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Timko tries new musical direction
By GUY D’ASTOLFO
Katianne Timko has re-invented herself with a bright pop sound, which she will unveil tonight at a show at Pittsburgh’s Altar Bar.
Those who know the Younstown singer-songwriter from her debut will not recognize the new stuff — that’s how much of a 180 she has made. The folky acoustic songs and Nashville influence of her debut album (“What I Wanted,” 2011) have been replaced by electric beats, with shimmering synths and a pleasingly pristine and minimalist approach to vocals.
She has rebranded herself as K808 for her new solo act, which is upbeat and unapologetically indie-pop.
Why the dramatic change?
“I feel like it’s always been in the cards for me to make pop music,” she said. “I always knew. Always. I’ve been creating this path for myself since I was really little, taking smaller steps to prepare so I would have some solid footing when I was ready to go.”
Timko produced her new record, “Worth Every Dime — A Mixtape,” entirely from her home, because she couldn’t afford to hire a producer and refused to be thwarted.
“I’m super proud of the fact that I learned the programs I needed to learn and was able to make these songs sound the way they did in my head,” she said.
The first single, “This Is War,” has been released for free through SoundCloud. The rest of the new songs will be released by the end of the month.
K808 will open for Betty Who. “She’s awesome and it’ll be a great first show to introduce everyone to my new sound,” said Timko. Who will open for Katy Perry’s fall tour.