KATSEYE Says ‘Gnarly’ Backlash Changed How They Saw Their Own Music

KATSEYE isn’t letting criticism dictate their next move.

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When podcast host Nicky Reardon brought up the song’s early reception, the members acknowledged that “Gnarly” was met with critiques when it first dropped.

Instead of allowing the feedback to influence their artistic direction, though, the group chose to stand behind the track.

For KATSEYE, that decision was partly inspired by polarizing artists.

Sophia pointed to Lady Gaga as an example of an artist who isn’t afraid to make people uncomfortable or release something audiences may not immediately understand.

“She fully puts her full artistry into something,” Sophia said, explaining that Gaga’s willingness to step outside the box resonated with the group.

For KATSEYE, the goal isn’t necessarily to create music that everyone immediately understands, but to make something that leaves an impression.

“For us to have a moment where we came out with something and everyone’s like, ‘This is horrible.

Like, why would you come out with that?’ made us realize that’s the artistry: Putting out something so interesting and impactful,” Sophia recalled.

The members ultimately recognized that the response to “Gnarly” was part of the reason it landed.

As opposed to making something that’s simply enjoyable in the moment and quickly forgotten, they want to make music that sticks with audiences.

“We want it to, like, stick in people’s heads,” Lara added.

That mindset became particularly meaningful as the reaction to “Gnarly” evolved.