We recently connected with David Kater and have shared our conversation below.
David, appreciate you joining us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?
I recall being around 6 or 7 years old and sitting on the couch with my mom one evening and watching the television series “Fame.” There was a part of the episode where one of the lead characters was teaching a young boy tap dancing. I instinctively knew I could do that and looked up at my mother and said, “I can do that mom.” Her face was puzzled for obvious reasons. Back then, boys did sports, girls did art. There was a distinctive line and I was blissfully happy to cross it. So off I went to the local dance studio in Walnut, Ca. I went into my first tap class and immediately started mimicking the teacher and other dancers. The dance teacher literally stopped the class, came over to tie my shoe, and said, “Are you sure this is your first time at a tap class?” I said it was and from that moment on, I was hooked. I knew at a young age that I wanted to perform. My first professional gig was dancing in a Disneyland commercial at 9 years old and I then saw a clear path of what I wanted to do in life. I later transitioned from performing to music production and songwriting.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
My name is David A Kater, and most people know me simply as “D.K.” I have been in the entertainment industry since I was 7 years old and started primarily as a dancer and later discovered that I was more of a singer than a dancer. At around 9, I auditioned for a local studio performing group and was told by the head teacher/owner that I would never be a singer and to just focus on being a dancer. That did not deter my young mind and I was dead set to prove her and everyone else wrong. I kept up with singing, took lessons, worked hard to fine-tune my instrument, and when I was 10 years old got my first real singing gig with Placido Domingo in two operas. I later auditioned for “The All New Mickey Mouse Club” (Ryan Gosling, Justin Timberlake, Britney) on Disney Channel and booked the first season. I was validated as a singer at that point and went on to do many amazing projects. From singing and acting alongside legends like Lauryn Hill (The Fugees), Alana Ubach (Euphoria), and Whoopi Goldberg in “Sister Act 2 – Back In The Habit,” to the Broadway stage in “Miss Saigon” as co-starring role “Thuy” which also starred the legendary Lea Salonga. While living in New York, I was able to harness my songwriting and music production skills and made the transition to music full-time after moving back to Los Angeles. After moving back to L.A. I was later signed by mega-producer Christopher “Tricky” Stewart (Britney, Rihanna, The Dream) to an artist deal as the lead singer for pop group “On Point.” While in Atlanta recording the album, I was able to truly absorb a ton of skill through being in the room with a legend. Through this deal, I had the opportunity to be in the same rooms as Usher, Tyrese, TLC, and many other amazing artists. Our pop group was also choreographed by Richy Squirell (Lady Gaga). Unfortunately through inner-group issues, the group disbanded and I was once again on my own journey which led me to MCA Records as a solo artist, only to have the label fold before anything could take flight. After a couple more pending deals. It was then that I dove into being more behind the scenes and doubled down on music production. I have since then been able to write and produce for a lot of amazing projects including Kpop with acts like “Shinee” and “Loona,” and TV and Film. You have heard my music and songs on projects like “Gnome Alone” starring Becky G and “Charming” starring Demi Lovato o on Netflix, On tons of tv movies for Hallmark, Showtime, TLC, A&E, and on many full-length features on HBO, Disney, and more. Currently, I am in the studio with the team producing and writing for several Kpop and domestic artists with longtime co-writer and friend Tricia Battani (Aespa “Illusion), super producer G’harah “PK” Degeddingseze (Chris Brown, NZT, Aespa), and the legendary Jae Chong (Solid, Boa, CoCo Lee). My long-time friend and creative partner Manny Streetz (Ryan Seacrest, KiisFM, iHeart Radio), and I are also in development with new up-and-coming artist “Luc,” as well as creatively assisting the project of the amazing up-and-coming pop artist “Kiyone.” On the television side of things, I am also developing a competition-style show with the guidance of lifelong friends Russeli and Hall productions.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?
There is much adversity as an artist. My struggle was not only the normal haters or naysayers but the fact that I was constantly told that I was Asian and that I was not as marketable. Being American-born but of half Dutch and half Indonesian descent, I was born sort of in the middle category there. Not quite American, and not quite Asian. Sort of almost Filipino or almost Chicano on any given day or set of eyes. Either way, the powers at be and the Hollywood gatekeepers would more often than not make up their minds that I was not “American” enough to solidify a front and center type of role and more often than not was told exactly that to my face. Often being cast in a group where I would “blend” in. It was only those forward-thinking people that dared to take a chance that I owe a big portion of my career. I am so happy to see that now in this day and age, AAPI is stronger than ever and growing in the states and that America is starting to see Asians as truly a part of the fabric of our country and not just an import or a style of food. Albeit, we still have a long way to go.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
This is a good one here. Everyone in life has a moment where they either have to pivot to stay relevant or survive. As artists, we are almost embarrassed if we have to pivot or retool in another way, career, or life hustle. We actually self-loathe more about it than anyone else because our validation as an artist is in question. Our inner selves often have to wrestle and struggle with pivoting or transitioning into other realms of life. I have pivoted more than I can count. From dance to acting, to singing, to being a recording artist, to being a music producer and songwriter. I have also pivoted into other industries not related to creativity at all. I have been in the finance sector with residential and commercial lending, as well as being a real estate agent for both residential and commercial property. I have also pivoted into the tech world by creating a social app still in its early stages of development, as well as writing a series of children’s books based solely on diversity and the importance of acceptance. Pivoting is healthy and should be celebrated and not hated on by any means. Having the ability to be versatile and really be successful at multiple things in life is rewarding and shows intellect and that you’re not a one-trick pony. I think our new generation gets it. There are so many young people that understand the need to have multiple hustles going and are so able to switch it up quickly. Pivot as many times as you need to get it right and find balance and happiness.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.dkater.com
- Instagram: davidkaterofficial
Image Credits
David Kater Headshot – Photo by Abbas (Abby) Sulliman David Kater “Simple Things” – Photo by Jamal Bayette – www.instagram.com/jamalbayette Mickey Mouse Club Photo – Photo by NitroBelle Media – Vicki Truett – www. instagram.com/nitrobellevicki