Katy J Pearson: Championing War Child’s “Day of the Girl” — An Interview with All Music Magazine UK

All Music Magazine UK – Desh Kapur - Interview With Katy J Pearson

Katy J Pearson has never shied away from pouring honesty into her music, but her involvement with War Child UK’s “Day of the Girl” campaign shows another dimension to her artistry: activism. From highlighting overlooked issues like women’s health in conflict zones to using her platform to raise awareness through live performance, Pearson demonstrates the power of musicians to inspire both change and community. In this exclusive conversation with All Music Magazine UK, Katy reflects on her motivations, the responsibility of artists in humanitarian causes, and how music can carry resilience, hope, and solidarity far beyond the stage.

All Music Magazine UK: How did you first become involved with War Child UK’s “Day of the Girl” campaign, and what drew you to participate?

Katy J Pearson: I was contacted by Clare at War Child and asked if I wanted to do a show for “Day of the Girl”. I felt thrilled to be asked to be involved in something that is doing such fantastic work for young women in need. I want to participate because we don’t choose where we are born and I am so privileged to have grown up in safety and not in a place in conflict - so I feel my responsibility as an artist is to use my platform to give causes like War Child visibility. Especially now as we are witnessing an ongoing genocide.

All Music Magazine UK: When preparing for your performance at The 100 Club for this campaign, will you choose any songs in your set that are particularly meaningful in relation to the themes of conflict, displacement, loss, or resilience? Could you share which ones and why?

Katy J Pearson: I will definitely be playing my song Beautiful Soul. The message in the song is one of resilience, support and love. It’s a song that has resonated with my fans the most. Writing it helped me overcome some hard times so I’m very glad it is a soothing song for other people.

All Music Magazine UK: War Child supports mental health, education, safe spaces, health and legal assistance, among other vital services. Which of these areas do you think are overlooked or underreported in the coverage of girls in conflict areas?

Katy J Pearson: I think an issue often overlooked in war is women’s health. Having periods is already a painful and exhausting thing but dealing with periods in a war zone I cannot begin to imagine. Women in Gaza have no sanitary towels or proper supplies. This makes them at risk of getting ill and furthermore is a loss of dignity.

All Music Magazine UK: Do you see a role for musicians more broadly in activism in conflict or humanitarian causes? What responsibilities, if any, do you believe artists have in raising awareness or creating change?

Katy J Pearson: As we’ve seen with the genocide in Gaza, there are many ways musicians can use their platform to take direct action. For example, at the moment many musicians, including me, are part of ‘No Music for Genocide’ – we are able to geo-block our music streaming in Israel. I think artists absolutely have a responsibility especially if they have a strong fanbase, they can educate about these humanitarian issues.

All Music Magazine UK: With “Day of the Girl,” part of the goal is not only fundraising but also giving voice to those whose stories often go unheard. How do you think live music events like this can contribute to shifting public awareness and attitudes?

Katy J Pearson: I think live music is always a very powerful tool for fundraising. It creates community and it’s an organic way of spreading stories of those in conflict.

All Music Magazine UK: From your own experience in the music industry, have you felt that gender plays a role in how your work is received or how opportunities are presented? Does that feed into your motivations for working on “Day of the Girl”?

Katy J Pearson: Sadly, being a woman in music can be challenging. It always has been and there still is a way to go. Sexism is still very much around. I’ve had men doubt that I write my own songs, questioning my ability to play my instrument. Also, there are still so many more male producers than female. As young women starting in music, we are never really told we can progress whereas men who start as artists can very quickly change lanes and go into production. So yes, I think attitudes still need to change and young women need to be encouraged to enter male-dominated spaces in music.

All Music Magazine UK: What do you hope audience members will leave your show thinking or feeling—in terms of both the musical experience and the broader cause?

Katy J Pearson: I hope they will feel enriched and inspired. Music is such a powerful tool and I hope people will leave feeling part of something important and by buying tickets they can feel directly linked to helping War Child and the Day of the Girl cause.

All Music Magazine UK: Looking forward, how would you like to see your collaboration with charitable campaigns evolve? Are there other causes or forms of activism you’d like to engage with in future through your music?

Katy J Pearson: I have recently done a fundraiser for Scope as I have a brother with special needs and with the PIP cuts I felt I could do something to directly support a charity like Scope who are such a support to the most vulnerable in our community. We are hoping to put on a gig in the future to raise more funds.

Show dates:

9th October, girli - Oslo, London

10th October, English Teacher - Hanger 34, Liverpool

14th October, Katy J Pearson - 100 Club, London

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