Local singer-songwriter Kate Heart is set to inspire divine thoughts, uplifting melodies and evoke the kindest of hearts with her debut EP.
“We’re meant to be really kind to each other and we’re actually meant to treat each other and ourselves well,” Kate says. “I don’t really think that we do, so I know it’s a bit deep for a five-track EP, but that’s where it’s at.
“I was pregnant at the time [of recording] and I couldn’t quite finish the vocals… so I ended up going back to the studio, finishing it off, and then juggling a new baby and EP release. I managed to get it out in October and [the launch] went far better than I anticipated. It was overwhelming actually, just the amount of people who came: friends, family, and supporters.
“I put so much effort and energy into making it that I knew I had to continue promoting it. I thought the best way to do that was to take it around South East Queensland.”
Kate said she did a bit of “producer shopping” when searching for the right person to work with, eventually finding James North who Kate says was “fantastic” to work with.
“I was very fortunate through James to have Steve Pope [Angus & Julia Stone and Kate Miller-Heidke drummer] work on the EP. And I mean, it was just an education in itself really to work with such an amazing musician that… I guess it’s his job, but he seemed to be able to interpret my not always flowing communication into exactly what I wanted to happen. It was a really cool process, and Steve was amazing.”
'Big Love' is the single Kate released from the EP. “These songs have been with me for a quite a while, but to be honest songwriting – and I don't know if this happens to a lot of people – I get things just coming into my head. Even sometimes in my sleep, or when I’m driving, and I just grab my phone and record and then get into the studio. I meditate a lot, so that helps to clear your mind for lyrics and music to come about.
“I think I’d have to say my husband – not to be corny – inspires me the most... I’ve been with [him for] 16 years, and I think a lot of songs on the album are written about him. Although it lends itself to my son, now. People always ask [about the songs] ‘is that for your son?’ and I guess it can be for both. Also, I think there are definitely greater beings than us, and I get inspired to write about that.”
Kate says the birth of her son was a huge motivation to get the album out. “For some people, you fall pregnant and you're a bit like, ‘now I have to do everything', and it was like that with me.
“You can fall into a funny trap with motherhood and it can go either way, where you’re like ‘I’ve gotta be completely selfless', but I don’t think that’s being selfish. You’ve gotta lead by example. Parenthood is a hard, tiring gig, but it’s very rewarding.
“My husband [always says] ‘Why? Why do you have to fill every moment?’ And it does get a little tiring sometimes, but you know these songs are reasonably new for listeners, but for me they’re so old. I need to write and I need to create and I need to drop a new single. That’s my goal. After the tour it will be back to the studio and back to writing.”
Kate Heart Tour Dates
Sat 7 May - The Bench (Brisbane)Sun 8 May - Solbar (Sunshine Coast)
Sat 14 May - The Loft (Gold Coast)
Sat 28 May - The Grid 28 (Toowoomba)
Sun 5 Jun - The Milk Factory (Brisbane)
