Greatness Is In the Details

Photographed by Rick Perez, @goodtimerickstudios

Kate Clover started off 2020 with one of the best things a musician could ask for: a four night residency at the Bootleg Theater in Los Angeles, California. Before the first show of her Monday residency, Kate talked to Reckless Magazine about 2019, Mexico City, and going solo.

Los Angeles, California, United States

How was your 2019? What did you do?

2019 was rad. I toured a lot. I got offered these tours sort of out of the blue. It made me haul ass and finish my record.

What did you learn in 2019?

Ask for help when you need but know that greatness is in the details. You can do something good but if you want to make it great, the details are important; things that you might not notice. That’s what separates good from great.

What was your most thrilling creative experience of 2019?

Recording in Mexico City for two months. I felt worlds away from here (Los Angeles) and I just needed to be in a new environment away from a scene I knew. It was exciting. I sent some demos to Brandon Welchez from The Crocodiles and he liked them and invited to come down and wrote an entire album with him.

I had gone through a break up earlier that year, I wasn’t working, and I was like ‘Fuck it! I’m gonna stay here and do this’ and it was exactly what I needed: to be completely removed from my life. I recommend to anybody who wants to make something to just get up and go. You break up the routines of being home and you HAVE to be different.

You have played in a bunch of bands L.A. Why have you decided to pursue a solo project?

Because I’ve been in everyone else’s band and this is just felt like the natural progression. I want to do something that reflects me.

Obviously there’s some freedoms of doing a solo project, but what are some drawbacks?

Doing everything 100% by yourself. EVERYTHING. You may not like the politics of being in a band but at least work is divided. I do everything now. I’m not complaining, you just don’t realize how much it is until you have to do it. Even if you love it, it’s hard work.

What did you most look forward to in this residency?

Playing to different people every night and being able to play a local show four times a month. I love playing so whatever excuse to play I’ll do it. After being on tour for most of last year, it feels good to sleep in your own bed.

What are you looking forward to the most in 2020?

Being on the road again, being gone. That’s why I’m enjoying being here now.