KAT MULLEN
Featured Artist
Introduce yourself and tell us what you've been up to recently?
Well my name's Kat and I'm a 17 year old singer and songwriter from Wythenshawe. I've not been performing for the longest of times, in fact as a solo artist I don't think it's even been a year since my first gig. But I'm currently recording for my first EP (Live, Laugh, Love) which I will be releasing at the end of the month.
And how did you get your band together?
Well when I perform, I tend to have Mathew Petit, an extremely talented musician in his own right, play the acoustic guitar for me. I'm trying to put together a little band to bring some life into my live performances. I have recently arranged for a keyboard player, who I am currently in the process of rehearsing with ready for my next few gigs.
Who are your biggest influences?
An artist which has been a huge source of inspiration to me - and I have been compared to in a few reviews, is Adele. I think it's because the songs she writes are so personal to her and almost tell you a small part of what she has experienced in her life, which is similar to how I write. I have also been compared to Tracy Chapman, Blondie and Hayley Williams. Odd combination, but I think it shows how versatile my style is. It doesn't tend to fit within one category.
Here at Designer Magazine we're all about supporting the scene.. which are your fave local bands and why should we check them out?
As I have already mentioned, Mathew Petit - especially at such a younger age - has a very unique writing style. Almost a mixture of soul and indie. He has recently started performing with a band, which is something I would definitely recommend catching if you get the chance!
What's your biggest promo tips you can give to other local bands? How do you push your band forward?
Personally I feel the best way to promote yourself is to support the scene! If you promote some of the bands you've either been to see play, or have performed with in a night, they're more likely to return the gesture. I've received a lot of promotion in that way. Plus by sharing links on Facebook and Twitter you'll gain a lot more notice.
Where do you go for pre gig food and where do you go post gig clubs in Manchester?
Give it a few months and I'll have an answer on the clubs part! But my pre gig food depends on how early I arrive in Manchester. If I'm there well in advance then it's all about KFC for me! If I get there later, though, I stop in Leo's Fish Bar.
What do you like most about Manchester?
I think what I like most about Manchester is the music that comes from here. We've had some amazing bands and musicians come from Manchester - The Smiths, The Verve, Stone Roses and Simply Red to name but a few. It really does make me proud to be a Mancunian.
Best gig you've been to of all time (and why?)
I recently went to see The Wanted play at the MEN arena with a group of friends. It was the first concert I'd been to of that calibur and the fact that the entire arena filled out amazed me! I think that's what inspired me to really get in to my music - I like to hope that one day there's a chance I could fill an arena of that size!
What one book would you say all of your fans should read and why?
Well my all time favourite saga is The Hunger Games which is coming out in the cinema soon. The books are amazing! But at the moment I'm reading Needful Things by Stephen King, which I'm really enjoying.
Fave movie or TV show of all time?
My all time favourite film is Disney's The Aristocats. I've always loved that film ever since I was tiny. I'm a huge fan of musicals though, and I adore The Sound Of Music too. I saw it at The Palace and it was phenomenal. My favourite TV show is The Big Bang Theory.
Which football team do you support?
I never really got the chance to form my own opinion on this one. From the day I was born when my dad put a Manchester City scarf around my cot, I lost that decision. I came home when I was about 8 with a United shirt and my dad wouldn't let me in the house until I took it off.
And finally we're all about the live sweaty gigs - final chance to say why we should check you out live?
I think my music sounds a lot better live than it does pre-recorded. It has a lot more passion in there, and I always love seeing a nice big crowd out there. If you like acoustic music then definitely come down at some point and catch one of my gigs!
And if we want to know more whats your facebook / twitter addresses?
My Facebook, Twitter, Myspace and YouTube are all under KatMullenMusic (except on Facebook it has spaces)
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AT THE TIME OF GOING TO PRESS...
Kat Mullen's next gig is at Dry Bar on 31st March
Kat also plays the Teenage Market in Stockport on 1st April
For tickets and info check out Kat's Facebook page
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