Black Belt Eagle Scout Interview: IMT 20

When Black Belt Eagle Scout, nickname of Swinomian musician Katherine Paul, started work on her latest album The land, the water, the skyShe longed to return to the homeland of her ancestors. She traveled back to the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community in 2020 seeking avenues for healing.

Healing is a big topic The land, the water, the sky, and is present throughout the project. Tracks like “Spaces” and “Don’t Give Up” are ethereal and fluid, evoking the wonder and grandeur of the natural world. The album itself is characterized by community. Both of her parents provide backing vocals to the album, celebrating the voices of those who came before her. Overall, Paul’s music is a lesson in staying power. The land, the water, the sky Sifts through the deepest feelings of grief and trauma and emerges grounded and blissful.

To celebrate the upcoming release of their new album, Paul sat down with Uproxx to chat about Sleater-Kinney, cake making and Thor in our latest Q&A.

What four words would you use to describe your music?

Calm, quiet, loud, connected.

It’s 2050 and the world hasn’t ended yet and people are still listening to your music. How should it be remembered?

Well, 2050 isn’t that far away, so I hope I’m still alive! And I hope people find out about my records and see my shows as much as I hope to see them play!

In which city in the world do you prefer to perform?

Albuquerque, NM!

Who has inspired your work the most and why?

Geneviève Castrée is probably the person I think of the most when I think about why I’m doing all this. She was the first person I looked up to in music and told me that I inspired her and that it changed my life and empowered me to do what I do.

Where did you eat the best meal of your life?

My husband Camas is the best cook and prepares the most delicious meals at our home.

Which album do you know every word of?

Probably Sleater-Kinney’s The Hot Stone.

What was the best concert you’ve ever attended?

Probably Sleater-Kinney’s farewell shows at the Crystal Ballroom before they went on their long hiatus.

What is the best outfit for performances and why?

Anything that makes you feel your best and doesn’t have too long and saggy sleeves to avoid interfering with the guitar neck while playing.

Who do you like to follow on Twitter and/or Instagram?

I rarely tweet but I love IG and one of my favorites is @kimi_swimmy.

What’s your most played song in the van on tour?

It changes with every tour, but the last tour was the hit in the van “Woman” by Doja Cat.

What was the last thing you googled?

Lost and Found at LAX 🙁

Which album is the perfect gift?

Mayahuel by Savila.

Where was the weirdest place you’ve ever fallen on tour?

I don’t recommend it but when I was in another band at the time we asked the audience from the stage for lodging and some of these places I hope I never have to stay in again! My bandmate unfortunately got ringworm at one point.

What is the story behind your first or favorite tattoo?

My favorite tattoos are my finger tattoos honoring Sedna, the sea goddess of my Iñupiaq people.

What artists keep you from changing channels on the radio?

When I’m listening to the radio it’s most likely on a random channel and if any grunge or rock music comes on like Nirvana or Smashing Pumpkins the volume will turn up.

What’s the nicest thing anyone has ever done for you?

gave me life

What advice would you give your 18-year-old self to take a trip down memory lane?

Just be yourself and know that what you are doing is exactly what is meant to happen.

What was the last show you attended?

Lucy Dacus at the Moore Theater in Seattle.

What movie can’t you resist when it’s on TV?

Any Thor movie!

What is one of your hidden talents?

I love baking cakes.

The land, the water, the sky is off 2/10 over Saddle Creek. get it here