Many people may
never know the name of Kait DiBenedetto. However, this 19-year-old
music prodigy has gained a large following as “Just Kait.” She
has gained success and fame some only imagine, especially given her
young age.
Kait has dedicated
her life to music. Even with the amount of success she's found, she
has remained true to who she's always been. She's followed her heart
and made her dreams a reality.
Dolla Bil Facciponte: Have you
always had an interest in making music?
Kait DiBenedetto: Definitely.
When I was little, I would pretend baseball bats were guitars so I
think I've always had a love for it.
DB: What was your inspiration
for getting into music?
KD: My dad was a big part of it.
When I was growing up, he was in bands so I'd go to his practices. I
think I always just wanted to follow in his footsteps. Besides that,
listening to a lot of old school pop-punk/pop rock bands made me want
to play.
DB: Who were some of your
favorite bands growing up?
KD: New Found Glory, Good
Charlotte, Sum 41, basically everything that was around those days.
DB: Those are bands that have
found major success in music. You've also found some success as well.
How does it feel to be featured on MTV and have your music constantly
used on their programming?
KD: I'm super proud and
fortunate for all of that. I never thought a company as big as MTV
would ever even notice my music, especially considering they don't
play much music anymore but, like, its cool. Weird, but awesome.
DB: I'm sure it's also had a big
part in helping boost your career.
KD: Absolutely. People who
wouldn't normally listen to my music have heard of it one way or
another and that's cool. Regardless of if they actually like it or
not, at least they are hearing it.
DB: Have you found any
difficulties in balancing life?
KD: Not really. I think the only
difficult thing for me was trying to finish high school while going
on a two month tour. I definitely wanted to finish school so I did a
lot of school work on the bus. I also didn't want to miss prom so I
made sure I flew home right after the tour ended so I could make it.
I even made my mom go to the school and get the paperwork.
DB: Is there any difference
between "Just Kait" the musician and "Kait
DiBenedetto" the person?
KD: Not really. Who I am in real
life is exactly how I am on stage. Some of the songs I write and
perform as Just Kait are a little more pop then some of the stuff I
actually listen to, but that's not anything that shocking. A lot of
people are like that. In early interviews with Just Kait there were
definitely moments where I was told to act or restrict myself in a
certain way just because I've always been pretty straight forward and
sometimes people or places weren't ready for that, but besides that,
there's no difference.
DB: Well it certainly seems like
you're able to completely be yourself. I'm sure that also helps you
connect with your fans a lot better.
KD: Exactly. I got sick of
people telling me what to say and what not to say. Like you said,
fans understand the real me and that's something they respect. They
obviously aren't going to want to look up to an artist who's fake or
dishonest. They can relate to a lot of the things I say and do
because of that.
DB: Is it a weird feeling to
still be growing up and being looked up to?
KD: Oh yeah. It's crazy
sometimes to think that people that are older then me actually look
up to me. Especially because like I told you earlier, I'm always
myself around them and they are more like friends to me than
anything. It definitely makes me feel good though.
DB: You perform as "Just
Kait," but you're often accompanied by a band. Do you prefer to
perform solo or with the band?
KD: With a band for sure.
Honestly, before I started "Just Kait," I wanted the whole
project to be more of a band and much less a solo project but things
didn't pan out that way. I've always loved live shows with big
guitars and drums.
DB: You've been working on a new
EP. How's that been going?
KD: Awesome! I'm so proud of the
entire thing. It really means a lot to me and I'm excited to release
it in the summer!
DB: What's this album going to
be like compared to your previous work?
KD: Its totally different. It
shows a completely different side of me. Obviously, I pour my heart
and soul into all the music I write, but these are more serious songs
and you can just feel the emotion in every word and riff. Some of the
subjects are a lot more [relative] in one way or another.
DB: Everyday new musicians try
to make it, but more fail than succeed. In the unfortunate scenario
that things don't pan out for you, do you have a pack up plan?
KD: Honestly, no. That sounds
terrible but I don't. I put all my time and money into this. Money I
had saved for college went to my music career and I honestly don't
regret it. I went all in with this. I do have interests in other
things that I'd like to do like a clothing line or something along
those lines, but music is my thing.
DB: I have to say, I've done
quite a few interviews and it's not very often somebody shows that
type of determination and certainty.
KD: Well to me its not just
music. I'm not doing it to impress anyone, I do it because I love it
and its what keeps me sane. If I don't put 1,000 percent into it, I
feel like I'm letting myself down.
DB: Finally, Kait, if you're
only remembered for one thing, what do you wish that to be?
KD: I want to be remembered for
lyrics and music that touched people. Whether that's taken in a corny
way or a super serious way, I don't care. Its really cliche' but if I
got one person through a bad day or saved anyone’s life in anyway,
that's perfect for me.
DB: Kait for as young as you
are, you've accomplished so much that people most people couldn't
imagine and you're only getting started. You're positive attitude
makes you a great role model and you're musical skills are
incredible. Thank you so much for talking to me tonight and I wish
you the best of luck.
KD: Thank
you so much. It mean's so much to me and you're welcome.
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