INTERVIEW:
Cat Turner
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YOU have a pretty varied choice…
when it comes to solo artists! Whatever your tastes, persuasions and preferences: somewhere, anywhere, there is an artist to fulfil demand. I have been speaking with an artist who stands on her own feet. Cat Turner tells me about her new single, Waster, and her E.P., Contrast; what we can expect in terms of gigs – how visuals and images link to her music.
Turner chats about her home in Galway; whether we will see her in the U.K. soon; the sounds she is influenced by; if there are any new artists worth keeping an eye out for; what she hopes to achieve before the end of the year – how she chills away from music.
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Hi, Cat. How are you? How has your week been?
I'm super-tired but very hyped from the excitement of the week. How are you?
For those new to your music; can you introduce yourself, please?
Sure thing! Well. I'm Cat Turner. I started producing and releasing my own music over the past year. I guess I'd describe it as an angsty Alt-Pop!
It has been pretty cold and snowy recently! Have you been affected by it?! Does it provide you more time to stay in and make music?
Yeah, it's been so cold! I'm always cold, anyway; so this week it’s been lots of hot water bottles and four pairs of socks! Ha. Other than that; I was lucky to not really be affected. I did stay inside for those couple of days but I was finishing mastering the E.P. - so may not have left anyway, if I'm honest.
Waster is your new track. What is the story behind the song?
Waster is an internal battle with myself. Sometimes, I'm pretty harsh on myself and think I hold myself back - and other times, I can see how hard I work and can appreciate that. Waster is those two sides facing each other…
It is taken from the E.P., Contrast. What sort of ideas inspired the songwriting? Was it fun recording it?
I think I'd find it really hard to find one thing that inspired me - because I try and take inspiration from everything that happens around me. Listening to as much music as I could was super-important, though. The recording process, for sure, had its highs and lows: I really challenged myself with this, as I did absolutely everything myself from start to release. It, maybe, made it more stressful - but incredibly rewarding.
I can proudly say the Contrast E.P. is me.
Your music is best described as Goth-Pop. Are there particular artists that influence your own sound?
Goth-Pop! I love that so much…
Very much me as a person, too! When it comes to writing, I try not to be too influenced by any one artist’s sound. But, what really influences and helps me is other artists’ attitudes. I love someone polarising that still keeps doing what they're doing. Very into Tove Lo, Halsey; Grimes and Post Malone at the moment.
It seems like you have increased in confidence and power. Do you feel you have grown as an artist? What, would you say, is the reason for that?
100%! It comes from actually believing in what I do, I guess.
I use to just play keyboard and I hated it. It wasn't what I wanted. But, since learning to produce and changing my stage set-up; I feel like I'm where I'm supposed to be with music.
Your music incorporates visual style and sense. It seems image and visuals are linked to your music. Do you feel it is important to project a sense of theatre and cinema?
I think it's so important! When you deal with everyday emotions and interactions using art; I think that, in itself, is so theatrical. The visuals feel like a natural accompaniment to the music. I like to also make my visuals myself. I have some things ready to be released at the moment that are visually odd (but very me).
Galway is where you are based. Is there a music scene over there? How easy is it getting gigs and attention?
Yeah! The vibe in Galway is the best. Almost any night of the week, you can discover some new music by (just) leaving your house. I've played a couple of gigs here and they've been so great. The audience, here, really wants to listen.
Hoping to play more soon…
Can we see you tour soon? What gigs do you have coming up?
Well. The E.P. comes out this week and, after that I'll, for sure, be playing. Keep an eye on my socials for updates on that!
What do you hope to achieve in 2018?
Hmm. Take over the world? Ha. Well; this E.P. was a huge achievement - although I do hope to have some more releases this year. I want to live on the road really!
That's the dream.
Have you got a favourite memory from your time in music – the one that sticks in the mind?
One that sticks out in my mind was a couple (actually, they weren't a couple - which kinda made it) dramatically kissing and realising the mistake they'd made while I was playing a super-sad song. I love the idea of people having real moments to my music.
What advice would you give to new artists coming through?
There are no rules!
People will tell you there's a right way to do things, but it's only right if it's what you wanna be doing. Make sure you're who you want to be first - and don't think you have to be like any other artist.
Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?
Yas! One of my best mates, HOST, is just about to release her first single and it's soo good! She also makes her own stuff - and I can promise you there's so much more good music to come.
Do you get much time to chill away from music? How do you unwind?
I think I'll have a little more breathing room now, but I generally like to spend all the time I can on music. I like to keep busy as much as I can, but unwind time is generally T.V., drinks or (just) chatting with my mates.
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).
Ah! So hard to just pick one song...but I'm gonna go with MGMT's new song, Me and Michael. Currently obsessed!
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