Before kicking off the We Can Survive concert at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles last night, Katy Perry’s BFF and frequent collaborator Bonnie McKee spoke with Radio.com about her ’80s-inspired upcoming album, the inspiration behind “Roar” and the difference between writing songs for herself and writing for others.
For the singer–who’s written songs for not only Perry, but Ellie Goulding, Cher, Kesha and Britney Spears –the difference is actually very simple.
“When I’m writing for other people I have to play it safe,” she said. “When I’m dealing with Britney Spears and Katy Perry, these massive brands, like really very Coca-Cola, you know what I mean? There are certain kinds of standards, There are risks you can take, and there’s risks that you don’t. And I think I’m interested in taking a little more risk in my own music.”
RELATED: Watch Katy Perry ‘Roar’ Live with Ellie Goulding, Sara Bareilles, Tegan and Sara, Kacey Musgraves
McKee has had her fairshare of hits, but there’s one song she wishes she would have written.
“I wish I wrote ‘Don’t Speak’ by No Doubt,” she said. “I mean that is a classic heartbreak song, it gets me every time.”
Go here to watch more videos from the other ladies–Sara Bareilles, Ellie Goulding, Tegan and Sara and Kacey Musgraves–who performed at last night’s We Can Survive concert.
Interview by Jillian Mapes
(Gabriel Olsen for Radio.com)
