What began in a church choir more than six years ago has blossomed into a successful musical hobby between a couple. Pepperdine freshman Kate Pauley and her boyfriend Blake Mankin a freshman at the University of Texas share a desire to make music together and have co-written several beautiful songs.
The latest E.P. by “Blake and Kate named Letters and Words consists of Answer Metaphysical Fashion Compassion” and “Without You.” Matt Lucas recorded them along with their newly assembled band. They write their own lyrics which are created from a deep passion – a passion “to change the world according to the duo.
Kate and I are really passionate about talking about what’s wrong with society and ultimately what’s wrong with ourselves said Mankin. I tend to judge people … and I feel like Jesus is somebody who’s frustrated with the things that are wrong in society. But he’s asking us to look at ourselves first instead of looking at other people.”
The story behind each song varies. The young couple went through some hard times when they first left for college creating a situation in which Mankin felt the need to pour out his feelings to Pauley in a song called “Answer.” The lyrics include: “And I’ll be waitin’ at the train station if you’ll come back to me/ And I’ll be holding on through the dark if you’ll be coming to be the light/ Until then I’m still waitin’ for an answer/ What is your answer?”
“When we both went to separate colleges we broke up because we thought it’d be the best thing we could do Mankin said. But obviously it tore my heart up in pieces … So I wrote this really sappy love song but I kind of liked it. So I sent it to her and she called me saying ‘I’m crying right now.'”
“It was a beautiful moment Pauley added.
Answer now recorded with both their voices, is about how they feel far away from each other, but they still want to be together and will wait for each other no matter what.
If I hadn’t sent that song we wouldn’t be dating right now said Mankin, and Pauley jokingly added, If you would have made one note or chord different on that song it would have been over.”
Although they joke about that song now it was a pivotal moment in both their lives and brought them more success than they expected.
“It’s part of our story and people will like it Pauley said. And it’s one of the top selling songs now. So I guess it was a good thing we recorded it.”
Their self-described folk music is meant to appeal to many listeners. It contains lyrics that should challenge people according to Mankin. The style is meant to sway all types of mentalities.
“We want to create a setting where people feel like they can rock out at a concert but they can also sit there with their eyes closed and meditate the whole time Pauley said.
As much passion as the couple has for entertainment, they do realize the importance of keeping it separate from their education.
The reason I didn’t want to pursue music in school is because I feel like I’m not a very technical musician sometimes Mankin said. And when you study it it’s all the technicalities of music which is awesome but … I just play what I think sounds good and I couldn’t tell you what’s in the chord [I’m playing]. I hope to do it [eventually] I just want to keep it separate.”
Pauley said she felt the same way about mixing school with music.
“I’ve been able to make my music my outlet using art and expression she said. So if I brought it into my school work it would be taking my joy out of it. I don’t want to drop out of school and … be one of those suckers who just fails and doesn’t make it. So for right now it’s a fun thing and I’ll see what happens.”
Academically they seem to have an idea of what they want to pursue. Pauley is a telecommunications major but makes it clear that nothing is certain. Mankin said he is also leaning toward taking up communication studies.
They said they would like to work with music full time after graduating from college. If that didn’t happen however it’s still possible that they would continue it as a hobby.
The direction and speed of the progression of “Blake and Kate” is paving a path to success. They are willing to do whatever it takes to get far on their exciting road including the task of accepting criticism that comes along with entertainment.
“That’s something that’s really interesting about performing music Mankin said. You just make yourself so vulnerable. You’re open to so much critique.”
Although the duo has been through its ups and downs a long and anticipated path lies ahead. The singers are embarking on a journey that could potentially lead to fame but if fame doesn’t work out they will surely find another “Answer.”
Listen to their songs at www.myspace.com/blakeandkate and expect the full-length CD to be released this summer.