How would you describe your music to anyone who may have never heard it?
Kat: Take Stevie Wonder, Gladys Knight, Prince, Bonnie Raitt and a dash of Tina Marie, mix vigorously and enjoy. So, as far as genre, I'd say R&B, funk, and jazz. But there's a bit of rock in there too!
What are your musical influences? K: As a singer, I was very influenced early on by female vocalists and girl groups of the '60s Motown. Later on, I listened to rock groups like Traffic and Jethro Tull, which led to me wanting to play flute and sax. Sax players like David Sanborn and Stanley Turrentine played a big part in my playing.
What are your musical inspirations? K: The above singers and groups - plus Chaka Khan and Michael McDonald. As far as songwriting, I'm inspired by listening to the older recordings of these artists, but I have an ear out for newer sounds to create something fresh. Lately, I'm listening to Leon Russell as I try to learn chords on the keyboard, which can lead to writing a song. I'm also a drummer, in my mind!
If given the chance, what musician(s) would you like to collaborate with? Rather this is to either write a song or be featured on a track.
K: Stevie Wonder.
So what's your recent EP about? If you mind explaining a bit more about it for readers. K: Although my EP has been out for a few months, I'd like to answer. "Some People" is speaking out against bullying, especially in the media and politicians. It affects how children -grown or otherwise- interact with each other. "St. So and So" is saying we need a hero, especially now. "Player" is about the entitled rock star type on a local or national level. The EP, There I Said It, is mostly about social issues and thoughts relating to how we treat each other generally.
What’s something you hope people take away from these four new tracks? K: On a subconscious level, I hope they can feel an infectious beat. If they are paying attention to the lyrics, I hope they either relate or contemplate how we can all treat each other better.
Which songs on the album were the most fun to write and which were the most challenging to write? K: These three songs on the EP came so quickly -not many of them do. So it's not easy to say, but I'll say my song "St. So and So" was the most fun because I had a lot to get off my chest about what's going on in the world today. Do you have any favourite tracks off the EP? K: Again, "St. So and So." Do you have any favourite songs to perform live? Could be your own music or even a cover. Any reason why? K: Lately, aside from my own music, I've been waiting to perform "Logical Song" by Supertramp. To me, it has a classic sax solo that I've been wanting to play forever - and thought-provoking lyrics that still hold up to this day. And the audience loves it. If you could perform a show this very second anywhere in the world, where would it be? K: I've always wanted to go to Paris.
What do you currently have planned for the remainder of the year? K: Right now, I'm in promotion mode, but I'm also looking for a proper venue to bring my show in the Detroit area for a CD release party. I'll be performing in that same area with my band and duo through the end of the year until we return to Florida for 2024 winter season.
Thanks for the time today! Is there anything else you may want to add before you go? K: Thank you for having me! I guess the thing I would like to say to the readers is to look for the indie artists like myself for new music to listen to. My music is on most online outlets like Spotify. Streaming is good, but purchasing is better. It helps us continue our craft and bring joy through music.