As she meticulously prepares for her inaugural UK tour, Kat Von D radiates palpable excitement about performing tracks from her highly anticipated sophomore album, My Side of the Mountain. In a spirited Zoom meeting, she expresses her eagerness to connect with UK audiences, declaring, “I’m excited to play music that’s energetic, dark, and most of all, fun to play.”
The album, which showcases her artistic evolution, heavily features intricate synthwork, an element she is particularly enthusiastic about bringing to life on stage. “That’s what I’m most excited for,” she elaborates. “I tend to overcomplicate things, but what’s fascinating is that during this tour, I’ve actually learned how to simplify my approach. It’s almost like part of the tour feels like maths.” This insight reveals the depth of her connection to live performance, suggesting a sophisticated balance between electronic compositions and a newfound clarity that defines her artistic expression.
A prominent figure in the tattooing world, Kat Von D first rose to fame through her captivating work on the reality show Miami Ink, and later starred in its successful spin-off, LA Ink, which vividly chronicled her artistry at High Voltage Tattoo. While she has stepped away from tattooing, she fondly reflects on that chapter of her life: “I loved to tattoo, and even though I don’t do it anymore, the best part was the profound connections I was able to forge with people.” She contrasts this singular interaction from the tattoo industry with her new musical journey: “With tattooing, those connections were intimate and one-on-one, and now with music, I get to enjoy a shared experience—singing and performing in front of my fans and friends. It makes me feel less alone in this world, and hopefully, that sense of connection is reciprocated.”
Kat Von D’s long history of intimate meet-and-greet sessions has cultivated an exceptionally loyal fan base. “I can’t wait to reconnect with my British fans,” she admits, expressing a sentiment steeped in shared history and nostalgia. “The last time I saw them was over a decade ago, and these are people I’ve literally grown up with.” She views her audience not merely as admirers but as companions on her journey: “I have my fans, but I always feel like I’m performing for my friends. That’s why it feels so thrilling to reunite in this new chapter of my life.”
Kat keenly observes the distinct evolution from her previous ventures in the tattoo and makeup industries to her current, focused journey in music. “Now, I get to share my art in real-time with people,” she explains, emphasising the immediacy and intimacy of live musical performance. While she acknowledges her long-standing passion for various forms of art, she distinguishes music as her truest passion: “I was never as passionate about makeup as I am about music; music has always meant the most to me.” Her words showcase an earnest personal connection to her craft, positioning music not just as another creative outlet but as her essential form of expression.
Despite the challenging climate for artists, she candidly jokes that now might be “the worst time for anyone to venture into music,” acknowledging the industry’s struggle to adapt to an increasingly digital and stream-focused world. However, she remains resolute and optimistic: “But I don’t have any regrets in my life. I’ve been writing for so long, and having the success of my makeup line opened up the time for me to truly focus on music. I’m so excited and grateful that I’m finally able to pursue my passion fully.”
Kat Von D’s journey into music signifies an intense personal evolution. Transitioning from the intimate connections formed in her tattoo chair to the collective energy of the stage, she has discovered her most authentic voice. Despite the ever-changing landscape of the music industry, her unwavering passion and deep gratitude for her dedicated fanbase—whom she views as friends—will infuse her debut UK tour with a sense of camaraderie, turning each performance into a heartfelt reunion. Audiences can expect a celebration of both her musical talent and the strong bonds she has forged along the way.
