We live in a world of overstimulation. In a life full of endless emails and parking tickets and laundry, it is easy to become overwhelmed by the organized chaos of everyday life. Nashville-based musician Katie Schecter’s single “Pay It No Mind” provides a simple solution to this dilemma: let it all go. The track, recorded at the legendary Diamond Mine Studio in New York City, is a reminder that the easiest way to protect one’s peace is quite literally to “pay it no mind.”

Inspired by the 70s soul icon Bill Withers, Schecter wrote the entire track sitting behind the drum kit. Though this writing process is unusual for the musician, it lends itself to the carefree energy of the song. “Every little thing is gonna be alright, so pay it no mind” Schecter cooly assures us. And what she says, goes.

Accompanying the track is the newly released video, directed by Casey Pierce in Nashville. Originally inspired by a short film of visual artist Andy Warhol eating a cheeseburger, it transformed into a critique of the clutter in our lives that can grow to consume us. Surrounded by a soda bottle, a fire extinguisher, and other objects straight out of a pop-art painting, Schecter remains unfazed by the little things.

“Pay It No Mind” is the lead single off Katie Schecter’s full-length album releasing in 2025. In anticipation of her new LP, FLAUNT spoke to her about past inspirations and what listeners can expect in future releases.

You had an interesting writing process with your new single, “Pay It No Mind,” where you wrote the song behind a drum kit pretending to be James Gadson. Can you explain that creative process? How are you Paying It No Mind?

Let me preface this by saying I’m not a “drummer”, but I like playing drums. I guess my usual approach to songwriting is playing guitar or piano, searching for chords that make sense and then putting lyrics down after the fact. I was just having fun holding a beat and in this case the words came first. Turns out my untethered melody is really just the blues. The drummer you hear on the recording is Homer Steinweiss, thank goodness.

Your single serves as a personal mantra: "It’s about saving your energy for when it really counts, for the stuff that really matters.” What is “the stuff that really matters” to you? How do you embody this mantra?

You know the people I love matter most… being a decent human being , making work that I’m proud of… that’s the “stuff” . “Pay It No Mind” does not mean ignoring everything unfavorable, but I think it’s easy to exist in a space where my buttons get pushed pretty easily and I’m trying to prioritize what consumes my headspace. It’s an every day practice learning how to let things go.

Bill Withers's "Use Me Up" sounds like one of the main inspirations for your single. What is it about Withers' work that speaks or resonates with you? How does that make its way into your single

Oh man, “Use Me” just makes you cooler for listening to it. His vocal is so raw and strong, but the sentiment is so vulnerable and the riff is so catchy, and the sparseness of it all…ugh it’s just so good. Bill Withers is the the truth.

With your upcoming album, what are some things people should be excited for? What do you hope people will take home with them after listening?

I’m still not sure how or when I’ll be releasing this next body of work, but it feels closer to my true sound than anything I’ve ever made before !  I hope, as always, that people will feel the love that went into making it.