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Kat Graham Doesn't Let the 'BS' Bother Her, Works to 'Create Art' With 'I Want It All' -- Exclusive Q&A

Posted on Jun 7th 2011 3:45PM by Cameron Matthews
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Kat Graham

Kat Graham has been in show business since the age of 6, and with her portrayal of Bonnie Bennett on the CW series 'The Vampire Diaries' her star is shining brighter than ever. After featuring on will.i.am's 'Songs About Girls' and touring the world with the Black Eyed Peas as a dancer, Graham began work on her solo singing career.

The singer's video for 'I Want it All' shows Graham in warrior apparel, walking like a goddess among the ruins of a static TV wasteland. AOL Music spoke with the up-and-coming singer about her message of female empowerment and how she 'wants it all' when it comes to her other passions of dancing and acting.

Is 'I Want It All' inspired by what you want out of your love life or your professional life?

'I Want It All' is inspired by both my love and professional life. I do think it's possible to have a happy ending with both, and also maintain self-sufficiency. It's a fun tongue-in-cheek song but centers around independence and control.

What kind of album are you hoping to make? What will it sound like? Who are your biggest influences?

I'm hoping that in the end the album will carry the message of female empowerment, [and] the sound to be a mix of vintage '90s dance melodies and memorable pop.

Watch Kat Graham's 'I Want It All' video.


You've worked with stars like will.i.am and the Black Eyed Peas, Snoop Dogg, Missy Elliott, Pharrell and John Legend, to name just a few. What is the most memorable experience you've had working with a big-name artist so far?

I would have to say touring a country-a-day with the Black Eyed Peas was by far the most fun and challenging. I got to see the world at such a young age and see people from all over the world. It showed me the magnitude of where music can take you, and the effect it has globally.

You started in the entertainment industry at age 6 -- what's the biggest lesson you've learned so far, or best advice you can give to young people looking to make it in the industry today?

I'm still learning valuable lessons to this day. I guess the biggest lesson is to just work to create art and let the BS fall by the wayside. Once you're in the public eye for your art, it's important to not compromise who you are because someone doesn't appreciate it. To maintain the same drive and vision you did before any eyes were on you.

If you could only do one for the rest of your life would you sing, act or dance?

I've never answered this one because it puts me in a small place I can't seem to fit myself into. I want it all, I thought I told you that. ;)


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