Kathleen Halloran Shares Debut Single “Free With Me”

Kathleen Halloran effortlessly closes the twenty feet between her storied career as a sought-after ensemble guitarist, and an exciting new solo chapter, sharing her debut single, Free With Me – a self-assured and wide open declaration of liberty, channelled through Halloran’s expert feel for guitar-driven pop-rock.

Halloran has performed with the likes of Kate Ceberano, Katie Noonan, Felix Riebl (The Cat Empire), Ash Grunwald and Tania Doko to name a few. Her talents as a session musician have seen her guitar-playing feature on countless recordings, in orchestra pits for many musical theatre productions, and on major festival stages all around the country.

Free With Me displays the artist’s easy grace at the mic and on her instrument, and includes a stunning guitar solo which sees her fly across her Fender’s fretboard before assuring listeners she’s no “collectible, delectable memento,” but rather an emancipated spirit who won’t be pigeonholed. Kathleen gives Hi Fi Way some greater insight to the single.

How has the build-up been leading up to the release of Free With Me?
Thrilling! I still can’t quite believe I’m finally doing this! I’m lucky enough to enjoy a very colourful career as a touring session player, so I’ve been involved in the making of – and lead up to many of other peoples releases, but to be doing this for something of my own – well that just hits so differently! It’s incredibly personal.

Was the process of making your single as challenging as you thought?
The recording process was incredible. I had the opportunity to work with an amazing creative team including producer Ross Iriwin (The Cat Empire, The Bamboos, Paul Kelly) and engineer Ben Edgar (Gotye, Angus and Julia Stone, Matt Corby). To be able to fall into their arms with full creative trust really brought out my best ,and more than I could’ve imagined.

Sonically, how would you describe your music?
Guitar driven pop-rock!

Who would you consider to be the biggest influence on your music and why?
Madison Cunningham is a big influence on me. She’s so real, and I love the way she uses the guitar as a vehicle for great songs and storytelling. I have such respect for her artistry, and she strikes me as someone who will always keep searching. She’s a triple threat – Amazing lyricist/songwriter, singer and an unreal guitarist!

From a guitar point of view, Ian Moss. I’ve spent so much time studying his parts, solos and tone. Getting to meet, play and connect with him this year has been world changing.

Best piece of advice you have been given?
Say yes! Stay grateful and never stop celebrating the little things.

What is the “Kathleen Halloran” life story?
I am the youngest of nine children and grew up in a very happy and busy household! I found the guitar at about age ten. I was a very shy kid, and the guitar quickly became my super power – and my weapon for dealing with the social aspects of my life. From the moment I got home from school to the moment I went to bed, I would completely escape into the dreamland of music.

I started getting some great opportunities through some music teachers at around age fifteen, playing in local musical theatre productions and cover bands around town and I’ve considered myself a working musician ever since. I’ve been incredibly lucky!

Are you looking to tour more broadly?
Absolutely! You can expect an Australian wide tour to accompany the full completed album 🙂

What’s next for you?
I’m back in the studio this week completing the rest of the album. I’ll be continuing to write and perform while juggling my other touring commitments.

Who’s your favourite Adelaide artist/group at the moment?
I have two… Stefan Hauk and Dusty Lee Stephenson.

When I first heard Stefan play my jaw dropped to the floor. He blows me away! Dusty Lee from the Wanderings is branching out into his own solo project this year and it’s wild!!!

Interview By Rob Lyon

Connect with Kathleen Halloran
Facebook ~ Instagram ~ Spotify