Today we’d like to introduce you to Metakate
Hi Metakate, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started out about 8 years ago when I met the late Van Bates (aka Black Hesher). I met him during a stay in rehab as I was deep in my addiction at the time and we stayed in touch after I left and he taught me the basic format of a song and I began writing for him. He then helped me put out my first album under Katie Ladubz (my first stage name) four years ago right after I got clean. I won a San Diego Music Award in 2023 for best hip hop album produced by my current producers Oez on the Beat and Swan Johnson. I have recently changed my name to Metakate and I am now living in both San Diego and San Francisco while finishing up my first album for Metakate that is produced solely by Oez on the Beat.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I’ve dealt with plenty of struggles with substance abuse when I first started working on music which made it difficult for me to finish anything or show up to shows. Once I got clean in 2020 my focus on my passion for music grew and things in this area of my life for the most part remained consistent. I still struggle financially and with love like most people do, I currently am going through a rough breakup and I’m crashing on a family members couch in the Bay Area. Nothing is so bad though when you’re an artist, pain and heartbreak are just another thing to create with and I can’t wait to see what I can make out of my current situation.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a rapper and a singer. In my solo stuff I think I specialize in catchy and melodic hooks in my songs as well as topics about current events that people can relate to. With the group I’m in San Diablo Allstars I think I specialize in clever bars, I think I get to have a little more fun when I’m writing for the Allstars. I am most proud of not giving up on working words my dreams with music, it’s easy to get down on yourself in such an over saturated and cut throat industry but I’ve never once thought about quitting. What sets me apart is my work ethic, I work on this everyday in one form or another and I’m always trying to meet other people in the Industry so I can learn and evolve.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I grew a wonderful network in San Diego over the years through my late friend Van Bates introducing me to people and then organically after that through shows and social media. I’m currently in a situation in the Bay Area where I don’t know as many people so what I’ve been doing is putting myself out there by going to shows and introducing myself to people there, and hitting up open mics to meet people as well.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Linktr.ee/metakate
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/metakatemusic?igsh=MWQ1ZGUxMzBkMA==
Image Credits
Kimberly Miller Photography
Ned Griffins
Trelly Flick It Up
