What is your name?
Katrina Swift, although my project name is Lilac Haze.
What is your genre of music?
I would say Dream-Pop, Alternative or somewhere along those lines. Still developing and growing my sound.
Give us a little bio about you.
Lilac Haze is the project name for Bath-based singer/songwriter Katrina Swift. Greatly influenced by bands of the ’80s/’90s, Swift draws inspiration from The Cure, All About Eve, Fleetwood Mac, Wolf Alice, Eva Cassidy, and Pink Floyd– combining atmospheric and ethereal textures with a sense of nostalgic romance.
Swift’s childhood was divided equally between Maine, Texas, and New York making it a trio of home bases. Meanwhile, her early childhood family visits to England began a transcontinental music interest, which lead to Swift moving to the UK to study songwriting, and later co-founding her own label and publishing company. These days Swift is truly transcontinental, based in Bath, UK and in Maine, USA.
What made you go into music?
Music has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. It’s always been played throughout the house and my parents always encouraged me to do what I love. I remember vividly watching and rewatching The Sound of Music when I was about 5 and was in such awe of Julie Andrews that I decided then and there that I wanted to be a singer. That began my journey into the world of music and later classical music training when I was 12 for most of my teenage years.
Who are your influences?
The Beatles, Dolly Parton, All About Eve, The Cure, Wolf Alice, and Pink Floyd (to name a few).
Are you a signed?
I am signed to my own independent label and publishing company KWS Blank Canvas Music Publishing.
You released your new single ‘Daisy Girl’ , tell us more about the single and the meaning behind the song.
This song is for every daisy girl daring to be unapologetically unique. I wanted to create something that was positive and upbeat, reflecting the feel of the song.
Describe the track in two words.
Blissful delight
What was the writing and recording process like?
The process was reflective and easy. I wrote the song back in March 2022 and then shared it with my friend Cal Wotherspoon who really brought it to life. We had a lot of fun creating a soundscape for this and really wanted it to have a fun upbeat, sugary feel to it. So, we experimented with quite a few guitar pedals to sort of get that vibe we were aiming to achieve. We recorded the song and the rest of the EP in Bristol (The Exchange).
Who did you work with on the single?
Daisy Girl was co-produced with Calum Wotherspoon and masterfully refined by Adam Ayan, with guitars by Dylan Osafo and drums by Callum Moloney.
Will we see a music video for ‘Daisy Girl’, and if so, what can we expect from the creative process?
In the works… hopefully the viewers will enjoy it.
We are also expecting your new EP . Tell us more about what we can expect from the creative process and inspiration behind it.
The EP explores change, new beginnings, letting go of fear and living in the here and now. I wanted to create something that would transport the listener to another world where dreams and hopes don’t feel a million miles away or unreachable, and to know that things can get better no matter how bleak the reality may seem. The title track “My Dreamworld” was a co-write and collaboration with the brilliant Julianne Regan of All About Eve. Even though we worked remotely, there was always close communication and so it was still a really warm way to work. Julianne created and recorded much of the instrumentation, and once I had my final vocals done, I sent them to her and she worked her magic with the mixing. I know we both feel it was a joy to collaborate with one another, and we’re excited that we’re continuing to create music together. Daisy Girl, December Dreams, and Under The Blue Velvet Sky were co-produced by Calum Wotherspoon, along Dylan Osafo on guitars and Callum Moloney on drums, and mastered by Adam Ayan.
Describe each song in two words.
Daisy Girl: Blissful delight
My Dreamworld: Otherworldly realities
December Dreams: Winter hauntings
Under The Blue Velvet Sky: Melancholy invitation
Do you have any live shows coming up?
In the works. I can’t wait to play live soon.
Let us know where we can get tickets if so.
Of course! Please check out lilachazemusic.com for live dates and details. Would love to see y’all there.
What else can we expect in late 2023?
Well, “My Dreamworld” EP is expected to be out on all platforms late October, which I can’t wait for you all to hear. I’ll be continuing my collaboration with Julianne Regan, and have some other collaborations in the works as well. I’m focused on writing and creating, and working towards a full length album for the later part of 2024.
Where do you see yourself now in 5 Years?
Healthy, happy, surrounded by good friends and family, and creating music that brings a bit of joy and comfort to others.
What quote or saying do you always stick by?
I stick by the Golden Rule, plus this quote by David Bowie: “If you feel safe in the area you’re working in, you’re not working in the right area. Always go a little further into the water than you feel you’re capable of being in. Go a little bit out of your depth. And when you don’t feel that your feet are quite touching the bottom, you’re just about in the right place to do something exciting.”
When you are at a gig, what are 5 things you cannot forget?
When I’m attending a gig I make sure I have my phone, wallet, earplugs for when it gets a bit loud, gum, and my sense of humour.
Do you have social media accounts so your fans can follow you?
Facebook
Instagram
Twitter
Website
