Long before the history-making tattoos, ubiquitous television shows, best-selling books, and influential beauty empire, Kat Von D sat down at a piano for nearly two hours a day and played. In essence, music became her first creative language and most trusted outlet. Classical training and a deep appreciation for music of all genres essentially underscored her life. This passion was funneled into her long-awaited full-length debut album, 2021’s Love Made Me Do It. A pastiche of shapeshifting analog synths, post-punk dreamscapes, gothic hues, and shy pop magnetism, her debut echoes the eternal will of the perennially brokenhearted to love until death. It also fulfilled a lifelong ambition.
Later, in 2021, Kat Von D unveiled her follow-up effort, the Exorcisms EP, featuring the “Exorcism” single and remix with Gunship, one of the world’s top synthwave artists. Soon after, she dropped an incredible cover of The Cure’s iconic hit “Lovesong,” which was recorded in Spanish. In late 2024, Kat released her new album ‘My Side Of The Mountain”, which includes the singles “Truth In Reverse,” “Dead,” and “Por Ti.” For 2025, Kat is putting the final touches on new music and preparing for a busy year of touring and high-profile music festivals.
“More than any other medium, music has always been at the core of who I am, even before drawing and tattooing,” she exclaims. “I’ve never pursued it publicly until now—which will hopefully be a pleasant surprise.”
Born in Montemorelos, Mexico, and growing up in the Inland Empire of Southern California, Kat honed her chops on the piano at just five years old. Her grandmother, now 98 years old, presided over marathon practice sessions daily while Mom ran a timer. Between the tears and resentment, Kat learned how to read music as she became fascinated with Mozart and her favorite, Beethoven. This continued until high school when she left home.
Kat Von D studied voice under Ken Tamplin six days per week, strengthening her vocals and overall songwriting abilities leading up to her public unveiling as a singer/songwriter/producer. As a lifelong learner, she sought additional musical guidance from GRAMMY® Award-nominated legend Linda Perry, whom she studied with in sessions leading up to her debut album. Kat has continued to write independently, sitting at the piano and summoning songs from raw emotion and daily inspiration from her family, faith, and the awe-inspiring environment surrounding her home in Indiana.
