Vancouver, BC singer/songwriter Katherine Penfold takes her inspiration from Diana Ross, Aretha Franklin, and James Brown, to name a few. Penfold’s debut full-length Sweetest Thing dropped on October 4th, via Justin Time/Nettwerk Records. Along with album’s arrival, she has shared a video for album track “Unapologetic.” In celebration of the release, Penfold plays on October 18th, in Vancouver, BC at Guilt & Company.

Katherine Penfold on Sweetest Thing and “Unapologetic:”

“Sweetest Thing is a juxtaposition,” she affirms. “I have lots of tattoos and like motorcycles, but all of my music is about love and joy. When you see those extremes side-by-side, it really hones in on how I feel about myself and who I am. I had a cool and quirky upbringing that didn’t really fall into pigeonholes. Everything comes down to heart and soul for me, especially music.”

A song with lyrics like “Unapologetic” is probably the hardest for me to release into the world. I think there are a lot of meanings people will glean from the tune, but for me it’s about my work with anxiety, depression, and feeling all my life like I need to stay small. The lyrics (written by me and my gorgeous, songwriter bff Tiggi Hawke via Skype) explore into words I’ve said out loud or thought on so many occasions. The doubt, the self-judgement, and the belief that I (we) don’t deserve to be ourselves in the world. Without Tiggi I don’t think I would have been able to say as much as the song ended up saying. I will always have the low moments, but I am slowly and surely learning to be more unapologetic in all aspects of my life.

My hope is that people listening to this song (no matter what they’re struggling with) might be able to gain some strength in hearing they’re not alone and we’re changing the world together, one moment at a time.

“Unapologetic”
Lyrics

I’ve had this feeling once or twice
It’s only when thing are right… but
I still wonder will I mess up
Like I do every time

People said my luck would change
So why do I feel the same?
Is my mind playing tricks on me?
Only got myself to blame

I think we agree that things can change
Oh, so quickly
Feel like I should say sorry
But, this time I will be

Unapologetic
I’ve never tried
You tell me it’s a habit
I don’t deny it

There’s times that I won’t get it
And that’s alright
I gotta be unapologetic
Unapologetic with you

Reply memories of the time
That with you my thoughts weren’t mine
Now my hands they might get shakey
Least I know it’s not a crime

I think we agree that things can change
Oh, so quickly
Feel like I should say sorry
But, this time I will be

Unapologetic
I’ve never tried
You tell me it’s a habit
I don’t deny it

There’s times that I won’t get it
And that’s alright
I gotta be unapologetic
Unapologetic with you

Even though inside my brain
There’s a thousand ways
That this could all go wrong
I’ve gotta take that chance
Heaven knows this might last
I’ve been waiting years to find
This state of mind
That keeps me pushing on
I’m gonna stay here if I ca