KATE VOEGELE TEAMS UP WITH OAKLEY
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EN-GB;” lang=”EN-US”>One Tree Hill fans will be well aware of Mia aka Kate Voegele as a talented actress. But did you know that she is also an award winning song writer, singer, and artist? Coming off the back of her sold out European tour, Kate has come to London to launch her new range of Oakley sunglasses at their Covent Garden store and BSF caught up with her for a quick chat.
‘Times New Roman’; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;” lang=”EN-US”>: Hi Kate, welcome to London. You have just finished your European tour, how was it?
‘Times New Roman’; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;” lang=”EN-US”>: Touring is fun no matter what but in European everyone has fun at concerts, there is a total lack of inhibition. Sometimes in America people are afraid to be the loudest in the show, but in London & Dublin, people are having fun and not caring about what others think.
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BSF: You have just released a new album, Gravity Happens. What was the inspiration for it?
KV: I’m 24 and this record is all about growing up. I was much younger when I wrote my last 2 records, and I hadn’t really had much life experience. This album is the most fun I have written but it also has a few dark moments that have come from some of that life experience. I was born in Ohio and moved to California, which was a really big step leaving behind friends & family- and I spent a lot of time on my own, which gives you time to think and reflect on life and grown.
BSF: What is the best part about being a musician?
KV: I have learnt over the years that being a musician is a lot like being a story teller. I mean, I love to tell stories and my best friends are all people who can tell a wonderful story and make me laugh so loud. The story I’m telling in my music is that I have learnt over the years that life is unbelievably fun but it is also unbelievably crazy, so the record is called Gravity Happens because life throws you curve balls and you have to deal with them.
‘Times New Roman’; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;” lang=”EN-US”>: So, how did the One Tree Hill gig come about?
‘Times New Roman’; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;” lang=”EN-US”>: Acting kind of happened accidently. I heard that there was a role going for One Tree Hill, and if I go the part I would be able to play a couple of songs over 4 episodes of the show, which was cool. I got the part and all of a sudden, 4 episodes turned into 4 seasons and here I am. It’s crazy! One Tree Hill has been great for my career because Mia is a musician and I get the chance to show my music to an audience through the One Tree Hill.
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‘Times New Roman’; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;” lang=”EN-US”>: Do you see much of yourself in Mia, your character in One Tree Hill?
‘Times New Roman’; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;” lang=”EN-US”>: Mia has been so much fun to play and I do see a lot of myself in her. She loves everybody, and is laid back- just like me. She is also a little feisty, but the main difference between us is that Mia likes a lot of drama and that is not me at all, but it’s fun to tap into such a personality.
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‘Times New Roman’; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;” lang=”EN-US”>: You are a lady of many talents but what is your main talent?
‘Times New Roman’; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;” lang=”EN-US”>: I am a musician first and foremost but art has always been a part of my life. I was an art major in college and I paint as I write music. If I am writing a song and can’t figure out the second verse, then I will take time out and paint what’s on my mind. Oakley were the first ones to really take notice that I was painting pieces while writing songs as well as sing them and decided to showcase all 3.
BSF: What inspired you to work with Oakley on a range of sunglasses?
KV: My music and art really inspired the collection. The album is fun with a lot of summer style songs, so sunglasses are the perfect accessory to go with it. The design is all hand drawn like the album cover, so it’s not perfect- but that’s how I like it, a little rough around the edges.
BSF: So what’s next for you?
KV: I’m putting out a new video and a new single (Blue Sky Beautiful), and then going on tour in October in the States. I am always writing so I am excited to eventually get back in the studio also.
BSF: So you are an artist, actress, musician, and song writer- Is fashion designing an area you would like to try your hand at?
KV: I would love to be a fashion designer one day. I don’t want to be one of those celebs that bring out a perfume just for the sake of it; fashion designing is so in line with art and music that I would put my all into it.
BSF: And finally, who is your favourite designer?
KV: Without a doubt, Vivienne Westwood. (Hi-Fives all round)
For more information on the Oakley range of Kate Voegele sunglasses, visit http://uk.oakley.com/women
To purchase Kate’s album and information on upcoming releases, visit http://katevoegele.com/
Pictures courtesy of http://blog.katevoegele.com/
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