No less a harbinger of ‘what’s hot’ than Perez Hilton predicted that the L.A.-based singer/songwriter Katy Perry would become “one of the breakout stars of the summer” when Capitol Records released her debut album, One of the Boys. Perry has also joined the traveling rock circus that is the 2008 Vans Warped Tour.
One of the Boys is a sharp and witty pop-rock gem filled with candid tales of neurotic ex-boyfriends (“Hot N Cold,” “Mannequin”), crazy road trips with friends (“Waking Up in Vegas”), and figuring out who you are along the way (“Fingerprints”). While the album displays Perry’s feisty, girl-power swagger, it also reveals her more vulnerable side on such regretful ballads as “Lost,” “I’m Still Breathing,” and “Thinking of You.”
“I think people can appreciate a songwriter who shows different sides, and this album has many different colors,” Perry says. “I can write my share of angry break-up songs but I wanted to balance it out with fun, summertime songs. But there are also sad songs about loss and making the wrong decisions.
“It’s been blood, sweat, and tears making this record. I’ve put everything into it and I feel like it’s my baby. When people listen to it, I hope they will understand where I’m coming from as a person.”
To showcase her sharp, observational lyrics and big, charismatic voice, Perry worked with a host of noted producers and collaborators, including Greg Wells (Mika, Natasha Bedingfield), Glen Ballard (No Doubt, Alanis Morrisette), Dave Stewart (Eurythmics), Dr. Luke (Kelly Clarkson, Avril Lavigne), Max Martin (Leona Lewis, Robyn), Sam Hollander & Dave Katz (Gym Class Heroes, Boys Like Girls) and Butch Walker (Pink, The Donnas). “You can’t get better than these guys,” Perry says. “I feel like the luckiest person bitch in town right now.”
Perry has also been tapped for Yahoo!’s Who’s Next Critical Eye and MSN’s Ones to Watch.
“Warped is grueling and hot, but I’m ready to survive it — even without showers,” Perry says. “Gwen Stefani did the tour back in 2000 with No Doubt and she looked fabulous hopping around on stage in her little polka-dotted dresses. You can find YouTube clips of her up there and all the girls in the audience are going nuts. I’m am so channeling that.”
One Of The Boys is now available in all record bars released under EMI Philippines.