Wednesday, September 10, 2014 12:58pm ET by  
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Kady Z on her new acoustic EP, her creative process, and support for the LGBT community

Pressparty recently sat down for a chat with songstress Kady Z about her influences, her path into the music world and her family connection to it, and her hopes for the future. 

So you’re gearing up to release ‘Ordinary Girl Undone’, which is a 5-track acoustic EP, on September 23. What made you want to record an acoustic version of the songs you had previously released on your 2013 debut album, ‘Ordinary Girl’? 

I have always had a fascination with wanting to hear another version of a song that I love, because, for me it gives it a different dimension and I always end up reconnecting with it or loving it more. I was so proud of the full length album, that I wanted to bring a couple of songs back to life in a different way. My producer/co-writer ToneDef and I, took 5 of the songs and stripped them down, and had them center more on the vocals and vibe. I think the EP really brings an intimacy to the songs that, obviously on the fully produced LP, wasn't there before.

You’ve listed both Gwen Stefani and Robyn as two female artists who influence you. What do you like most about their style and music, and what is it about them that inspires you? 

I think Gwen Stefani and Robyn know how to be feminine and powerful in a classy and sexy way, and always manage to keep their sound and style fresh. It's nice to see female artists who don't rely on scandal to keep their music alive.

Earlier this year, you were involved in the NOH8 campaign, which aims to promote marriage, gender and human equality. Why did you want to get involved in that and what do you think about the representation of the LGBT community in the music world? Adam Lambert recently spoke out about the fact that progression is happening (he said: “Things are finally getting to the point where someone who is LGB or T is able to become a recognisable artist”) although he admitted that there need to be more LGBT artists who are willing to take a stand and speak up about it.

I have so many friends in the LGBT community and I feel just a part of this problem as any of them. I think love is love and it's nobody else's business to say who can be together and who cannot. I agree with Adam Lambert, I think the progression is great, and it can only get better!

You have an incredible versatile vocal style and can execute a pop track as effectively as you can perform these acoustic, balladic songs on your upcoming debut EP. When did you first decide you wanted to become a singer and what kind of styles first interested you? 

Thank you! I don't think I decided to become a singer, I thinking singing decided for me. I am not sure what that means, but I just remember it was always a part of me. My mom is a singer, and I used to watch her perform every night and put a spell on an audience, I think she probably had something to do with it. I remember being introduced to so many different kinds of music, from Madonna to Frank Sinatra, I was all over the place. 

What creative process do you go through when you’re writing new music?

Formulating the ideas is the most important first step. Then Tone tells me if he thinks I am crazy or a genius, or both and we go from there. Once we have the ideas we start building the tracks and then start adding lyrics, but it can go either way!

What music are you listening to at the moment? Do you have a favourite new band or artist?

I am always listening to Ed Sheeran. But I love Kacey Musgraves and the new Lana Del Rey album kills me!

You’re also the daughter of actress and singer, Pia Zadora. What was it like to grow up in such an openly creative environment and do you think that it influenced your passion for music and subsequent professional pursuit of it?

I think growing up is hard to do no matter where you come from, but I do think being around it and in it from such an early age fueled my passion to be a singer. After you get a taste of it, being on stage, with the music and the lights, telling your story, you really have no other choice, it consumes you. 

What are the things that you most like to write about? Are you inspired by any particular themes more than others? What do you hope to achieve with your music?

I guess I write about things that move me, and experiences I have had. It's easier to write a sad song than it is to write a happy song. Happy songs don't sound as cool for some reason…"If you're happy and you know it", for instance, not so much. But seriously, I feel like I am more likely to sit down and write out my sadness rather than happiness.  I feel like at least, if someone, somewhere can get in the car after a long crappy day and turn on some of my music to get them away from their crappiness for 20 minutes or so, then I am doing something right. I want my music to be able to make a difference, even a small one, in someones day, because I think thats what it's there for. 

What do you have lined up for the rest of 2014? Any career ambitions for the future that you can share with us?

Working on some new music in the studio, and some new music videos as well. And I really want to see Canada!!! For updates check out my site www.kadyzmusic.com and you can find my Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages, come say HI!! 

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Watch some of Kady Z's videos below: