INTERVIEW:
Finding Kate
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BRINGING us near the weekend...
is Finding Kate, who has been telling me about her latest single, I Feel Bad. I ask what inspired the song and whether more material is coming; if her Greek and Cypriot roots inspire her music and which albums she counts as favourites.
The songwriter reveals gig plans and whether she has other plans for 2019; if she gets much time to chill away from music and the rising artists we need to be aware of right now – she selects a great track to end the interview with.
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Hi, Kate. How are you? How has your week been?
Hey, Sam. All good, thanks! How about you? This week has been super-hectic. I’ve just released my new single and I feel pretty overwhelmed, stressed; happy and excited at the same time! Haha.
For those new to your music; can you introduce yourself, please?
My name is Finding Kate and I am a singer/songwriter based in London. My music is Alternative/Rock with undertones of Pop. I would describe it as melodic, emotional and dark yet commercial. In 2016, I released my debut album, If I Fall, and have played lots of shows in the U.K. and Cyprus since then.
I have just released my new single, I Feel Bad. Yay.
What can you tell me about the new single, I Feel Bad, regarding its story?
I Feel Bad is one of my newest tracks I had written about a year ago. I sat down on the piano and the chorus just blasted out of me: same exact melody, lyrics and chords as it is now. It’s a song I hope a lot of people can relate to! I mainly wrote it as a ‘f*** you’ to people/relationships that pull me down or hold me back. It’s about feeling that pain after a relationship is over but also feeling a sort of relief. This track has feelings of anger, sorrow; pity and forgiveness all in one.
Is there likely to be more material later in the year?
Yes, definitely. I am currently sorting out all my tracks with my producer. I have a lot of material ready; some are at demo stages and some are at a solid level ready for recording!
Can you remember what pushed you to get into music? Did you always know it is where you wanted to be?
I think the fact that I grew up in a very musical household pushed me to get into music. I know I keep saying it in every interview, but I grew up listening to so much music because of my dad. We mostly listened to Rock, Alternative and Metal and I am so grateful I was brought up with some of the best bands such as Pearl Jam, Bon Jovi; Stone Temple Pilots, Live and newer artists/bands like Avril Lavigne, Evanescence; Linkin Park, P!nk etc. I think I was about ten/eleven years old when my parents discovered a piano tutor’s flyer on the car and we decided I would try out some piano lessons! Then immediately after I also started singing lessons and then, after that, the rest is pretty much history! I knew I wanted to be a singer and that was it for me.
PHOTO CREDIT: William Pavli Photography
You have Australian and Cypriot roots. Does that play a role regarding your music and sound?
This is a cool question. I think the Cypriot roots definitely bring a different vibe to my songwriting. I didn’t listen to a lot of Greek music growing up but I used to listen to a few artists/songs which definitely influenced me in one way or another. My producer and I actually laugh at some of my vocal melodies/licks that I do as they have some very Greek influences at times! I wouldn’t say either of these countries plays a huge role in my sound but they definitely help shape me into the artist I am today.
What plans do you have for the rest of 2019?
My plans are to promote I Feel Bad as much as I can by playing lots of shows all around the U.K. I have some great shows coming up and looking forward to supporting some bigger names, hopefully, in the near-future. Then, I am aiming to release a few more singles and build momentum!
Do you have a standout memory from your time in music so far?
I have a few standout memories, but the one that I cherish the most is probably the Cyprus Has Talent competition in 2012! I won the Junior section and that’s sort of where my ‘career’ started. I was introduced to Chris who I’ve been working with for the last few years and I met some really great people through that competition.
Which three albums mean the most to you would you say (and why)?
Picking three albums is so difficult! AAAAHHHH.
Let Go - Avril Lavigne
This is one of those albums I will always, always treasure. So many songs speak out to me to this day! It’s crazy how relatable her lyrics were and still are. I love all the songs and I think the production is sick - especially on Losing Grip, Unwanted; Naked and I’m with You. Avril will always be a huge inspiration to me. I remember locking myself up in my room and singing along to every single album of hers. I had a little portable C.D. player and, after buying her first three albums, I used to sit there reading her lyrics and doing sing-alongs to her entire albums! Every single song, over and over again. Haha. Let Go holds a special place in my heart for its simplicity and honesty.
The Open Door – Evanescence
I always loved all of Evanescence’s albums, but this one is probably my favourite. I think it has some of their best work on it and some of my personal favourite tracks. I love the vibe, aesthetic and feeling of this album; it really resonates with me. I also love the album artwork - Amy looks stunning in that dress!
Nothing But Thieves - Nothing But Thieves. Their debut album title speaks for itself. Nothing But Thieves is exactly what Nothing But Thieves are about. It’s alternative, atmospheric; powerful, exciting; sad and beautiful…and Conor’s voice is otherworldly. No, seriously, one of the best male vocalists I have heard. I just really, really love this album.
If you could support any musician alive today, and choose your own rider, what would that entail?
I’d love to support Evanescence! I’ve never had the option to choose my own rider: I’m usually lucky to get some free beers at a show. I think some sushi would be good. Haha. To be honest, I have no idea what I’d request; I’ll cross that bridge when it comes (smiles).
What are your other plans regarding gigs/touring?
I have my single release party on 17th May in London at The Monarch which I am super-excited about. My next London show after that is the Amplified Festival live finals on the 28th June. If I get selected on the night, I will get the chance to play at Amplified Festival, so fingers crossed!
I’ve also got two shows with Hands Off Gretel which I’m really looking forward to - one is on 22nd June in Southampton and the other is on 6th July in Brighton. Besides that, I am in the process of contacting venues and hoping that I will get some more support slots coming up soon. Keep your eyes peeled for my updates!
Is the stage somewhere you feel at your most alive?
Yes, definitely. I love singing and I love looking into a crowd of people who are there to support live music. I can totally be myself on stage without being scared of what people think of me. I love playing with incredibly talented musicians who have an amazing vibe on stage. Every show has its own beauty. Of course, I still get stressed before some shows. They don’t always go smoothly and the sound isn’t always great but I always make the most of it when I am on stage.
Is there any advice you’d give to upcoming artists?
Yeah! Just keep going. Don’t stop. You have to work hard to make your dreams come true and, most of the time, you have to be the one to get sh*t done. It sounds a little scary, but if you have a vision and you know what you want, go out there and get it. Believe in yourself and be prepared to have a lot of ups and downs. Build a team around you if you can: producers, musicians; photographers, videographers; designers, managers and have a good relationship with them. We all need a hand sometimes and having people who also believe in you and see your vision will really take some weight off your shoulders. I personally do a lot on my own as I like to have control and know what I want but I still have professionals to help me out. I can’t do everything; I’ll go mad if I try.
The BEST advice I can give you though is always follow your instinct and believe in yourself. Stay true to your vision and goals. Your team might crumble, your manager might leave; your label might drop you but, if you believe in yourself, that’s all that matters.
IN THIS PHOTO: Hands Off Gretel
Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?
Yes! My friends in Hands Off Gretel are absolutely amazing. You might have already heard of them. Highly Suspect are already pretty big but I think you would like them a lot. Also check out the amazing Halflives and Izzy Thomas.
IN THIS PHOTO: Highly Suspect
Do you get much time to chill away from music? How do you unwind?
Honestly, I don’t get much time to chill away from music! If I’m not working on new songs, I am usually working on my social media, marketing; designs, website; shows and fifty other things! But, when I do get time to chill, I love watching T.V. series and eating (haha).
Finally, and for being a good sport; you can choose a song and I’ll play it here (not any of your music - I will do that).
Keep Lying - Donna Missal
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