We recently connected with Metakate and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Metakate, thanks for joining us today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

I learned how to write a song from my late friend Van Bates aka Black Hesher. When we met he taught me how to format the poems I was already writing and make them into songs. Everything else has been a learn as I go experience, I learn new things from other artists all the time. I’ve had artists that have helped me with my breathing, that have helped me with ad libs, with my singing, with writing, with promotion, you name it. If I knew what I knew now I would have expanded the amount of people I was working with sooner as like I said, there’s something to be learned from every single person you work with in this industry. The skill that’s been most helpful to me is being open minded and willing to take constructive criticism from anyone. The biggest obstacles that have stood in the way for me are work and relationships. I often find myself getting too wrapped up in a job or too distracted with a relationship that I let it take me away from creating and that has definitely repeatedly been my biggest set back that I’m trying to learn from.

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 Metakate, I previously went by Katie Ladubz so you can find music by me under both names. I got into making music after meeting my friend Van while I was in rehab. I always say music saved my life because I had nothing in my life besides drugs until Van taught me how to turn my writing into songs. It took me a few more years after we met but I eventually got clean in 2020 and started working on my first album. I now make music that speaks about various things in my life ranging from love, heartbreak to societal issues we’re dealing with in our country. I try to work with the community as much as I can so that I can be making a positive impact with my music. In 2023 I won a San Diego Music Award for Best Hip Hop Album but I think the thing that makes me the most proud of the work I do is receiving messages from fans that tell me what I’m doing is really inspiring to them. Just knowing I’ve made a difference to a few people through my art makes me really proud.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

I’ve had many struggles with drugs throughout my life and I have been homeless multiple times where I would still make sure I was in contact with my late friend Van so I could get beats from him or write songs for him, I never could fully give up because I did know I had a bigger purpose for me with music. I’ve been clean for 4 and a half years now but I still have my struggles, right now I’m going through a rough break up and staying with some family on their couch so I can reset and refocus on music. I think no matter what happens I will always be okay as long as I am actively creating something each day.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

I believe society could best support artists by supporting local, it’s so easy to go out to eat and spend $40 but pass by someone selling merch for $20 and not stop. It also is a big deal for an artist that performs or draws or whatever to hear positive feedback, so I always try to go up to whoever I see at open mics or at shows performing that I vibe with and let them know they are great and I enjoyed seeing them. I think sometimes hearing that what they’re creating is appreciated can go along way. I also think more community living options between artists would be helpful.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Linktr.ee/metakate
• Instagram: @metakatemusic
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@katieladubz?si=HlaZPHcF2ptr9naP
• Other: Tik tok
  https://www.tiktok.com/@metakatemusic?_t=8rjXIEC9rm2&_r=1

Image Credits

Annabelle Hartnett
Ned Griffins
Trelly Flick It Up