Australian artist Katy Tunbridge is making waves with her electrifying latest album, Skin Deep, released on October 11, 2024, through her label Katy Tunbridge Music. This dynamic record, lauded by EARMILK, underscores Australia’s thriving indie music scene, with the standout track ‘Lying Through Your Teeth‘ earning her a nomination at the Hollywood Independent Music Awards. Katy’s journey from her roots in Australia to Los Angeles has been marked by collaborations with industry legends like Bruce Watson (Foreigner) and Grammy-nominated producer Billy Smiley, as well as performances in world-class studios like The Sound Kitchen, Peter Frampton’s Studio Phenix, and The Castle Recording Studios. Drawing inspiration from icons like The Beatles, Sting, and Pink, Katy crafts a genre-blending sound that resonates with fans of Gwen Stefani, Sheryl Crow, and Miley Cyrus. With nominations in multiple categories at the upcoming World Entertainment Awards, where she’ll perform the album’s focus track ‘Superhero‘, Katy Tunbridge continues to captivate with her artistry, global vision, and commitment to inspiring others through music.
Read our interview with Katy and stream Skin Deep below.
Looking back, what were some of your earliest entries into music appreciation? And music production?
My love for music kicked off pretty much from day one, thanks to my Mum and Nan. They had a knack for playing all sorts of music around the house, from The Beatles to reggae, Aretha Franklin, and blues. Mum’s vinyl collection was epic! I was always drawn to melodies and lyrics. I started playing my Nan’s organ early on and had keys lessons when I was 7. By the time I was 8, I picked up the guitar, and Mum gave me a tape player. I’d record my songs, play them back, and figure out new guitar parts and harmonies. I’d usually perform them for my family in the living room. At 16, I had the dream of getting my music into a TV show or film. By my late 20s, I was already diving into music publishing, eager to get a handle on how licensing and royalties work. That early start really set the stage for my career, letting me explore music production with all the curiosity and passion I could muster.
Take us through your songwriting process. Are there any particular steps you take when putting music together?
My songwriting process is deeply inspired by life experiences and collaborations. I normally start with a core story or emotion I want to convey or vibe on a riff or chord progression. From there, I weave in melodies and lyrics, often drawing inspiration from both internal reflections and external influences. It’s a blend of structured creativity and spontaneous inspiration, allowing each song to tell a unique story.
Your album Skin Deep is a journey through many genres and moods. How do you manage to encompass so many styles and feelings in one body of work, and which is your favourite to perform live?
Skin Deep is basically a mash-up of all the musical influences and emotions I’ve been through. I’ve done a lot of writing for other people or to fit a certain brief, but with Skin Deep, it’s all me. ‘Living The Dream’ I wrote in January 2020, and the rest of the songs came together between 2021 and 2023. I finished writing them and recorded them with Billy Smiley in Nashville in 2023. It feels like each song is a chapter of my life. Since this is technically my first album, I wanted it to tell a story, like the different seasons we all go through. Each track is meant to bring out a different emotion, whether it’s joy, nostalgia, or deep thinking. My favorite to perform live is definitely ‘Superhero’ because it’s just fun, and the crowd loves singing along. I’m super excited to perform it live at the World Entertainment Awards in Beverly Hills on January 31st, 2025. It’s gonna be awesome!
As a musician, it becomes apparent that there is a huge difference between the art and the business. Is there anything about the music scene that you would personally change?
If I could change one thing, it’d be to open up more chances for emerging artists to get their voices heard without all the commercial pressure. There’s this platform I use that lets artists sell directly to consumers, that sets themselves up like their own record label, cutting out the middleman. It’s all about finding ways to stay true to your art while navigating the industry. If you’re curious to know more about how I operate, feel free to reach out directly, and I can share some resources with you.
Studio work and music creation or performing and interacting with a live audience – which do you prefer?
Honestly, both have their own special vibe. The studio is where I can really get lost in the process of writing, recording, and creating. It’s like my creative playground, I love it. But performing live is a whole other energy, with the crowd and the instant feedback. If I had to pick, I’d say I’m more at home in the studio, crafting the music and bringing my ideas to life. But there’s definitely nothing like the buzz of a live show!
Are there any rising Aussie artists on your radar that we should listen to?
Being based in Los Angeles, I haven’t had as much chance to dive into the local Aussie music scene recently. However, I always keep an ear out for fresh talent coming out of Australia. It’s such a vibrant music scene with so many incredible artists emerging all the time.
What is the most memorable response you have had to your music?
One of the most unforgettable moments was when Bruce Watson from Foreigner heard my song ‘Lying Through Your Teeth’ and said, “This needs to be the theme song for the next massive Netflix series! Seriously. Sounds great.” Hearing such high praise from someone I admire was truly surreal and incredibly validating. It’s moments like these that remind me why I pour my heart into my music.
Follow Katy Tunbridge:
Website – Instagram – Facebook – X – Soundcloud – Youtube – Spotify
