South Australian-based singer songwriter and last year’s winner of the Telstra Road to Discovery, Loren Kate has recently released her new single, When You Leave. The EP it’s taken from, Til The Night Meets The Sun is set for release on October 9. Loren is currently on a recording and performing jaunt to Nashville but returns soon for a national tour kicking off at The Wheatsheaf Hotel in Thebarton on October 9, swinging through Melbourne, Bunbury, Fremantle, Maldon, Adelaide, Bellingen and finishing up at the Mullum Music Fest in Mullumbimby on Nov 21 and 22. Loren took some time for a Q&A before she left for the USA.
What was your first gig?
The first gig I played that wasn’t an open mic night or busking on the street was at ‘The Break Bar’ in Terrigal on the Central Coast of NSW. I had been away for half a year and my family didn’t know I’d been writing songs.. I invited them all along and they were shocked!
What microphone do you use on stage generally?
I was given a SM58 about 10 years ago when I was first starting out. I’m still using it.
Is it the same for recording?
Nope… Neumann CMV563-vintage German.
What’s your latest recording and when will you be back in the studio?
My latest recording is my new EP ‘Til Night Meets the Sun’, due out on October 9th. It was produced by Glen Hannah (Felicity Urquart’s husband) and recorded at The Music Cellar and Glen’s home studio, ‘Studio Goonga’ on the Central Coast Of NSW. I’m hoping to get back into the studio next year and write an album with my daughter. I’d love to be in the studio all the time, creating whenever I felt like it!
What gigs have you been playing lately?
I’ve been laying low lately, I had a baby 4 months ago but things are about to get busy and I’m really looking forward to it. I love being on the road and I love connecting with audiences around the country.
Most memorable gig?
Fairbridge Festival, in the chapel. There was this intense energy in the room.. I told my stories and had tears flowing while I was singing. Harry James Angus quoted ‘I saw Loren make a packed church at Fairbidge cry’. It was quite something.
Worst stage nightmare?
My daughter once jumped onto stage and started playing with my butt, then her head came through my legs and she stuck her tongue out at the audience. I fear it may happen again.
Album that changed your life?
Jeff Buckley- Grace… So much heart and desperation.
What gigs are coming up in the next few months?
I have a national tour planned starting in October at The Wheatsheaf Hotel in Adelaide and finishing up with a show on the Central Coast of NSW, where I grew up. Check out my web page for more details. I’m also on my way to Nashville in September to play at The Americana Festival which is super exciting.
A vocal tip for the kids?
Be true to your voice- don’t push it to do anything beyond its capabilities and don’t try to be like anyone else.