College Times

Issue date: 10/29/09 Section: Calendar

Media Credit: Brian Bowen Smith, Universal Records

Kate Voegele isn't about to give up on MySpace.

The notorious over-the-shoulder-looking Tom Anderson, creator of MySpace, discovered her when she was still a lady folk-pop-rockin' a guitar with no record contract. She was the first to be signed the MySpace records and now she has a new album, a sweet gig on the CW's "One Tree Hill" and a drummer that gets into all kinds of shenanigans, as she told us in an e-mail interview.

Facebook can suck on that!

College Times: You're a pretty busy girl these days. What's it like balancing acting with being a musician? Is there one that comes first?
Voegele: The great thing about my acting and music careers is that they literally go hand in hand. I get to play the songs from my record on TV while I act! Obviously my life is a little crazy busy, but everybody in both worlds has been great about being flexible so that I can do both. Overall, I see myself as a musician first and I think I always will, but acting has been an incredible way to showcase my songs.

I'm sure the songwriting process is therapeutic for you, but what is it like for you when a fan tells you the song is just as therapeutic for them?
That's the most rewarding part of my job. Writing songs as therapy for myself is one thing, but if I can make a career out of doing something that serves as therapy for someone else, that's a pretty amazing feeling.

What did you want to do differently on A Fine Mess than you did on your debut album?
This record took a few more risks in several ways. Lyrically, it's more honest and up front. I became more comfortable with my own vulnerability on this record. Musically, it's also a bit edgier. I felt like I got to 'stretch myself out' as a songwriter more and explore some different sides of myself as an artist.

You're all over the world with your current tour. I'm sure you have a lot of awesome road stories. What's the weirdest thing to happen to you on the road so far?
Recently, my drummer got stuck in a fence outside a bar on Sunset Boulevard. It was pretty awesome because he was stuck for about two hours and eventually the bartender had to free him with an actual hacksaw by sawing through the fence. Definitely one for the books.

Whenever I hear someone mention your name, inevitably the "chicks with guitars are hot" discussion comes up. Let's end this now. Which is hotter: a guy with a guitar or a girl with a guitar?
Definitely a girl with a guitar because it's less expected!

To impress the fellow musicians who are reading, what is your favorite kind of guitar to play?
I have a Gibson 1978 Dove acoustic guitar that is my baby. It's incredible.

Quick! You have to choose between doing a duet with Bob Dylan or Ryan Adams in 15 seconds. Who do you choose?
Definitely a tough choice! I have to say that I'm a huge Ryan Adams fan and that he'd probably win out. Bob Dylan is undeniably genius, but I've owned every Ryan Adams record since I was like 15.

You were the first artist to be signed to MySpace records, but Facebook seems to be the wave of the future. Is Facebook the new MySpace?
I think Facebook is definitely making a big impact, but I'm forever a MySpace girl. Tom found me on there and signed me to his label, so if I'd stuck to Facebook [alone] I probably wouldn't be here!

Kate Voegele, Mesa Arts Center, October 30, 7:30 p.m., $16-$20

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