Kate Nash’s new album 9 Sad Symphonies is her first for the legendary Kill Rock Stars label. Marking a new chapter in her illustrious career, the album’s lyrical scope is both deeply personal and achingly relatable.
Nearly two decades deep into her ever-evolving journey, Kate Nash, the London and LA-based Brit Award-winning polymath, has navigated the highs and lows of music with equal parts resilience and creativity. Her debut album Made of Bricks catapulted her to commercial stardom in 2007, with the chart-topping single "Foundations" becoming a sensation. However, the industry's fickleness became apparent when she was dropped by her label in 2012. Undeterred, Nash charted her own course as an independent artist with albums like the punk-infused Girl Talk in 2013 and the introspective Yesterday Was Forever in 2018. Beyond music, she's found acclaim in acting with her role on the popular HBO series GLOW, and co-created the musical Only Gold with Kennedy Center honoree, Andy Blankenbuehler.
Now, at 36, Nash is poised for yet another transformation. Having recently inked a deal with the prestigious label Kill Rock Stars, known for nurturing talents like Elliott Smith and Sleater-Kinney, she's released her fifth album, 9 Sad Symphonies. Inspired by the allure of old Hollywood and her unyielding quest for beauty in a world marred by decay, the album marks a departure from her recent raw and "rage-y" style. Nash describes it as cinematic and dreamy, a reflection of her evolving artistic sensibilities.
The album's genesis was shaped by two pivotal events: Nash's work on Only Gold and the disruptive force of the global pandemic, which halted filming for the fourth season of GLOW. Amidst the uncertainty, creativity blossomed, and Nash, alongside Danish producer Frederick Thaae, embarked on crafting 9 Sad Symphonies through virtual collaboration. Despite the challenges posed by remote work, the album took shape, blending melodic hooks with intricate arrangements that transcend the limitations of their unconventional creation.
Thematically, the album explores Nash's personal struggles and observations on the state of the world. Tracks like "Millions of Heartbeats" capture the despondency of pandemic-induced ennui, while "Ray" bravely confronts issues of mental health with candid lyricism. Yet, amidst the darkness, there are glimpses of hope and resilience, as Nash navigates themes of love, identity, and societal pressures with her trademark candor.
With 9 Sad Symphonies, Nash not only showcases her musical evolution but also her unwavering commitment to authenticity and connection. Beyond the confines of the traditional music industry, she has cultivated a loyal fanbase through platforms like Patreon and TikTok, fostering a community rooted in mutual support and understanding.
As she prepares to embark on the next chapter of her career, Kate Nash remains grounded in her aspirations: to create music that resonates, to deliver unforgettable live performances, and to continue carving her own path in an industry often defined by conformity. With her sights set on longevity rather than fleeting fame, she stands as a testament to the power of artistic integrity and resilience in the face of adversity.