Katrina Blue
Katrina Blue is starting to make a name for herself with tracks 'Hypnotized'. With her album The Day After expected to be released early next year, the singer chatted to us about her career.
-How has the reaction been for your single 'Hypnotized'?
I have had a very positive response in terms of lots of radio play and interviews and my fans love this song. It also creates a great atmosphere when i perform this live.
'Hypnotized' is a very up beat track with a pop vibe and touches of salsa from the piano chords and drum rhythms and catchy chorus.
-Your songs have a slight pop feel, although you have classical training. Do you have a wide range of influences in your songwriting?
Yes! My influences vary from pop to rock to classical to folk to country to ragtime to musical theatre. For me I find it important to listen to a variety of genres to understand different rhythms and to hear interesting chord progressions.
I admire strong female singer songwriters, my ultimate favourite is Joni Mitchell, she is such a clever writer.
-Has your classical training helped with your career?
I feel i wouldn't be as technically advanced on piano without my classical training. I won the piano section of 'Young Musician of Warrington' competition at the age of 13, which has developed my ability to perform in front of large audiences.
I love music theory which has made me think about my chord progressions and interesting melodic hooks, but I taught myself about chord inversions and spent hours working on chord progressions.
My dad bought me many pop books with the piano, guitar and vocal parts which i loved learning at home and i would experiment with them and perform them in my own style.
-How did your deal with Flourish Records come about?
I have always seen myself as primarily a songwriter and I was looking for a studio where i could acquire good recordings of my songs.
I was introduced to the Flourish Records Studio by a good friend and i fell in love with the studio straight away. They have all the gear and more importantly they have all the know how to go with it! At the same time it has an intimate and personal feel, which I prefer, I felt at home instantaneously.
I recorded piano and vocals to two of my songs my first time there. Then the next day I had a phone call from Steve, the owner of Flourish Records, and he said he loved my material and my voice and would like to work with me. It was a dream come true.
-Do you enjoy touring just as much as being in the studio?
I enjoy recording in the studio, it's a great atmosphere and i can really get my emotions across in my vocals, but there is nothing quite like performing.
I really feel I come alive even more when I'm on stage. The buzz of an audience makes me want to give even more power to my vocals and more energy to my performance. I love it.
-BBC Introducing gave you airplay early on. Do you think programmes like that help up-and-coming musicians?
I do. I have had brilliant support from BBC Radio Nottingham. I definitely think on a local level they have been so helpful with promoting.
'Hypnotized' has had a lot of airplay and I have had the chance to perform many songs live. I always look forward to going onto Radio Notts, especially the Alan Clifford Show, he has shown huge support.
-Is it hard breaking into the industry as it is, with record sales in decline?
I think it's harder now than ever before to break into the music industry. The industry has changed so much in the last few years.
There has always been a degree of 'who you know' but it seems to be how much money you have to promote instead of how talented you are now.
It is all about gigging to gain a good fan base and obviously airplay and promotion play huge roles in success. I am just loving performing and recording, everything else is a bonus for me.
-How would you describe your music?
My music is a fusion of pop and soul with catchy melodies.
-Are you excited for the release of your album?
Very very very excited! It's a dream come true.
-What can fans expect from it?
There is a complete mix of songs on my album. I have many up beat tracks with strong hook lines and some ballads with powerful heartfelt vocals.
My songs are very personal but I feel people can relate to them. For example there are tracks to express the 'crush stage' of a relationship and also songs to hopefully help through a break up!
Most songs are piano and vocal driven and have big productions to add to the energy. I thought very carefully when arranging the order of songs and I am so happy with it. Hope my fans love it too.
-What are your plans for the rest of 2011?
I'm having lots of fun with radio interviews and recording and many more gigs. We have branched down to London which has a very exciting music scene but i also love gigging up north too.
It's been a big year for me so far but I believe 2012 is going to be huge for me. I'm going to continue working hard and progressing my writing ability. Check out flourishrecords.com for my gig lists and up and coming events. Thank you.
Female First - Alistair McGeorge