Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Katy May. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, Katy thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Do you feel you or your work has ever been misunderstood or mischaracterized? If so, tell us the story and how/why it happened and if there are any interesting learnings or insights you took from the experience?
Absolutely. For a long time, I felt like I was always the last one asked to play a show, almost like being at the bottom of a phone tree. I never took offense—I just wanted to play. But I’d pour my heart into sets about personal heartbreak and loss, only to have the next band brush it off as “cute.” It felt dismissive, like we were being typecast. We’ve been labeled everything from hard rock to “the most annoying tones in music” by a jazz reviewer. Our sound doesn’t fit a clear mold, so we end up on eclectic, yet incredibly fun, lineups.
Katy, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Katy Needs A Life is a four-piece sad-pop band made up of Katy (singer, synth, songwriter), David (guitar), Reggi (bass), and Jake (drums). We create emotionally charged music that blends themes of heartbreak and personal struggles with catchy, melancholic melodies. Our sound is heavy and melodic with a drizzle of pop and punk added on top.
We take pride in bringing authenticity and vulnerability to every performance, crafting an experience for our audience that’s both emotional and unpredictable. If you’re looking for music that’s heartfelt and raw, we’re here to offer that connection!
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
In 2019, a challenging experience left a lasting impact on me. Someone close crossed a boundary, and while the situation eventually subsided, the effects lingered. I found myself constantly on edge, cautious about where I went and who might be around.
Determined not to let this hold me back, I turned to my bandmates, who assured me they’d have my back at shows. Their support helped, though I still felt some unease.
Just before the pandemic, I realized I needed extra support to manage everything I was carrying, so I began therapy. That journey helped me make some positive changes, including stepping away from drinking.
During the pandemic, I felt a temporary relief from the stress of running into that person. Afterward, though, I was hesitant to get back on stage, worried about old fears resurfacing. But with each show, I started to feel a bit more like myself again.
Over time, I’ve been slowly rebuilding my confidence. While echoes of that experience still come up, I remind myself that resilience can take many forms, and I’m committed to staying true to my dreams.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect of being an artist or creative is to be able to tell a story without any words at all.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://katyneedsalife.bandcamp.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katyneedsalife/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KatyNeedsALifeBand/
- Twitter: https://x.com/katyneedsalife?lang=en
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/KatyNeedsALife/videos
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/katy-needs-a-life
Image Credits
Images with Katy wearing skeleton suit and Chappell Roan tee taken by Kayl Marie Photography