Meet Kate Bode | singer,songwriter

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kate Bode and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kate, how do you think about risk?
The biggest risk I’ve ever taken was moving to Los Angeles to pursue my dream of becoming a recording artist. You see, Los Angeles is like the center of the world when it comes to entertainment. I’m originally from Europe, but I’ve always had this longing to live in the United States. American culture has been a constant presence in my life since childhood, through my favorite cartoons, films, and, of course, music.
The first person who truly believed in me was my grandmother. She saw my talent and encouraged my mom to nurture it. So, my mom took me to my very first auditions. I sang on a children’s television show, performed in the choir, and took part in school concerts. However, not everyone at school was thrilled about it, and I faced some animosity for being true to myself and not trying to please everyone.
My lifelong dream has always been to perform and sing. But my father had other plans for me. This was the first time I decided to be disobedient because studying to become a German language translator was not what I wanted.
My parents had already mapped out my path to university, even though they were aware of my creative nature. In my family’s eyes, getting a practical degree was of utmost importance. However, I’ve always known deep down that my calling was to make music and sing. That’s what I want to do for the rest of my life.
Anything related to creativity comes with risks. You have to be brave, weather the storms that life throws at you, and keep working hard to refine your skills in order to become the best in your field.
If you’re following your dreams, finding inspiration becomes second nature. You can inspire others and encourage them to pursue their own dreams as well. It takes nerves of steel to face auditions, compete in competitions, and put your work out there for the public to judge.
I’ve participated in numerous international vocal competitions, and I can tell you that as an artist, you have to take risks every time you’re evaluated by professionals.
So, how do you boost your confidence for auditions and competitions? Just focus on your strengths and let the music be your guide!
I made the bold move of relocating to a foreign country, across the ocean, on a whole different continent. I only knew a few people in the show business, and they advised me to apply for a talent visa. They even provided me with recommendation letters, for which I am immensely grateful.
I spent months gathering all the necessary documents and submitted them just a day before my legal status in the USA was about to expire. It was a crazy and risky endeavor, but I succeeded. Now I have a talent visa that allows me to work here as a singer and fulfill my dreams.
When it comes to making daring decisions, you must be confident and willing to take risks.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’ve been singing since the day I was born. Singing, performing, and making music has always been my dream for as long as I can remember. I’ve always had this desire to sing and express my emotions, to positively impact people’s lives. Interestingly, people often confide in me and share their personal stories, seeking advice and support. If I had a large audience, I would love to share my vision and offer helpful guidance through my music, reaching out to many people.
My fascination with music began when I was on vacation with my grandparents. My grandfather, a professor and violinist with perfect pitch, had a deep love for opera. He had studied at the Conservatory and had a vast collection of Italian records, ranging from classical to pop.
The first singers I tried to imitate were opera singers. Opera has continued to influence my musical journey. From my childhood, I performed at school events, competitions, and even appeared on a children’s TV show.
My first major inspiration came from Whitney Houston. It was my best friend who suggested I listen to Whitney’s CD from the movie “The Bodyguard.” I was blown away and fell in love with her voice. I had never heard anyone sing like her before. I was determined to learn to sing like her and explore the techniques she used in her songs. Mariah Carey was another incredible singer, vocalist, and songwriter who inspired me to develop a wider vocal range.
I’ve put in a tremendous amount of hard work and dedication to achieve my vocal goals. During my teenage years, I had fears about not succeeding. But then, I started to sing in a way that was different from other performers. I sought to find my own unique sound rather than imitating others. I recorded completely new songs in the studio, allowing myself to be fully immersed in them and expressing my own vision of singing. It’s crucial for any vocalist to learn how to work with new music and repertoire.
I always knew I wanted more. That’s why I started performing in France and Italy and even had a show in nightclubs in China. I’ve won numerous international vocal competitions. However, my ultimate dream was to sing in the United States. Since childhood, I’ve dreamt of singing in English, and everyone around me encouraged me to give it a shot in the States. And here I am.
In 2022, I made the move to the US and was granted the prestigious 01 visa for extraordinary abilities in the arts. It’s a talent visa that opens up great opportunities for aspiring singers and actors in the United States.
Several people from the US music industry played a pivotal role in helping me secure the talent visa, such as Todd Hunter and Dory Amarilio. Many of them have Grammy Awards and have worked with renowned pop stars like Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Christina Aguilera, Shania Twain, and Dionne Warwick. It’s an incredible honor for me to work with these talented individuals.
California is an amazing place with countless opportunities for growth. I’ve made new friends and connections here. I perform on stage alongside exceptional musicians and composers, including Michael Orland. I’ve already given my first radio interview, and now I’m thrilled to be doing this interview for Shoutout LA.
Recently, I’ve started communicating and collaborating with another famous figure, Stevie Mackey. He’s a renowned vocal coach who has worked with Jennifer Lopez, Nicole Scherzinger, and Selena Gomez. He’s not only immensely talented but also incredibly kind. He has created a vibrant community for musicians, hosting events where both successful artists and beginners showcase their talents. I’m immensely grateful for the opportunity to perform there.
I also want to touch upon songwriting. I never thought I could write songs myself. However, as I delved deeper into the process, I realized that knowing the fundamentals and gaining practical experience are crucial. In the past, melodies would come to me only in dreams, and I found it challenging to capture everything I came up with. But now, I understand how it all works. I’ve started writing my own music and discovered a new way of listening to old songs. Previously, I mainly focused on vocals, but now I pay more attention to the music and melody. It’s truly inspiring to know that I can do it. The US has had a profound impact on me in this regard.
I’m eager to start working on my debut album, releasing songs that can influence and inspire people. I have a lot to give—inspiration and support that I want to share through my music, drawing from my own experiences and journey.
I’m actively seeking a major record label contract to realize my dream of becoming a recording artist. Music has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. It’s in my blood to be on stage and perform. There was a time when I felt completely lost, doubting my talent. However, music helped me navigate through that difficult phase and reminded me of my purpose in life.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
You know, I have to tell you, before I came here, I never thought I’d be into all this hiking stuff. I mean, climbing mountains and trekking along those mountain rivers? Not really my thing. But let me tell you, I’m a huge animal lover, and it’s amazing to see all these critters right in my own backyard. Those little chipmunks and squirrels scurrying around still get me all excited. Just the other day, we had a close call with a rattlesnake during our mountain adventure. They’ve got signs posted everywhere warning about wild critters, so it’s always better to have some friends with you on those hikes. I’ve never dared to go solo, and I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone either. But I have to share this incredible story with you. We were hanging out with our buddies, driving down the road in our car, when out of nowhere, a bear decides to stroll right across the street in front of us. I’m not kidding, it was like something out of a movie! That bear didn’t pay us any mind, just went about its business like it owned the place. Talk about a heart-pounding moment!
Now, let me tell you about some amazing food spots. If you’re as crazy about Italian cuisine as I am, you have to check out this place called “Il Pastaio”. They’ve got an incredible selection of mouthwatering Italian dishes that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Trust me, it’s a must-try!
address: 400 N Canon Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
And when it comes to sushi, there’s one spot that stands above the rest, my friend. It’s called “Nobu”. They’ve got sushi skills like nobody’s business, and the flavors they create are simply out of this world. If you’re in the mood for some sushi magic, Nobu is the place to be.
Address: 22706 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265
Now, if you’re like me and can never make up your mind, I’ve found the perfect spot for you. It’s called the “King Buffet”, and let me tell you, it’s a hidden gem. They offer an incredible variety of seafood and more. I mean, if you’re craving a taste of everything and can’t decide on just one dish, this is the jackpot. Trust me, you won’t leave disappointed.
address: 1375 N Western Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027

But hey, let’s switch gears for a moment. You know what I absolutely love? Singing my heart out. And there’s this fantastic karaoke bar called the “Backstage Bar & Grill”. Let me tell you, it has the best vibe ever. The atmosphere is off the charts, the equipment is top-notch, and the people there are so friendly. If you’re up for belting out some tunes and having a great time, this place is an absolute must-visit.
address: 10400 Culver Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232

So there you have it, my friend. This place is full of adventures, delicious eats, and good times. California sure knows how to keep you entertained.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I owe my gratitude to many people, so let me start from my childhood. First and foremost, my grandma was the first person to believe in me. She saw something special in me from the very beginning. My grandpa played a significant role in shaping my musical taste. He introduced me to good music and instilled a love for it in me.
But my mom, oh, she did so much for me. She was always there, supporting me, attending auditions, taking me to rehearsals, and advocating for me when I was just a kid. She gave me confidence every single day. My mom dedicated her entire life to helping me succeed. She’s incredibly kind-hearted, selfless, and has the biggest heart I know. I truly have the best mom in the world. She’s not just a mom to me; she’s my hero. I really hope she can visit me here in California soon. I miss her dearly.
I also want to express my gratitude towards social networks. They have the power to make you popular and help you find your audience. They can even catch the attention of the right people. In my case, that’s exactly what happened. I posted a cover of a song from the musical and film “Dreamgirls” with Jennifer Holliday and Jennifer Hudson… and Jennifer Hudson herself liked it! Wow! It was such a cool moment for me. I think everyone should know about it. It was unexpected and came at a time when I needed some support. Her “like” was a tremendous motivation for me. She’s one of my favorite vocalists.
And of course, I want to extend a big thank you to my beloved Mikhael for everything he does for me each day and for his support during difficult times in my life. He’s always there for me, surrounding me with love and care. He’s not just my partner, but also my best friend. Thanks to him, I made the decision to move to the United States. He believes in me more than anyone else, sometimes even more than I believe in myself. Having someone close who believes in you is incredibly important. The people we surround ourselves with play a vital role in shaping who we become.
“And I say thank you for the music, the songs I’m singing Thanks for all the joy they’re bringing…”
Lastly, I want to express my gratitude to God for all the blessings bestowed upon me and my family. I’m thankful for the strength I receive from Him every day and for all the wonderful people around me who make life more meaningful.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katebod_/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y%3D

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@katebode328

Other: https://www.gigsalad.com/kate_bode_west_hollywood

Image Credits
Kate Bode, Craig Allyn