LOS ANGELES — Katie Gavin, who refers to herself as “gay famous,” is the dynamic frontwoman of the pop band Muna. The group gained recognition with their hit song “Silk Chiffon,” a celebration of queer joy. Although Gavin has started to make her mark in mainstream pop, she remains unapologetically rooted in indie artistry.
Her debut solo album, titled “What a Relief,” was released last month under Phoebe Bridgers’ label, Saddest Factory Records. On this record, Gavin embraces a bluesy and nostalgic sound as she delves into themes of intimacy, grief, and the weight of intergenerational trauma. The lyrics, which are thoughtfully composed, reveal sincere insights into pain and self-discovery. Crafted over seven years, the album reflects Gavin’s belief in the persistent evolution of the self, stating it is a testament to “how much we change and stay the same” throughout life.
Gavin is part of a vibrant new generation of artists—alongside names like boygenius, Reneé Rapp, and Chappell Roan—who are reshaping pop and folk-rock genres through a queer lens. To honor the release of her album, various Muna fan groups organized listening events in lesbian bars such as The Ruby Fruit in Los Angeles and Ginger’s Bar in Brooklyn, New York.
In a recent conversation, Gavin discussed her artistic journey, the impact of her bandmates, and her upcoming U.S. solo tour, which begins in Seattle on Monday. The interview has been revised for brevity and clarity.
In response to a question about her bandmates contributing to the album, Gavin revealed they hold significant value in her creative process. “They are my creative soulmates and collaborators,” she said, explaining that their input influenced the selection of tracks for the album, stemming from previous song rejections during Muna sessions. She acknowledged the vulnerable nature of collaborating with new people in her creative endeavors.
When referring to the track “Aftertaste,” Gavin noted, “It feels fun and youthful, deeply immersed in feelings of crushes and fantasies, which is my favorite type of pop song to create.” She characterized her solo work as more subdued and intricate compared to the boldness often found in typical pop music. “It’s very much an ‘if you know, you know’ kind of project,” she added.
The album cover was shot by acclaimed artist Catherine Opie at Gavin’s home. Gavin described the collaboration as incredible, emphasizing Opie’s legendary status in her eyes. A particular photo by Opie, showcasing a recent girlfriend within a cluttered bedroom setting, served as a significant inspiration throughout the album creation process, influencing Gavin’s vision poignantly.
The album draws influences from artists like Alanis Morissette, the Indigo Girls, and Tori Amos. Gavin admitted she can be somewhat superstitious, opting not to listen to certain artists during her writing phase. However, she feels unconcerned about imitating style icons, given her distinct skills as a musician. “I mostly stick to listening to queer female artists from the ’90s,” she noted.
As Gavin prepares for her first solo tour in the U.S., she expressed excitement over nearly sold-out shows. The only reservation she voiced was touring through the Midwest in the depths of winter, particularly returning to Chicago. “It feels quite poetic to be back in a van during such brutal weather,” she shared.
When asked about who she hopes will resonate with her album, Gavin recalled a compliment from a childhood friend, who reflected on how impactful the music would have been for their younger selves. “I hope that queer youth and girls can find something relatable in this record, similar to how I felt about the music in my teenage years,” she expressed with heartfelt sincerity.
Lastly, Gavin touched on the sacrifices artists often face for their craft, acknowledging that choosing a more personal and distinct artistic direction often means disappointing those with differing expectations. “Being an artist does involve giving up stability in personal life due to the demands of the job, but I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything else,” she affirmed passionately.
