California native Katy Perry, whose smash “California Gurls” is the undisputed song of the summer of 2010, has just released her second full-length album Teenage Dream, a kaleidoscope of cuts that runs the gamut from sexy (“Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.)”) to spiritual (“Who Am I Living For”). “I’m giving everyone the full spectrum on this record,” says Perry. Strap in and hold on tight; Teenage Dream, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, selling a sizzling 192,000 copies its week out, is the sonic rollercoaster millions of fans have been waiting patiently to ride.
Sun-kissed Gurl: Central casting could not have come up with a more typical California girl than Katy Perry. Born in sun-soaked Santa Barbara, an exclusive playground for the privileged located about two hours north of Los Angeles, Perry drew from her hometown’s solar energy to make her Teenage Dream come true. “I can’t run from where I came from, nobody can,” she says. “I love the vibe that Santa Barbara gives off and I wanted to really tap into the purity of my childhood and that feeling.” She was also very happy to literally leave Hollywood in the rearview mirror when it came time to record the record in her hometown. “It was really fun to get away and walk into the studio with no make-up on.”
Sans make-up, Perry proceeded to tap into another source of inspiration for the writing of the dozen tunes found on Teenage Dream, setting her sights on trying to get people off their butts. “When I was touring, I wanted people to dance more. So I wrote an album that made people move, yet didn’t sacrifice the story substance that I had on the last record [One of the Boys].” Aided by producers including Tricky Stewart, Dr. Luke, Stargate, Max Martin, and Greg Wells, she says fans can expect “the sugary sweet, but you’re also getting the ‘Oh my goodness, she had to sit down for a minute and let some things off her chest.’” “California Gurls” featuring Snoop Dogg would be an example of the former; “The One That Got Away” the latter.
Outspoken and unbridled, Perry, well, dreams big, and so far, most of those dreams have come true. “I called the album Teenage Dream because I feel like I will always want to be that pin-up poster. I definitely want to be in everybody’s dreams at all times until I get to Liz Taylor’s age when I’m not in your dreams anymore, and I’m just a diva!” But along with her diva dreams, Perry packs a professional punch not many divas possess: she writes all her own songs. “You’re getting a pure connection to the artist,” she philosophizes. “You’re not getting some idea of what that artist should be, you’re getting a direct voice.”
In other words, with Katy Perry, you’re getting the whole package: a California girl whose breakout album was One of the Boys; an artist who is beautiful and talented, playful and professional. Plus, she’s kissed both a girl and a boy. As she says, “If you ever want an answer about how I felt about something or what I was going through or what I believe or my convictions or my love, you just have to listen to the lyrics.” Millions already have; millions more are about to.
A Dream Come True: Watch Katy perform “Teenage Dream” live on CBS’ Late Show with David Letterman:
As A Matter of Fact…
* Katy Perry was born Katheryn Elizabeth Hudson October 25, 1984 in Santa Barbara, CA, the second child of two pastors.
* Growing up, Perry sang in her parents’ church and was not allowed to listen to secular music. She attended Christian schools and camps.
* Perry’s One of the Boys album has sold over 5 million copies to date, and she’s sold over 22 million digital tracks and mobile products worldwide.
* Katy Perry is engaged to British comedian Russell Brand.