What a summer it’s been for Katie Kittermaster. Coming out of lockdown with new material and signing a global publishing deal with BMG and then supporting Olly Murs at several sell out shows across the UK, playing to crowds of 20,000 or more. But for Katie the big test was a headline gig when people would buy tickets to see her. The Kent singer songwriter goes from strength to strength and I was lucky enough to catch her in her first full band headline gig in London’s intimate 229. It was a show that really proved the connection that the artist has with her fans as she confidently played to a sell-out crowd and enjoyed that special feeling that comes when the audience sings back an artist’s lyrics.
Katie sings songs about real life, about the things that affect her and the people around her. She sings of broken hearts, broken promises, everyday life and struggles with mental health. With every subject she pours her heart and soul into every word and it is evident that the things she sings about hugely resonate with an audience, whatever the age, whatever the background, whatever the gender. Katie’s delivery is eloquent and her lyrics well-constructed and deeply honest; so honest in fact that in one unreleased song called ‘It’s Not Just You’ she almost broke down as she recounted her own struggles with mental health. It was a song that brought a tear to my eye and was a glimpse into the fact that depression and mental health is indiscriminate in who it affects. However well someone is perceived to the outside world, we really have no idea what kind of internal struggles may be happening; Katie’s brave and honest song was inspiring, empowering and heart-breaking all at the same time and its impossible not to warm to her bravery.
The gig was also a chance for Katie to launch her new single, ‘Good Liars’, a song she’s now busy promoting in Germany. The new single is another example of how Katie’s style is like giving the listener a secret look into her diary. There’s empowerment in vulnerability, there’s connection in honesty. The sadness of the lyrics is lifted by slick production and an upbeat catchy melody. The song was warmly received at Katie’s headline gig and I’m sure is another step towards an even larger fan base. She will headline again at The Garage in London on 28th February and I would snap up tickets now for the chance to see an outstanding artist in another intimate venue.
I will be talking to Katie soon in an open and honest interview that will delve into her struggles with mental health and how she is busy touring schools to share her experiences and how she has come to terms with depression and getting to the next day. She is an artist that is working hard to use her music to empower and support those going through the experiences she has. Music literally saved her life and she wants to pass that on to as many people as she can. She’s a brilliant young artist, but what makes her special is that she’s also keen to help as many people as she possibly can. What a role model she is!
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