KATSEYE Says ‘Gnarly’ Backlash Changed How They Saw Their Own Music

KATSEYE, the global girl group, has shared how criticism surrounding their single "Gnarly" shaped their perspective on artistry and pushing boundaries. During an interview on the Nicky at Night podcast, the members reflected on the intense backlash received when the track first dropped. Despite the negative reception, KATSEYE chose not to let it influence their creative direction.

This decision was influenced by polarizing artists like Lady Gaga, whose willingness to step outside the box resonated with the group. Sophia, a member of the group, explained that their goal isn’t to create music that everyone immediately understands, but to make something that leaves a lasting impact. The group realized that the response to "Gnarly" was a testament to the power of artistry, as they aimed to create tracks that stick with audiences rather than ones that are merely enjoyable in the moment.

As their reaction to "Gnarly" evolved, the members recognized the importance of not letting backlash dictate their feelings on their own work. In fact, the controversy surrounding the song eventually led to it becoming a fan favorite, making it the group's first appearance on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. KATSEYE has since begun incorporating more of their individual personalities and performance styles into their music, moving away from the highly structured training environment of Dream Academy.

The group is now focused on choosing artistry over predictability, understanding that being polarizing doesn't necessarily mean they've misfired.