At a time when her artistic career seems to be blossoming in multiple directions, Kara Connolly sits down with us to talk about everything from the release of “California Queen” and its deluxe edition, “California Queen (Deluxe),” to her role as a composer on international projects, including her foray into film and the importance of maintaining creative control over her music and image.
With honesty and enthusiasm, Connolly opens the doors to her universe, where vulnerability becomes strength and every stage of her life finds echo in song.
Kara, it’s a pleasure to have this conversation with you. Before we begin, we’d like to know how you’re doing right now in terms of your artistic career. How would you describe this moment?
It’s such a pleasure to chat with you, too! Thank you for having me. As far as this moment in my artistic career goes, I feel like I’m finally getting to watch my flowers grow from seeds I planted years ago and have continued to water. This moment has been really creatively fulfilling and artistically varied, full of all sorts of colour and texture. Every week, I seem to switch hats from working as a songwriter for other artists and their projects, as an actor, as a solo artist finishing my own next album, as well as collaborating behind the scenes on a side project girl band with my best friend, Teddi. I’m beyond grateful to say that I’ve been seeing forward momentum in each area of my artistic pursuits, and while some may be blooming and others are little buds finally sprouting at the surface, I’m looking forward to seeing where it all may lead me in time. All that said, I’m starting to really enjoy the journey most of all and have decided that whatever positive outcome comes my way is just the cherry on top of an already ridiculously eclectic and decadent ice cream sundae. I’m constantly creating, I’m doing what I love, and I’m surrounded by love and support while doing it, and that means the most to me at this moment.
You just released the Deluxe Edition of “CALIFORNIA QUEEN.” We’d love more details about this project. Why did you decide to do it?
This “California Queen” era has just been so much fun for me. I got to say everything I wanted to with this project and express everything I was looking for, both sonically and creatively. So many of the songs got their own special moments and worlds. I made the album I wanted to make. I’m incredibly proud of it all. I decided to release a Deluxe Edition of the album because I have a limited edition, signed “California Queen” vinyl in my shop that contains a special vinyl-only bonus track called “Take Up Space” that ends the record. Originally, it was a song that was only found on that vinyl pressing, but so many of the fans who received the physical copy of the album have been asking me when “Take Up Space” would be on streaming services so that they can finally blast it in their cars, etc. I decided that the song completes this project thematically and that I should drop it for the world to hear. I also wanted to include my song “Urban Cowgirl” on the Deluxe release, which is another track that so many fans were inquiring about, asking, “Why isn’t ‘Urban Cowgirl’ on ‘California Queen’?” I decided the song really did belong within this era and that it should be included. The whole project is about stepping into our own power and claiming our self-worth despite all of how we self-sabotage, people please, work too long and too much, burn out, are hard on ourselves, etc., or all of the ways that others may hurt us, underestimate us, or count us out. These two songs fit that bill and, I felt, deserved their moment.
Let’s talk about the track “Take Up Space,” which is a bonus track included on the album. What inspired you to write this song? What is it about, and what message do you want to leave for those who listen to it?
I wrote “Take Up Space” after going to a really challenging spin class. My instructor said to the class, “You’re here because you love your body, not because you hate it!” and “You deserve to take up space!” It emotionally impacted me, and I could tell it emotionally impacted others in that moment as well. I wrote the title idea “Take Up Space” in my notes app after the class and went along with my week. Then, soon after, in a writing session with my friends Teddi Gold and Beza (Belinda Huang), it came up, and we decided to write an indie-pop anthem that reminds us all of our right to exist, take up space, and claim our rightful seat at the table. When I was younger, I often wanted to hide or disappear. I didn’t fit in with one group and didn’t always feel like I belonged in any one place, but I have since built a beautiful life full of fellow misfits, weirdos, lovers, and dreamers (all positives to me by the way). This song is for those of us who have ever felt too much, not enough, or have oscillated between the two (it’s me, hi!). We wanted the track to have a cathartic release, an emotive build, and to feel empowering, meaningful, and even cinematic. I envision it in an indie film montage where the protagonist begins a brand new chapter in their life.
Many describe “CALIFORNIA QUEEN” as an album for catharsis and self-discovery. What would you say was the greatest personal lesson this process left you with?
This album was the culmination of so much growth and healing for me in nearly every area of my life, but the greatest personal lesson I’m left with in this moment, as I exit this era, is that rest is productive. What if all I did today was exist? Nature doesn’t try to have a purpose. Can I be okay with that, or am I basing my sense of worth on my ambition and relentless work ethic? Can I look after myself and my own needs even if that means inevitably disappointing others at times…maybe even frequently? If I can’t do so, am I aware that I may be disappointing myself and my own body instead? Am I willing to accept that trade-off? It all comes back to self-worth, self-love, and self-acceptance for me, which is a core theme of the album. It’s a process, but I’m much stronger now than I was when I started this record.
We also have the new video for “Beachwood,” which recreates different eras of Hollywood. How did the idea of paying tribute to these eras through costumes and visual storytelling come about?
I’ve always been drawn to Old Hollywood and the idea of storytelling and classic cinema. I remember my first time driving through Los Angeles with my mom and feeling mystified by all of the dreamers who had made their way in this city. Eventually, I moved out here, and while I’ve lived in various parts of this city over the years, I always had this idea that one day I would live in Beachwood Canyon, which is the section of the Hollywood Hills that is home to the Hollywood sign. Years later, I did eventually end up living there (and leaving there!) so for this video I wanted to take the viewer through Beachwood Canyon and its lush and historic topography, but also wanted to transport them in time to the different eras of Hollywood that create the magic of Beachwood and to give them a sense of the nostalgia that living in Beachwood Canyon brought to me and my life. This video is really a love letter to Los Angeles, Old Hollywood, and the magic of the hills, but it’s also my reminder to embrace change and seasons of transition, and that something beautiful might be right around the corner when coasting the endless road of life.
You often direct and produce your own videos. How important is it for you to maintain that creative control over the visual side of your music?
I do! You’re right! Ethan Stockwell and Elise Bortz co-directed “Beachwood” and helped produce it with me. They are both wonderfully innovative, with an eye for detail, a strong aesthetic sensibility, and a collaborative spirit—all qualities I seek in my creative partners. That said, having a sense of creative control is very important to me, and I’m heavily involved in all aspects of my music, imagery, and artistry. I consider the visual aesthetic of my music to be a part of the artistry, so in many ways, they are the same to me. In my mind, one does not exist without the other. Often, while I’m writing and recording a project, I already start to envision worlds in my head. I can’t help it, really. It brings the music to life for me. I also just love costuming, makeup, etc, etc., so creative directing, producing, and styling allow me to express those other sides of me.
You acted in a kids’ show that was nominated for an Emmy Award. What did it mean to you to be part of a project with that level of recognition?
Oh my gosh, it was so cool! I had no idea we would be recognised in that way. I’ve had a giant EMMY Award on my vision board for YEARS. Now, I’ve yet to win one, but I didn’t expect a nomination like that to come in the form of working on a kids’ show as a musical hedgehog! I also met one of my close friends, Doug Locke, on set, with whom I ended up headlining The Troubadour. Life is full of surprises, and we never know which doors we walk down may lead to the manifestation of our dreams. It was a great reminder to stay open—open-minded, open-hearted, and collaborative and creative.
We wouldn’t have enough time to cover all of your achievements. But which one do you consider the most significant, and why?
That’s very sweet of you to say. Right now, I’m most excited about writing a song called “oops!” on KPop girl group ILLIT’s latest mini-album “bomb.” It got certified Platinum in Korea, debuted on the US Billboard 200, and hit #2 on the World Albums Chart. It’s definitely my biggest “achievement” as a songwriter to date, and I’m grateful that it’s brought more opportunities into my life. Headlining the Troubadour was also pretty amazing because it’d been a dream of mine to play there for years, and I was surrounded by family, fans, and friends the entire evening. I’m actually going to release a LIVE at The Troubadour concert film soon. But personally, I think the fact that I’ve wholeheartedly gone after my dreams, remained true to myself and my values along the way, and still consider myself to be a present, good friend, daughter, sister, and partner is my biggest achievement. The name “Kara” means both “beloved friend” and “sweet melody,” so I feel like I’m living up to my namesake, and somehow that makes me happy.
What lessons from acting have you brought into your music, especially when performing on stage or shooting a music video?
Music and acting are deeply intertwined for me. While many of my songs are inspired by my personal life, I often revisit different moments in time and relive them—whether I’m writing a song, performing on stage, or shooting a video. That process feels a lot like acting, especially since I often draw from my own experiences, relationships, and passions to connect with and create a character as an actor. When performing songs I’ve written or cover songs in the studio or on stage, I often step into the heightened version of myself that presently lives in the storyline that the song tells. For my next record as a solo artist, I’ve actually decided to write each song from the perspective of a different, misunderstood woman so that project brings a unique challenge and perspective and will certainly merge acting with music in a new way for me. I always want my music to come from a real, emotional place and not just a stoic singing of the notes. Technique is beautiful and important, but I think learning to feel safe being seen and perceived, be vulnerable, and open myself up emotionally as an actor has allowed me to throw my whole heart and guts into songs in a way that hopefully connects with the listener on a deeper level.
You were recently invited to become a member of the Recording Academy. As an independent artist, what does it mean to now have a voice within an institution that in some way sets the course of the music industry?
It feels really meaningful to get to be in a community of fellow music makers, advocates, and peers. I’m excited to have been gifted the opportunity to celebrate my peers’ hard-earned achievements, to mentor and connect with my fellow creators and industry movers and shakers, to continue evolving, growing, and creating amongst some of the best, and to advocate for our rights and necessary change. I am already working with the advocacy team to fight for songwriter and artist rights, which is something I am personally passionate about. Being a member of the Academy allows me access to the knowledge needed to be at the forefront of these issues. For example, one of our collective focuses this year as an Academy is on putting AI protections in place. The genie is out of the bottle, and I believe that AI is here to stay. While AI can unlock new creative possibilities within music and art as a whole, we must protect—not replace—human innovation. Generative AI companies want to exploit and copy music and other creative works to train their models without asking for permission or compensating creators, even if pirated works were used in the process. AI tech giants pay for chips, servers, energy, and infrastructure, and should also pay for the creative inputs that make their technology possible. We’re advocating for the NO FAKES Act, which would require consent and compensation that safeguards every artist and American’s voice, image, and likeness from AI misuse.
What music does Kara Connolly listen to? What’s on your personal playlist?
That’s a great question! I listen to so much music. My favourite album this year was Maren Morris’ “DREAMSICLE.” I was lucky enough to be front row at her tour and brought my family to the show with me. It was amazing. Lately, I’ve been listening to a lot of incredible K-pop since I’ve been writing in that world. The groups and their dedication just blow my mind. I’ve gone on a deep dive of ILLIT’s entire catalogue since writing a song on their mini-album “bomb.” Their songs and music videos are so intricate and detailed. I’m a fan. My music taste is varied, so those are just some favourites from the last few months. I’m not going to lie, I’m a girly pop though. I’m here for the girls. I’m sure I’ll have “The Life of a Showgirl” on repeat.
Is there any dream you still have left to fulfil in artistic terms that you can share with us?
There are truly so many. I want to perform at the Hollywood Bowl; I want to go on a world tour; I want to act in a crazy edge-of-your-seat thriller; I want to write a #1 song. The list is endless. I have yet to fulfil a lot of my dreams if I’m being honest with myself and you, but lately I’ve been reframing my perspective on ambition and doing my best to live more in the moment and appreciate the ride. For the most part, I get to create whatever I want, whenever I want, and, for that, I’m incredibly grateful.
Beyond her visible achievements, from writing for K-pop groups to becoming a member of the Recording Academy, what stands out most in this conversation with Kara Connolly is her firm determination to continue enjoying the journey. Between dreams yet to be fulfilled and projects constantly evolving, the artist reminds us that true success isn’t just about getting there but about living the process authentically.
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Model is Singer-Songwriter and Actress Kara Connolly
Website: www.karaconnolly.com
Instagram: @karaconnolly
Photography by Grace Stockdale
Website: app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule/029cbe93
Instagram: @grace.stockdale.photography
Makeup by Phoebe Dawson using MAC Cosmetics
Website: www.phoebedawson.com
Instagram: @phoebemakeup
MAC Cosmetics: www.maccosmetics.com
Styling by Kara Connolly
