Katy Perry
She's the Captian of her hit-making ship

by Ed Condran

Colorful, provocative and playful, singer Katy Perry went from obscurity to the top of the charts around the world courtesy of her infectious, cheeky single, “I Kissed a Girl” from her aptly titled debut, One of the Boys. Perry, 24, was even nominated for a Grammy for Best Female Pop Vocal and gave a show-stopping performance during the awards ceremony. In a recent phone interview, she spoke about her strict upbringing, her experiences on last year’s Warped Tour and the trials and tribulations of being a public figure.

How long did it take to write “I Kissed a Girl?”

It didn’t take ten minutes. It actually took a year and a half. I wanted it to be fun and aggressive. It was new subject matter for pop music. I like trying things that are fresh and new.

How surprised were that it became a global smash?

It took me completely by surprised that it went worldwide. But it went to number one and all I ever heard was how difficult it is when you’re number one.

How difficult is it being number one?

Well, it’s more difficult getting there. Once you’re there, you just put one foot in front of the other and go for it. I just never planned for it to happen in 2008. Now that’s it’s 2009, I’m just trying to take the next step.

In 2008, you were on the Warped tour and you stood out from the punk bands thanks to your clothes, music and attitude. But the Warped tour is more than meets the eye.

That’s exactly right. There’s more to it than Pennywise and NOFX. It was like GI Jane boot camp for me. You live or die in that situation. I lived but the people who organized the Warped tour thought my songs like “UR So Gay,” would connect with emo kids.

“UR So Gay,” which is pretty funny, has been misunderstood by some music fans.

I couldn’t agree more. Some people don’t have a sense of humor. You can’t judge a song by its title.

But can we judge “I Kissed a Girl?” Have you kissed a girl?

Of course. You would be crazy to think otherwise.

You stand out in this era filled with jean and t-shirt sporting introspective rockers. Everything about you is bold and in Technicolor. Can we expect the same for your show?

Definitely! I’m bringing the eye candy. It’s important for me and the band to sound good but I want everyone to feel the whole spectrum of emotions in a show. I bring it all. I find it so boring going to a show and watching a band in jeans and a T-shirt. I see that and I’m like, “is that it?” They walk onstage like they’re the best thing in the world. No, this is show business, guy. You have to put a little more effort into it. Do something fun and outrageous. A lot of times you have to get stoned to know if a show is any good. You don’t have to get stoned to see my show; you’ll leave feeling plenty high.

Going back to fun and outrageous, what made you belly flop into a giant layer cake in Mexico?

Thanks for noticing that. Anyone in my group of pop girl peers would never belly flop into a cake. Can you give me something for that? The reason I did it is because I like to do wacky things. I was at the Mexican VMAs in Guadalajara and there was a five-layer cake and I thought it would be fun to jump into it.

So it was your idea?

Yes, sir, of course.

What did it feel like?

It felt like a sticky mattress. It wasn't exactly the best feeling in the world. But it was the most entertaining thing of the night. I sung [“I Kissed a Girl”] and capped it with the most ridiculous stunt of the night. People walked away talking about that.

Will there be any cakes on this tour?

No, there won't be any cakes on this tour.

How can you top your dessert trick?

There's going to be fruit involved with this tour. It’ll be fun even without the cake.

You grew up in a pretty strict Christian household, correct?

I wasn’t even allowed to have sugar when I was a child.

That explains your flying leap into the cake.

No, it wasn’t like I wanted to rebel throughout my childhood. Despite that, I believe I was born an open person.

You started as a Christian artist and went secular. What led you down that path?

I love secular artists. When I was a teenager I discovered Queen and loved them. As I got older, I really went for singer-songwriters like Jonatha Brooke and Patty Griffin. They’re my two favorite songwriters. I’m a big fan of storytelling. That’s why I like to write my songs on acoustic guitar. The album that really blew me away was the Beach Boys’ Pet Sounds. I listened to that album for an entire year, nothing else. I love the harmonies.

When did you realize that you have such a huge set of pipes?

I knew it when I was nine. When I would sing, people’s faces would light up. It was my only magic trick.

What do you make of Lily Allen slagging you and saying that at least she writes her own songs?

People have this idea that pop girls are controlled by a half dozen men in dark suits, who pull all the strings. My job is writing all of the lyrics. I do melodies and arrangements. My single, “Thinking of You,” I wrote it all by myself. I don’t just have lunch while people are writing my songs. I’m steering the ship. I have a big crew, but I’m the captain.