Always on the fringe of society, Kat Von D has embraced a uniqueness she comfortably calls home. Captivated by the worlds of music, film, and body art from a young age, Von D would become famously known as a tattoo artist, prominently featured on the popular TLC reality television series LA Ink.
Only the tip of the iceberg of her creativity, Von D would go on to publish New York Times Best Sellers (2009’s High Voltage Tattoo and 2010’s The Tattoo Chronicles), launch a cosmetic and fragrence line for Sephora, and above all, launched her music career in May 2021 with her debut single “Exorcism.”
A long time coming for Von D, little did most know, but she had been studying music since she was a child. With this in mind, in 2021 she put out her debut album Love Made Me Do It, before returning in 2024 with the follow-up, My Side of the Mountain.
Growing and exploring, she is now touring Europe in 2025 with plenty more on the horizon. Excited for the future, Kat Von D sat down to talk about the trajectory of her career, writing and recording, music, plus more.
Cryptic Rock – You have a very unique story to tell. Most recognize you for your work as a tattoo artist. However, you are also a very successful entrepreneur and are even involved in music. A lot to discuss, tell us, how would you describe your artistic path?
Kat Von D – I’ve always enjoyed not being tied down to one lane. I’ve been known for tattooing most of my life, but a lot of people don’t know that I was classically trained in piano since the age of five, so music has always been a huge part of my life.
Cryptic Rock – Yes! That is highly fascinating. As stated, your name is very easily recognized in mainstream culture because of the exposure on the TLC series LA Ink. What was it like for you when all that was happening, and you started to gain broader recognition?
Kat Von D – I’m very grateful for the time spent filming LA Ink. I learned a lot about storytelling and production, and have since been able to use what I’ve learned in producing aspects of my music.
Cryptic Rock – It is excellent when you can take one experience and apply it to others. La Ink, in many ways, can be viewed as a launching point for other avenues. You would go on to release a book, have a cosmetic line, and become involved in different projects. As a creator, how important is it for you to have a diverse mix of outlets to express yourself?
Kat Von D – Although I do believe that things have their own proper seasons to focus on, I’m a fan of not limiting yourself to only ever doing one thing.
Cryptic Rock – That shows in your work, which leads us to your music career. We can view that as a slow progression, with you first making guest appearances with bands like The 69 Eyes. What led you to at least put out a studio album back in 2021 with Love Made Me Do It?
Kat Von D – I had been writing music for quite some time prior to releasing it. So only a handful of friends really knew about my music. I will always be grateful to The 69 Eyes for believing in me from such an early stage.
Cryptic Rock – And that appearance with The 69 Eyes piqued many listeners’ curiosity. Interestingly enough, your latest album, My Side of the Mountain, takes the same name as the Jean George. With that, there is undoubtedly a lot of emotion expressed within the music. What was it like releasing all these emotions inside these songs?
Kat Von D – I loved that book as a child, and after reading it, I found myself longing to live a life in nature, far away from people. Funny enough, my family and I were able to mirror the book to a certain degree and leave the big city for a peaceful corner in America, in rural Indiana. I love how a book can continue to influence you into your adult life, even in music.
Cryptic Rock – It is evident in the music. You come across as a very sensitive individual. Do you feel like being an outsider has shaped the way you create?
Kat Von D – Of course. My music is for the outsider. The hope is to connect with people who can relate, and if it makes the listener feel less alone in this world, that is a beautiful thing.
Cryptic Rock – Most certainly! As previously mentioned, your music is quite varied. That being said, what are some of your musical influences?
Kat Von D – I love analog synths, so bands that play within that realm are very exciting to me.
Cryptic Rock – There is so much to discover with that genre of music. Last question. If you are a fan of Horror films, what are some of your personal favorites?
Kat Von D – I love Horror. Always have. I’d say exorcism genres have always fascinated me the most. The Exorcism of Emily Rose (2005) is a personal favorite.
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