I got to know Katy just before she really blew up on radio with “I Kissed Girl”. I was getting started as a music producer, and was still working a day job at Universal Music Publishing. Katy had made an album at Sony that didn’t go anywhere, and in the eyes of industry elites she was sort of done.
I was writing with Gina Schock of the GoGos, and we had a song that Gina’s manager, Bradford Cobb really loved and thought was a hit. He also managed Katy and asked us if she could come in and sing it.
When he brought her to the studio, my immediate impression was that Katy was attractive with a really larger than life personality. It felt like she was going to be a star. She was like us, she had been around Hollywood for awhile, had been kicked around by it all, was close to broke all the time and was just trying to keep it all going. She’s a funny and interesting person, and her backstory is a little sad, weird and remarkable.
When Katy started singing, her voice had great depth and character. She is really a phenomenal singer - just big, rich tone and range. She doesn’t deserve any criticism as a singer.
In the following year I got to write a couple of songs with Katy. She’s a crazy, super talented songwriter. Really fun, original lyrics, great melodies.
I don’t want to pass myself off as a good friend of Katy. I didn’t get to know her that well, but I did get to know her well enough to be impressed. She’s the real deal. She is a genuine and talented person who worked hard and made a success for herself.
I made this video about Katy awhile back. I was responding to someone who is asking if Katy Perry could really write songs. You’re welcome to check it out:
Cheers!
