Interview: Baby Cate Talks About Her Self-Produced New EP "Self Love"
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“I know my worth as a black, female rapper, producer, songwriter and engineer. I know it’s important to represent that. I know what it’s like being an A&R for a label, because I was one at my school. I know I’m different, but others don’t know that yet, so I’m working on it. ”
Congratulations on the completion and release of your EP "Self Love"; we love it. What does the EP's title represent to you?
Thank you. I think the title represents a time in my life that I needed to learn about what makes me happy. This EP is about loving yourself and the people that surround you, but also it’s about letting go of people that may be toxic.
Tell us about your creative process as a songwriter and producer for the EP. Also, what software/hardware do you use for production?
The thing with my process is it’s never the same each time. I could start making a beat with just a lead, bass line, and snaps, much like I did with ‘WE GOOD.’ I wrote the whole song off of that. Then I built the production around the vibe.
Other times I could have a beat idea in my head, and just write the whole song off of that. Then I go and do the beat, like for the song ‘Cry.’ Or I could have production I did one day and sit on it for a while, the write to it like I did with ‘Move On.’ Often times I play the chords on guitar for my songs and write to that too. There are so many ways to make music.
Also, I use Logic Pro X for production, and export the files to Pro Tools to mix.
How long did the EP take to complete and what were some things that inspired you when developing the four tracks?
Altogether the EP probably took a month the finalize. I found a great engineer to mix it, because I don’t really like mixing my own vocals, and I’m starting to invest in myself at this point in my career.
Before the EP, my peers and friends were making music and putting it out and their hustle just doesn’t stop. At the time, I think I had hit a wall creatively and to be completely transparent, I was depressed, so seeing my friends like Dimitryus, Omarvelous, Lbs., and Vintage Rob releasing their own music got me inspired.
When I released ‘WE GOOD.’ back in February, I was literally on my way to New Orleans for Mardi Gras, so I was in a good place at that point. After I got back, I was inspired to add in a voice memo from 2017 after seeing my grandmother recently. That was the last thing to go on the EP.
Tell us about how your studies at Hofstra University have impacted you as a creative and as a music brand?
If I never went to Hofstra, I obviously wouldn’t have the friendships I have today. In 2019, I received a degree in Music Business, so I might know a lot more than what people might think about the industry. However, you don’t need to go to college to see that a lot of things aren’t what they seem.
I know my worth as a black, female rapper, producer, songwriter and engineer. I know it’s important to represent that. I know what it’s like being an A&R for a label, because I was one at my school. I know I’m different, but others don’t know that yet, so I’m working on it. College isn’t for everyone though.
With this incredible EP now released, what are some of your goals musically for the remainder of 2020?
Thank you again for the kind words. One goal is to release a new mixtape by the end of the summer. Another is to let people know that Last Hope is ‘pullin’ up.’
With my new music, I want to reflect the times we’re in. I don’t know; I just want to move out of my parent’s house and make this a full-time job.
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