thousands and thousands of views on YouTube, right, guys? So please go check it out. The song is called I'll take you there. Catch. Do you want to sing a little chunk, chunk, chunk, chunk. I'll help you.
Guest Speaker
Do you want to do the chorus? Will you do.
Cat
Okay, 1, 2, 3. All three of us, let's do it.
Guest Speaker
One of us want to take you.
Kat Rardy
There New York City with the wind in my hair I want to take.
Guest Speaker
You there to the down sunset golden hour silhouette I swear that these are.
Kat Rardy
The good days Worrying about nothing and I'm getting paid I want to take.
Guest Speaker
You there I want to take you there that was beautiful. I was so. I was like, what if he doesn't know the lyrics? I'm like, he. With the editing that you did on that video.
Kat Rardy
If I didn't know the lyrics at this point, that'd be so embarrassing.
Guest Speaker
Bad, bad. But you did really great.
Cat
Thank you. It's a fabulous, adorable song. It's going to be playing on the radio very soon. But in the meantime, you guys can listen to it everywhere, right?
Guest Speaker
Take you there is out now. It's available on every streaming service. It's available on YouTub. And stay tuned for the next.
Cat
The. The wait. The music videos on YouTube. But the song, if somebody wants to listen right now, if they're listening to K on the lo in your car and you want to listen to the song, it's on Spotify, Apple Music Title.
Guest Speaker
YouTube Music Title, Amazon music, Amazon everywhere.
Cat
You listen to your freaking music. So please guys, download. I'll take you there.
Kat Rardy
Basically at home.
Cat
It's no excuse. And remember this, if you are listening to the audio episode, make sure you go watch the video episode so you can see this gorgeous faces. Remember this, baby face, because I've been manifesting it and I'm rarely wrong. She's gonna be a huge. Don't forget your poor friends when you're up there.
Guest Speaker
Okay? Oh my Goodness. Are you kidding?
Cat
When you're like, Sabrina Carpenter level, you're not going anywhere.
Guest Speaker
Like, I'm still. It's. It's funny. Like, take me there. I'm still gonna be like, calling you, like, cat, I need an outfit. I'm gonna still be like, it's not. You're not going anywhere.
Cat
I know. I love you with all my heart. You're fabulous. Thank you so much for doing Cat on the Loose, guys. You are incredible. And before I let you go, thank you so much. So we are drinking mocktails, 100% USDA organic. Because I was telling them, a lot of us get so insanely stressed out, our instinct is, let's go to the bar and get a cocktail. However, you can still get the stress off. Get the edge of the stress off with a mocktail with natural ingredients that, you know don't cause any damage to your liver. A lot of people know my story. I don't know if you guys know. I was married to a raging alcoholic for 15 years. Oh, my God. Yeah, he died from alcohol abuse. So I'm a little terrified when it comes to abusing alcohol. So, yeah, I'm all for a fabulous mocktail and so has this fabulous natural ingredients. It's 100% organic. They taste really, really good. And it's Latina owned brand, which of course, being a Latina myself, I'm all about supporting small businesses Latino. So, guys, check it. Some mocktails to take the edge off, especially during the week without drinking alcohol. Thank you so much, guys. This was a really fun episode of Canon lose. Let's keep making great music, great podcasts, great movies, supporting artists. Thank you. You guys are amazing. Much love. Be safe out there and I'll be back very soon. Thank you.
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Podcast Summary: "THE MAKING OF A STAR WITH SINGER KATT RARDI AND MUSIC PRODUCER ANTHONY CALLY"
Podcast Information:
In this vibrant episode of Kat on the Loose Sex, Dating & Relationships, host Kat Zammuto welcomes two exceptionally talented guests: Anthony Conley, a seasoned director and music producer, and Kat Rardy, a multifaceted artist known for her songwriting, producing, and acting prowess. The trio dives deep into the journey of creating a music star in Hollywood, the intricacies of producing music, and launching a successful music career.
The collaboration between Anthony Conley and Kat Rardy traces back to 2020 when Kat was cast in a feature film directed by Anthony. Kat Rardy shares, “When I booked the role, having an IMDb credit that says Gorgeous Blonde, like what? Like never in my life did I think that that would be me. So thank you for that charity work, seriously” (04:05). This initial partnership blossomed into a lasting professional relationship that eventually led Kat Rardy to move to Los Angeles, solidifying their collaborative efforts.
Key Quote:
Kat Rardy (04:16): “We met over there. So she came on. It was only a one day shoot for us but we've always stayed in contact afterwards and she knocked it out of the park course.”
The heart of the episode centers around the creation of Kat Rardy's latest single, "I'll Take You There." Kat delves into the songwriting process, highlighting the challenges and triumphs she faced:
Kat Rardy (06:36): “I wanted to make something that makes me feel good, makes other people feel good, makes me dance.”
Anthony Conley discusses the seamless synergy between him and Kat, emphasizing the organic development of the song’s hook:
Anthony Conley (08:17): “Jeff came up with the lyric 'golden hour silhouette' because I was like, cruising down sunset.”
The decision to incorporate both California and New York elements in the song reflects Kat’s personal crossroads between the two iconic cities.
Anthony Conley took the helm in directing the music video for "I'll Take You There." The creative process was collaborative, with Kat Rardy contributing essential elements to the video's vibrant aesthetic. They prioritized features like a pool and a motorcycle, adding dynamic visuals that complement the song’s upbeat tempo.
Kat Rardy (09:49): “I brought my own elements of like, there's gotta be a pool.”
The production also introduced Carlos, a model who adds charisma to the video, further enhancing its appeal.
Notable Quote:
Kat Rardy (11:12): “When you hear the song and I saw your face, I was like, oh, I'm so happy that I'm here. I knew this was gonna be so much fun.”
A significant portion of the discussion revolves around the pervasive issue of imposter syndrome in the entertainment industry. Both Kat Rardy and Anthony Conley candidly share their personal struggles and coping mechanisms.
Anthony Conley (17:05): “Imposter syndrome magnifies everything, right? The good and the bad.”
Kat Rardy (17:29): “I find that the only way I can cope with that is just getting tunnel vision on whatever the work is.”
They emphasize the importance of surrounding oneself with positive, supportive individuals and maintaining focus on personal growth and artistic integrity.
Key Insight:
Kat Rardy (23:06): “It's about following your bliss. Quote Joseph Campbell. Like, if it's really something that makes you happy, yeah, that's what you should just be doing.”
The dynamic between Kat, Anthony, and the host underscores the significance of positive collaboration in creative endeavors. They discuss how their mutual support and shared vision have been instrumental in their successes.
Kat Rardy (28:54): “We have such a circle of friends that really are so happy for me and I'm so happy for them.”
Anthony Conley (35:07): “I feel so lucky that I get to work with someone like Ant, like, and my producer, like, just you. And just everyone around me is just so talented and has the purest intentions.”
As the conversation winds down, both guests share their aspirations and upcoming projects. Kat Rardy is actively writing new material and engaging in visual effects work to support her artistic endeavors. Anthony Conley is focused on completing his independent album, emphasizing the importance of passion over financial incentives.
Anthony Conley (37:02): “It is a fully independent project and I don't know what else to say about it.”
Kat Rardy (39:28): “Writing feature and writing a short. So we'll see what happens first.”
They express enthusiasm for future collaborations and the continuous pursuit of their artistic dreams.
Kat Zammuto wraps up the episode by celebrating the collaborative spirit and the genuine connections forged through their projects. She encourages listeners to support each other's work and remain resilient in the face of industry challenges.
Kat Zammuto (41:01): “It's a fabulous, adorable song. It's going to be playing on the radio very soon. But in the meantime, you guys can listen to it everywhere.”
The episode concludes with a heartfelt performance of "I'll Take You There," encapsulating the episode's themes of collaboration, perseverance, and the joy of creating meaningful art.
Kat Zammuto (00:16): “Anthony Conley, a director and music producer, and Kat Rardy. She writes her own songs, she produces, she's an actor, and she's a fantastic singer.”
Kat Rardy (04:16): “We met over there. So she came on. It was only a one day shoot for us but we've always stayed in contact afterwards and she knocked it out of the park course.”
Anthony Conley (08:17): “Jeff came up with the lyric 'golden hour silhouette' because I was like, cruising down sunset.”
Kat Rardy (09:49): “I brought my own elements of like, there's gotta be a pool.”
Anthony Conley (17:05): “Imposter syndrome magnifies everything, right? The good and the bad.”
Kat Rardy (17:29): “I find that the only way I can cope with that is just getting tunnel vision on whatever the work is.”
Kat Zammuto (23:06): “It's about following your bliss. Quote Joseph Campbell. Like, if it's really something that makes you happy, yeah, that's what you should just be doing.”
Kat Rardy (28:54): “We have such a circle of friends that really are so happy for me and I'm so happy for them.”
Anthony Conley (35:07): “I feel so lucky that I get to work with someone like Ant, like, and my producer, like, just you. And just everyone around me is just so talented and has the purest intentions.”
Kat Zammuto (41:01): “It's a fabulous, adorable song. It's going to be playing on the radio very soon. But in the meantime, you guys can listen to it everywhere.”
For ease of navigation, key points and quotes are referenced with their corresponding timestamps from the transcript. This allows listeners to revisit specific segments of the discussion for more in-depth insights.
Final Note: This episode serves as an inspiring testament to the power of collaboration, resilience, and passion in the competitive world of music and entertainment. Kat Zammuto, Anthony Conley, and Kat Rardy offer valuable lessons and heartfelt experiences that resonate with aspiring artists and seasoned professionals alike.