Catie Turner Releases First Of A Two-Part Collection of Songs and Visuals: 'Comedy & Tragedy: Act 1'
Photo Credit: Caity Krone
Singer-Songwriter and American Idol alumnus Catie Turner recently released the first part of her two-part collection of songs and visuals, Comedy & Tragedy: Act 1, to be released throughout 2023. The project showcases Turner’s gift for genuine, personal songcraft while simultaneously flexing her sonic versatility with a newfound creative edge. At the heart of the project is her belief that truth cannot exist without both comedy and tragedy.
Act 1 includes the deeply introspective “Hyperfixations,” which was featured in Rolling Stone’s “Songs You Need To Know,” and “Easy.” The EP also features Turner’s heart-wrenching breakthrough hit single “God Must Hate Me,” and tracks “Control” and “Hometown” alongside the intensely personal title track, “Comedy & Tragedy.” Stay tuned for Act 2 which will be coming later this year.
Pop Nerd Lounge caught up with Catie Turner to learn more about the first of her two-parter project, Comedy & Tragedy: Act 1, what inspired the songs and what we can look forward to!
Comedy & Tragedy is an ode to your belief in the dichotomy of drama. What is interesting is how you have structured it as a two-part collection. Take us through the concept and how it came to fruition.
‘Comedy & Tragedy’ originally started as just the song, but as I got further into the recording process, I started making note of the common themes in the songs I was writing: dry wit & sarcasm, or a mix of anger & vulnerability. Some songs, like Hometown, have all of the above. It got to the point where I felt that “Comedy & Tragedy” was the best defining phrase for it all: not only conceptually, but for me as an artist.
Were there any specific theatrical productions or personal experiences that inspired this project?
I wrote “comedy & tragedy” the day my father started chemotherapy for his Stage 4 pancreatic cancer, and finished recording harmonies on the song the same day I was told the chemo had failed. Though there are other personal experiences that inspired the songs (Hometown, Hyperfixations, etc), my fathers diagnosis/passing was the impetus for the project.
Do you have a favorite track from Act 1, and why should people listen to it?
My favorite track is called ‘Control’. I’ve always been afraid of anger, scared of the lack of control over my emotions, but this song was cathartic; I got to feel all the anger, the hurt that I held onto for some long, course through my entire body. I think rage, especially feminine rage, is oftentimes looked down upon, as we’re taught that it is an attractive trait to be poised, composed, forgiving, and that it is a dreadful sight to see a woman be wild, vengeful, and vindictive. I hate that narrative. In a way, ‘Control’ was me taking back control (see what I did there) over my own mind from the person who hurt me. It’s the recognition that the persons words weren’t matching up with their actions, and that in the end, I wasn’t loved for who I was, but for what I could give.
With Comedy & Tragedy being a full-on experience, what were some expectations or goals you had when it came to delivering the visuals?
Honestly, my only goal was to have fun. I wanted at the end of all of this, from the music to the visuals, for people to walk away knowing me a little better than they did before. Instead of being only known as Catie Turner: the girl who can write a sad song on her guitar, I wanted to introduce Catie Turner: the girl who can write a sad song on her guitar, AND experiment with different vibes & sounds. I wanted to feel a little more human.
You’ve also released the theatrically inspired Comedy & Tragedy: The Musical: The Series on YouTube. Can fans expect to see elements from this series on tour?
Yes! I’m lucky enough to tour with my best friend, and I have the two best band mates in the entire world. There’s bits, there’s rambles, and yes, there is a ‘High School Musical’ cover. It’s a really fun experience.
What can you tease about Act 2 which is coming later this year? How will it tie in, or contrast with the tracks on Act 1?
More shenanigans. Electric Guitar. Acoustic Guitar. Vulnerable confessions. Another look inside my brain.
Thank you to Catie Turner for chatting with us, and to Atlantic Records for coordinating this interview! ‘Comedy & Tragedy: Act 1’ is available to stream now!