“You Talkin’ To Me?” – Kat Greta

Kat Greta – “I’m a pop/rock artist from the Mornington Peninsula, and perform with my full band or as a soloist/duo. I’m influenced by music from the 60’s and 70’s, especially the chord progressions and melodies from that era. Sometimes I’m drumming, other times I’m on keys. I’m also passionate about promoting mental health and well-being.”

Kat is a formidable storyteller and very creative, her homespun songs brim with connectivity and authenticity, alongside her commanding vocals and dazzling stage presence that has adhered her as a shining star in the adult contemporary space.

Name: Kat Greta

Alias: KG

In less than 50 words describe your music and yourself.
I’d describe my music as being pop/rock, melody-focused and generally upbeat… though there have been some exceptions here and there. I initially identified as a drummer/songwriter, but now I’m singing my own songs, so I suppose you’d call me more of a singer/songwriter these days.

What was the first rock/pop concert you attended?
It was a Powderfinger show back in ‘99 and they were playing songs from Internationalist. Wow it was incredible, I’ll never forget it!

Punk or Goth Music:
Probably punk; it’s a bit faster and not as melancholy; more rebellious.

Who are you excited about, music wise, at the moment?
Just today I got to listen to The Beatles new song, Now and Then, and I love hearing this kind of music making a comeback in this day and age. It brings a fresh perspective to our modern music scene.

The Best live artist/band you’ve seen:
Kiss back at their last Farewell Tour (as in, the one before the last!)

Your “In the mood for love” song:
Falling Slowly, Glen Hansard.

What are you currently reading?
Confessions of a Record Producer by Moses Avalon.

Your favourite Sunday morning chill out record?
Bon Iver – For Emma, Forever Ago

Which song do you wish you had written?
Any song by Burt Bacharach. Maybe either Close to You or I’ll Never Fall In Love Again. Or Message To My Girl, Neil Finn.

Author Manuel Puig said “I’m not terribly happy about rock and roll. Rock music is uninspiring, numbing; it makes you feel like an idiot.” Discuss.
Rock and roll has been a powerful and influential musical genre for decades. It has a broad spectrum of musical styles, from the early rock and roll of artists like Elvis Presley to the harder sounds of Led Zeppelin. It also has a huge impact on popular culture which influences art and fashion. I believe rock will always remain relevant and exciting.

Vinyl, Cassette, CD, mp3 or Streaming?
Vinyl. Love the physical experience, from handling the record, admiring the art, placing it on the turntable etc. I also love the warmth of the sound and the sense of nostalgia it brings.

If you could hang out with any music artist, in a bar one afternoon, who would it be?
Probably Richard Carpenter. I’d love to learn more about his life, about his sister Karen and their collaboration with Burt Bacharach.

What is your worst habit?
Impulsiveness. There have been numerous times where I made quick decisions without fully thinking through the consequences. For example, there have been many times where I bought some gear that I really didn’t need, and it was a total waste of money.

How often do you look at your mobile phone?
Too often! Another bad habit. I need to start putting it in another room when I go to bed, because I know that looking at the screen definitely affects my sleep. Why am I not doing it already? Yeah, probably addicted…

Any good back stage stories?
Just recently I had to perform while I had food poisoning. Ohhhhhh geez it was rough! I must have spewed about six times beforehand, then had a final vomit right before I got onstage. I remember the doctor calling me during sound-check, prescribing me anti-nausea tablets while I had my head in a bucket.

An alien lands on Earth and wants to know what Rock and roll sounds like. What song do you play it?
It’s so hard to pick just one… Probably Rosanna by Toto. LOVE drum shuffle by Porcaro, the great melody line, the skillful musicianship, harmonies, lyrics – it’s got it all.

Favourite all time TV show:
The Inspired Unemployed. Has me in stitches the whole way through. Can’t wait for their next season!

What is your specialty in the kitchen?
Pizza. I make a Sicilian-style pizza dough in a rectangular dish, and well, you’ve really gotta come over and try it for yourself. I’ll bang on about it for way too long here if I get started…

With whom would you like to record a song with?
I’d like to record a song with my duo buddy, Van. He has a phenomenal voice, like Eddie Vedder.

You have tickets to see The Killers and Bruce Springsteen but they are on the same night. Which one do you attend?
Oh mannn! This kills me. Bruce Springsteen. Wait – The Killers. No… I actually can’t decide.

Where do you hope to be in 12 months?
I’d love to release another track, travel interstate, meet lots of new people and perform a whole lot more.

Kat Greta returns with a sparkling new pop direction, via her brand-new single Season To Believe. It is an upbeat slice of sonic freshness from the Melbourne-based songwriter. The song is also accompanied by a vivid animated music visualizer reflecting the empowered lyricism and whimsical overarching wiles.

Marking a shift from her trademark combination of retro pop, classic rock and folk, Season To Believe finds Greta embracing a stripped-back yet polished production, exploring more buoyant pop sensibilities alongside inspiration from Fleetwood Mac, Cat Stevens and Haim.

Interview By Geoff Jenke

Season to Believe is out now.

Connect with Kat Greta
Website ~ Facebook ~ Instagram ~ Spotify