What is your name?
Katie Kittermaster
What is your genre of music?
Indie/Acoustic/Pop
Give us a little bio about you.
Katie Kittermaster is a British singer/songwriter. Her vocals are haunting, emotive and distinctive. Her writing is based on relationships, which resonates well with her target listeners. Her writing is fresh and honest. She’s funny, a little quirky and her anecdotes are popular with the audience. In August 2017 Katie performed to over 10K people opening for Louisa Johnson and dance group, Diversity at Maidstone’s Big Day Out. In September 2018 Katie opened for Jools Holland and Marc Almond at Kimbolton Castle in Cambridgeshire. Katie supported Olly Murs in December in the same year. Following on from her A Levels, the summer 2019 has seen Katie performed at many festivals including Penn Fest, El Dorado, Deebsday, The Big Festival and CarFest. Katie opened twice for Ronan Keating this summer at the stunning venues of Castle Howard and Kimbolton Castle. Katie has been on tour with Boyzlife on their autumn tour during September; playing 15 gigs over 22 nights. Katie will be the sole supporting artist on the Lucy Spraggan tour, spanning 37 nights through the UK and Europe. This tour starts on October 8 in Newcastle. ‘Sunday Afternoon’ (lyrics and music by Katie), which has been produced by Alex Mullarkey and Ben Steele was released on September 6 and her EP, ‘Coming Home at Dawn’ will be on general release on November 1. The second single to be released will be T-shirt.
What made you go into music?
Music has always been my passion; from a young age I remember always wanting to be a singer! I didn’t start writing until I was about 15; it was at this point I started to teach myself the piano and guitar. I think a big turning point for me was when we were living in Dubai (my Dad was a headmaster out there) and I was asked to open an event for the Global Gift Foundation. This evening was hosted by Eva Longoria and Ricky Martin and superstar writer Maxwell and 50 Cent were in attendance! I was just 13 at the time and I just remember loving every minute of performing and know that this was what I want to do! I feel lucky that, for now, this is my job!
Are you a signed?
No, I am not signed. I’m having some interesting conversations. But I do believe that there are many benefits of remaining independent. Who knows what’s around the corner? I am just happy to keep grafting, writing, performing and hopefully one day the stars will align!
You released your latest Single ‘Sunday Afternoon’, tell us more about the single.
Sunday Afternoon is a song about being in a very comfortable place in your relationship. I wrote it for my ex-boyfriend for his birthday, thinking that it was a cute gesture (I was also broke).
What is the meaning behind the single?
As touched on above, it’s about being in a happy, secure and comfortable place in your relationship.
Describe the track in two words.
Happy place What was the writing process like? I don’t have a set formula to write but the lyrics generally come first. Lyrics are key for me. Once I get started the lyrics and music tend to go hand in hand. This was a very personal track for me as it totally summed up the stage of our relationship at that time. Writing is normally a very quick process for me, once I get going! I wrote with a team of writers in Berlin earlier this year, as I had been invited by a publisher; I was a little anxious as I had never written ‘on demand’ before, however the process was great and we wrote 5 tracks in 4 days!
What was the recording process like?
Due to just finishing school, I had been waiting quite a while to record my EP. Some of the songs were written a couple of years ago. I have written over 40 songs and am very keen to get back into the studio. We recorded most of Coming Home at Dawn (EP) at Metropolis Studios in London. For Sunday Afternoon, the direction and process were relatively straight-forward. Having played this track on so many occasions live, I knew I wanted something that was quite stripped back and acoustic yet suitable for radio. Getting this balance was key as I didn’t want anything too pop or over produced. The storytelling and vocals needed to remain central to the overall track.
Who did you work with on the album?
I worked with Ben Steele, who is also my guitarist and Alex Mullarkey on Sunday Afternoon, T-shirt and You Needed Me. Kaleidoscope and Disaster were produced by James Giddings and Matt Gallagher Despite working with two different teams I really feel it is a comprehensive and cohesive body of work.
Will we see a music video for the track?
Due to time and budgetary constraints, I am not sure if we will produce a video for Sunday Afternoon. As a young unsigned artist touring and recording music, it is very expensive and therefore all pennies need to be accounted for and spent wisely. There is talk of a video for T- Shirt, the next single being released (1 November).
You’ve been on Tour with Boyzlife, how was it and your best moments from it.
Touring with Brian and Keith was amazing. They are super relaxed, funny and very supportive. I learnt a lot from them on the tour. It was a busy month as we visited over 15 radio stations for interview and live performances during the days. Each night the boys would invite me to sing on stage with them which was surreal yet amazing. Keith calling me ‘a female Ed Sheeran’ was definitely a highlight.
You’re set to tour with Lucy Spraggan, how did that come about?
Andrew Pountain booked me for the Boyzlife tour and came to a couple of the events – he then suggested the tour with Lucy as he felt that her fanbase would also relate to my songs and enjoy my story-telling – let’s hope so! What can we expect from it? I think you should expect some great music, some funny anecdotes and an intimate and warm atmosphere.
Do you have any more shows coming up?
I’m on tour with Lucy until the 8th December – I’m then taking a couple of weeks off! I will be travelling to LA in mid-January to collaborate on some writing as well as hold some meetings. I have a date in London for a show so I will let you know about this, once it’s confirmed.
What else can we expect in 2019?
Touring….
Do you have any collaborations coming up with any upcoming artists?
I have some collaborations coming up over the next few months. I think it is important to work with other writers, singers and producers.
Would you be up for collaborations if other musicians wanted one with you? and who would they have to contact?
I would always be up for collaborating. Even if you have different type and ideas, sometimes that combination can work. I’d love to write with Maisie Peters or JC Stewart. Who wouldn’t!? All enquiries can go through Kevin Reynolds but having said that, most conversations so far have some direct to me via instagram and my website.
Do you play any instruments?
Yes, I play the guitar and piano (mainly for writing). I am lucky to be sponsored by Taylor Guitars and Roland.
Who are your influences?
This is hard as I listen to a lot of music. Ed Sheeran is a huge influence and inspiration. His back story is so motivational. Maisie Peters and Gabrielle Aplin are two other singer-songwriters that have influenced my style. I love Lily Allen Kate Nash and Joni Mitchell.
How do you get inspiration to write songs?
All my songs so far are written from personal experiences. Recently I’ve been taking inspiration from the lives of other and things I have seen while travelling and working.
Where do you see yourself now in 5 Years?
I hope that I’ll be headlining across the World – you must back yourself and aim high.
When you’re not doing music, what do you do?
There isn’t a lot of time right now but when I am not immersed in music, I like to party! I love to dance; I love to go to festivals with my friends too but equally I am happy chilling and just having me time. Normal teenage stuff, I guess.
What was the song you listened to most that influenced you to go more into the music scene?
Maisie Peters – both her EP’s are insane. Love early Taylor Swift too.
What’s the best advice you have ever been given?
The best advice I’ve been given is probably from my manager. Every person’s journey is unique; just be sure to enjoy yours.
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians not about the industry and just as an artist?
I’d say to be unique, be tenacious, always be prompt and polite, collaborate when you can, keep believing in yourself and above all enjoy the ride. Don’t be like somebody else – that spot’s already taken.
What quote or saying do you always stick by?
“cut off your dead ends for growth and I’m not just talking about your hair”.
Where in your hometown is a must go to visit?
My village is tiny, but the fish and chip shop is infamous!
Your coming off tour;
1/ Where do you go first?
Home
2/ Who do you see first? Hugo, my dog!
3/What do you eat first? Fried haloumi, garlic mayo and a glass of wine!
When you are at a gig, what are 5 things you cannot forget?
Words Water Vocalzone Humility Sense of humour
Do you have social media accounts so your fans can follow you? –
Website
Instagram
YouTube
Facebook
Twitter
