Whether it’s his perpetually disheveled bedhead, over-the-top erratic stage presence or ability to charm a perfect stranger, Tate Logan is contagious.
His first single “Kill Me To Try” produced by Matt Squire (One Direction, Katy Perry, Panic! At The Disco) navigates the desire of something more than a “stupid, fucking, boring life”. Tate’s influences range from 90s surf rock, 00s pop punk, modern hyperpop and singer/songwriter deep-cuts, a limitless resource of musical taste.
Tate is a dedicated activist in the LGBTQ+ community creating an inclusive and supportive space for all of his fans. He encourages them to be exactly who they are and not to take shit from anyone. This inspired Tate to embark on a solo career to fully embrace his identity as a transman in the alternative scene and dedicate his passion in music to those who need representation in those spaces. Fashion, art and music are all deeply intertwined in Tate’s world. Inspirations from the glamour rock of Motley Crue, to the dirty edge of Britpop, to the fearless provocation of Lady Gaga, there is always a dedication to leather, chains and cheetah print in Tate’s wardrobe.
Tate Logan spent the first years out of school fronting the band “Happy.” and released multiple records both produced by Will Pugh (Cartel) and Marc McClusky (Weezer, Motion City Soundtrack, The Front Bottoms) Happy. also toured North America with Super Whatevr (Hopeless), Chapel (Rise) and more.
What’s your story as an artist?
I’ve been playing in bands since I was in middle school. I started out on drums and then moved to guitar and then moved to being a frontman. I sang in a pop punk band for a few years and it changed my life. We got signed, toured the US & Canada, built a huge community of fans and it really made me realize this is what I want to do for the rest of my life. I’ve also worked behind the scenes in music throughout my whole life. I’ve been an on air personality for a radio station, I’ve booked bands, managed bands, directed music videos, designed album art, worked as a stagehand, done lights and sound and a million other things. I’ve always been absolutely obsessed with the music industry and feel so fulfilled and happy doing literally anything in that world. Being trans also has a lot to do with my story, I feel like I have a few extra obstacles to overcome in the journey of being a successful musician. I let it inspire me and give me drive towards my goals though. Like, if I can do this then I can do anything. I want all queer kids to know they can be rockstars too.
What inspired this last release?
This song is definitely about flipping my life upside down to chase after a dream. It sounds corny but not a lot of people have the opportunity or the bravery to just go for it, not having any idea if they will fail or succeed. It’s terrifying..but also thrilling. I left everything and everyone and moved completely across the country. This song is about how wild that was..and still is.
Do you get inspired by other art forms?
Yes a million times. I find most inspiration from things outside of actual music. I am a massive fan of horror movies and books and oftentimes include little easter eggs in a lot of my songs. I also find inspiration in day to day conversations I have with people, or overhear. I have also written songs about experiences my friends or family have had instead of me personally. I’m also reaaaalllly into fashion and sometimes a new outfit or haircut will inspire me to write a certain way.
Any funny anecdotes from the time you were recording or writing this?
Actually yes!!! This was my first time working with Matt Squire, which was INSANE for me. He is a producer that I have dreamed about working with since I was like 11 years old. He has produced soooo many of my favorite bands and I was ecstatic to work with him. With the timing of everything, I was moving from the east coast to Los Angeles LITERALLY the next day. We had packed up our entire apartment aside from my recording equipment…so I tracked the song with Matt in a completely empty house with only my laptop and mic left hahah. It was wild but felt like a very surreal moment to be moving to LA and working with my dream producer in the span of 24 hours. I’ll never forget that.
What’s your favorite place or environment to write?
I have two different moods in which I write…one is laying in the hammock outside in the sun with my dogs. The other is super late at night in my studio in the dark with several cups of coffee haha. Both of those vibes result in very different outcomes in sound.
What’s a record that shaped your creativity?
The Fame by Lady Gaga made me a dreamer, Bookends by Simon & Garfunkel made me fall in love with words, Talon of the Hawk by The Front Bottoms made me take myself less seriously and just have a good time and Heart Attack by Man Overboard made me wanna be catchy and whimsical.
Who is an artist or band you look up to today?
So many!!!! My current obsession is the dudes in beauty school dropout and royal & the serpent. I never thought I would like hyper pop music, and falling in love with that sound and that world opened me up to being more adventurous with the music I choose to consume. Who knows what I might end up liking!! Music for me is so much more than JUST the music, it’s about the visuals, the aesthetic, the live performance etc. So if a band or artist is interesting in those ways, it makes me more invested in their music. I’m also going through a HUGE motley crue phase right now. I am super inspired by their look and attitude.
What excites you the most about what you do ?
The opportunity to make people in the lgbtq community feel included in punk rock. As a trans person I didn’t really have anyone to look up to as a kid and teenager going to shows and being a fan of punk. We are making big strides towards inclusivity and it’s really exciting to be a part of it.
What is your view on genres and music styles since you mix a lot of them in your music?
I think mixing genres is super fun! I’ve always enjoyed multiple genres as a fan of music. My heart lies with punk..but i’m a huge fan of everything from pop music to screamo. I find inspiration in a lot of weird places like Lady Gaga, britpop, 90’s grunge, surf rock, 70’s folk etc..and sometimes they bleed together in the music I write.
What does music and art mean to you? everything. the whole world. Where do I even start? it’s the only thing i have true control over in my life..it’s the one thing i can rely on. It’s also like a personal diary, or photograph, or concrete memory of the experiences in my life. If I put something into a song it lasts forever and when I’m old I can look back on all of the music and art I created and it will take me back to each of those moments. I think there’s something really special about that.
How would you describe your act in one word? DIET GLAMOUR!!! (That’s two words but i’m rolling with it)
