It’s easy to compare Katharine Kadenacy — XMeKate for short — to Regina Spektor or Lorde, because of the lilting melodies and the pop hooks, but Kate’s songs are offset by a slightly disturbing edge that other artists don’t really have. “My dad is a songwriter, so I guess you could say music is in my genes!” she says.

Raised in both Los Angeles and Rome, where her father and mother lived, respectively, Kate started writing folk songs as a young girl. Both her worldly upbringing and the complex ease by which her songs flow — despite the layered melodies and lyrics — reflects both things. And it’s evident in Kate’s ambitious plans for 2017 as well, when she’s set to release two EPs. The first, Expectation, will be out in February, and is focused on love and heartbreak. The second, Too Much, will be out summer 2017, and delves into Kate’s life after loss. After all, she has a lot of material: her mother passed away from cancer, she suffered a mental breakdown and was briefly put on involuntary suicide watch.

She survived that dark period, and with the help of Colombian producer Andrés Rebellón (of Marina & The Diamonds), she was able to create lyrical, autobiographical music, written for healing and comfort in the hardest part of her life.

Hometown: Born in LA, raised in Rome (home), Italy

Homebase: Los Angeles

Why do you call yourself XMeKate?

I was named after Katherine from Taming of the Shrew. My dad always referenced Shakespeare. My nickname was Kiss Me Kate, which is also the name of the musical version of the play, and I got the X from xo (hugs and kisses). The X was a way of making it more my own.

Talk about your upcoming EPs and why they’re called Expectation and Too Much.

"Expectation is the root of all heartache," according to Shakespeare. The two EPs I have ready to be released next year both revolve around this concept but in very different ways. The first, Expectation is more about love and loss in a romantic way while Too Much is about loving and losing a person, my mom. The two EPs are named after sister songs which can be found on each one. The songs themselves share the same music and are actually performed as one song, because the vocals answer to each other back and forth when played at the same time.

You've gone through tough emotional challenges in your journey as a musician. What was the biggest lesson that you took away from that?

I would say to live life to the fullest regardless of what obstacles may come up. To make the most of what you have and to be appreciative because you never know just how easily or quickly you may lose it. This is very much reflected in my music, lyrics and even in the title of the EP itself!

What's the first song you ever wrote? What was it about?

The first song I ever wrote was pretty terrible [laughs]. I was 12 and tried to sound like Avril Lavigne but failed miserably. I wrote it about a crush and for some reason my best friend Jelly loved it, and she made me sing it over and over again and after that I was hooked. It became my thing even though it took me forever to get where I am today! [Laughs]

Who are your musical heroes and why do they inspire you?

My dad. I'd be nothing without his musical taste and influence. It is because of him that I was blessed with decent vocal chords. Also Fiona Apple because in my eyes she's a lyrical god.

What's your songwriting process?

This may sound weird but for me it starts with the hook. No music or melody. Not even full sentences. It usually starts with the heart of the song. The hook.

You act aside from being a musician. What form of creative expression do you prefer?

I am a musician at heart, but the two go hand in hand really. I think what makes a great musician is being able to muster the same amount of emotion when performing a song as when you wrote it! That's acting!

How do you describe your music to people who haven't heard it before?

I come from a folk acoustic background but somehow was able to merge it with electro pop. It’s its own thing. Kind of like me.

If you were a hashtag, what would you be?

Aside from the obvious #XMeKate???! #carbs

What’s your big 2017 goal?

To get as many people as I can far and wide to listen to my music!

For more profiles on up-and-coming artists, visit our Artist of the Day page.