Interview: KAT- Throw Her To The Wolves, She Will Return Leading The Pack
Intro
Born Katherine Coetzee, but known to the world as Kat, is a highly compelling South African singer, multi-instrumentalist, looper and international live musician. Recognised globally for her energetic and dynamic performances, which comprise a little bit of everything for all ages to enjoy, Kat is an irresistible creative who skillfully fuses Blues, Rock, Pop, Jazz and Electronic in her own incomparable way. Kat was born into the performing arts world and it is here where her love for being on stage and entertaining audiences began from a young age. After performing live all over the world in countries such as the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, Japan and South Africa as a professional rock artist and bassist, Kat’s live shows present an extensive assortment of her musical influences and always-evolving skillset.
Hi Kat, welcome to Fanbase Music Magazine, thank you for joining us. Before we start musically, let’s talk Covid and get that out of the way. How are you coping; are you and your family safe?
Hey Duzzy, thank you so much. We are all safe and fine….It has been a massive shift for everyone, but I chose to use the lockdown to my advantage. I spent the time learning how to loop and refine my skills, which has led to everything that is currently happening in my life.
What are your thoughts about online live streaming gigs? Have you done that in place of doing venue gigging during lockdown?
Since educating myself on the technological side of music I have become super aware of just how important good quality sound is. So I haven’t really ventured into that world just yet as I would only do it if I could get great sound quality too. Hopefully soon though!
Can you tell us about yourself; where did you grow up and what got you into music?
I didn’t have a choice when it came to getting into music. My dad was a big music fan and had me listening to the likes of Guns N’ Roses since before I was even born. My mom came from a dance background and so I was introduced into the theatre at a very young age. Therefore, I had it from both sides, but of very different genres. Due to my dad’s work I grew up travelling a lot and continued this into my adult life. Again, growing up in a lot of places gave me a very varied and wide musical taste.
What genre of music would you classify your sound as?
That is a really tough question to answer since I would say I am multi-genre. Just like the fact that I am a multi-instrumentalist. I don’t want to limit myself to just one thing. There is so much to love about music and all the genres of music; why limit yourself to one? I am the common denominator between all my songs which span a great many genres……However I will say that my biggest influence is Rock and Blues.
What music did you grow up on and what music are you into now?
I grew up loving Rock, as I said my dad taught me the words to all the Guns N’ Roses songs before I could even read. But, I also grew up loving the musical theatre classics. Elton John was a big part of my childhood too; I’ve had the privilege of watching him live multiple times. Obviously, as you get older you find your own path in music. After a long winding road I find myself back at the classics. I can listen to Blues morning, noon and night. Freddie King is my absolute hero!
Do you feel your taste in music has an effect on what songs you write?
Songs are very funny things and almost magical. My first producer told me that songs are in the air all around us all the time. When we are in the correct zone we channel them through us and write them. I still believe this today! You can be in a mood and then just start fooling around on your guitar; and suddenly 15 minutes later there’s a song and you’re like….”How did that happen?” Or “Where did that come from?” So, the point to what I’m saying is, I don’t think so because the songs tell me what genre they are….I don’t pre-decide it. Or, the instrument on which the song is written, decides it. I think my taste in music more affects my technique and execution of a song in the performing aspect…as opposed to the writing aspect.
It is no secret that you a multi-instrumentalist, just how many instruments can you play?
Piano, Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar, Bass Guitar, Cigarbox guitar and Diddly Bow
When playing live, you use a loop peddle to make up for the other instruments; can you explain the process of using a loop peddle and also how it affects your performance?
It’s actually quite funny that I call myself a looper but I actually don’t even use a loop pedal…I find them way too complicated and scary. Ableton is my best friend and I used that to loop, as that is essentially what the program itself is. I have a Push 2 as well; so I will usually start with a sampled drum loop, then I will live-play a bass line and loop that with the help of the Push 2 and Ableton; and then vocal loops and build on and on from there. As for how it affects my performance – well, when I was just a front woman of a band I could solely focus on the audience and performance. Now I have to focus on EVERYTHING and if there’s a screw up I can’t blame anyone but myself. So it’s just a lot more concentration and preparation. There is an extra layer of anxiety too because I am very heavily relying on technology, which sometimes can just decide “I don’t want to work” and that sucks! Haahah!
If you could be endorsed by any music instrument company, what instrument would it be and what dream company would it be that endorses you?
Because I work extremely hard and hustle like a boss!!! (Just kidding!) I have been fortunate enough to afford some amazing gear pieces already… However, Ableton and Line 6 would be the best-of-the-best sponsors on earth for what I do. I love Line 6 pedals; it’s such a quality product, especially for someone who needs the versatility that I do. As for Ableton, I would be nowhere without that program…..however….I am a rocker at heart and if Fender could endorse me…..I would be beyond happy. I am such a Fender girl! My Fender Jazz Bass is the ultimate love of my life.
Can you talk about the gear you use, what is the make of your instruments?
As I’ve just said, I love Fender so much. I have a Fender Telecaster (because of Buddy Guy) and a Fender Jazz Bass (because of Marcus Miller). They are just beautiful-sounding instruments and have this warm old tone to them. My bass is part of the new Fender player series and I cannot recommend this highly enough!!!! I got my bass from The Music Experience and I literally phoned them every day to check up on when the bass was arriving. I call my bass the Fresh Prince because he is “Bel-Air Blue”.
My Cigarbox and Diddly Bow were made by an amazing man in Jo’burg named Roy Jones, who makes Loud Mouth Guitars. Seriously, you need to check this guy out; he can make a guitar out of ANYTHING! He even makes slides out of ostrich bones! He is super creative and such a fun guy creating truly top quality guitars.
My acoustic guitar is a Tanglewood acoustic and it is beautiful; and honestly I am not a good enough guitarist to play it…..
I really believe in the Yamaha brand and that is why my keyboards and PA system are all Yamaha. I like their sound and they are great quality. And of course, as I mentioned before, for looping you cannot go wrong with Line 6. I have the Helix Floor pedal, the Ableton Push 2; I used a Focusrite interface and a Boss-500 vocal pedal.
Let’s talk about the new single ‘Wolves’; can you tell us what the song is about and how it came to be?
I had reached a point in my life where I had become my own super hero and I wanted to share this empowerment with others. It took a really long time for me to reach this place mentally where I felt strong and worthy. Looking back on my life “Throw me to the wolves, I’ll return leading the pack” is a phrase I have lived by…: No matter the situation, I have always been able to find a way to overcome my hardships; and not only that, but rise above them and come out on top. This song was a celebration of self-love, empowerment and strength. I was sitting on my couch playing around with my Cigar Box and the riff just happened; everything flowed from there.
The song features the great musician Mark Haze; can you tell us how it came about that you were able to work with him and what has he bought to the song?
Through a set of lucky circumstances I was able to meet Mark; he mentioned that he produces up-and-coming musicians, so we decided to work together. I pretty much attribute everything to Mark and cannot express my gratitude enough to him for the luck that I got to meet him. We actually have recorded a series of songs together, which will be released this year. Mark is amazing to work with; because of his wealth of experience that he gets from both the musician and the producer roles. But not only that, he has such an insane amount of creativity in the way he does things. Wolves was just lyrics and a riff; Mark built everything else around it, including his bad-ass guitar solo. He didn’t just bring the song to life; he has guided me in terms of my career, performance and artistry. I have learnt so much from him and appreciate his generosity and kindness so much. I couldn’t have asked for a better producer and mentor.
Was the song process of recording the track a long one or was it an easy process?
From the series of songs that we recorded, Wolves was by far the easiest. I simply played the riff on my Cigarbox to Mark and showed him the lyrics; and we were off. Within a week or two the track was done. I remember the first time Mark played it to me I said “I feel like I have just been punched in the face” The song has so much power!
The song has a really cool music video, can you explain the concept of the video; and also where was it shot?
The video was shot in Cape Town on a farm in Malmesbury and in my family home… You gotta save cash where you can, hahaha 🙂 The video was developed by my creative director Josh Heldsinger and me. We spent 8 hours in a room yelling at each other and then finally came up with something. The concept is empowerment: you deserve better; you deserve to succeed; you deserve to achieve your dreams. It’s about overcoming your demons and rising above hardships and issues. We wanted the video to inspire people; to give them strength. If this video could inspire you to get out of a toxic situation, or to go after your dreams, or to just feel good about yourself… we would feel like we have done our job!
Can we expect an album soon; and what can you tell us about it; when will it be released etc.?
Mark and I recorded a series of singles together; and that’s all I focused on. However, this year has inspired a whole new bunch of songs from me and I can say yes, for sure, there will be a full album coming in the not so distant future.
Can you give us your Social Media details; how can people get hold of you, what pages should they like and follow?
On Instagram I am @Kat_theperformer_music
and they can find me on Facebook @KatpowerHK
Or check out my Youtube Channel for weekly videos
Thank you for doing this interview, do you have any other messages for your fans and our readers?
Just be true to yourself, be kind and never let them take you alive!