Kate Stewart was born and raised in Maida Vale there she grew up in an artistic family: her father is a comedian and her mother was a dancer, a brother who is a music producer and songwriter. It’s no surprise she was going to follow in their footsteps. Kate grew up doing musical theater and going to stage school in Chiswick which helped her find her passion for wanting to be on stage. First as an actress then she found that music was her passion. Growing up she listened to a lot of pop from
iconic artists like Whitney Houston, Destiny’s Child, Beyoncé, Mariah Carey that heavily inspired her earlier music and later found love for R&B music. What came from this was a mixture of soulful R&B tracks with hints of pop that cut deep.
“Numb” will be Kate’s second single in 2022 following “Hate You” – A cathartic track that follows the end of a relationship to finding empowerment within yourself that continues to show us her soulful vocals. As the smooth paced drum beat plays as a backdrop. On “Numb”, the track is easy and feels good to bop to. A light breezy vibe wrapped in heavy lyrics about when your heart is stuck dead in the middle of love. Kate Stewart has said of the single “I didn’t think I’d ever be able to make an ode to such a toxic relationship but, I’m really glad I did. It’s odd for me to remember who I was back then and who I am now. I’m proud of myself for being able to grow past that and look back on that time with no resentment.”
Photo Credit: Hannah Grinham
Hi Kate and welcome to OLC! For all our followers out there can you tell us a bit about you and how your musical journey began?
Thank you for having me! I began my journey in the music industry when I went on tour with a DJ duo called Bondax. Not only was I super young but it was my first tour. It was the most incredible experience, we performed all over the world. From festivals to their headline shows we were able to play in-front of thousands of people because of their massive following. From going to college for music to that was so surreal and really gave me a taste of the industry. I met loads of amazing people while touring with them, specifically lots of producers and artists. So, I started writing a lot and then signed my first record deal with Warner. I then started to release my own music, and it goes on from there!Acting was something you always wanted to do, is that something you’d still love to do now?
Yes, I love acting! I went to a stage school when I was growing up, and there I studied drama and musical theatre from the age of 11. I always wanted to do musical theatre as my profession, but quickly realized my voice wasn’t suited for it. I wasn’t able to riff and express my voice how I wanted to, so I then went to a music college to pursue music and songwriting. However, I definitely still want to act. I love it just as much as I do music, but I’ve put it on hold so I can focus on one thing. Hopefully acting will come hand in hand later on down the line in my career.
What was it that drew you to the arts initially and was there someone or something that inspired it?
Both my parents and my brother are all in the arts, I grew up in a very musical family. My mum was a singer and a dancer, but now she does corporate hospitality. So she’s still in the industry, just on the other side of things but she knows everything there is to know about music! She does so much research and she knows more than me! My dad is an actor, singer, and comedian. He does a lot of musicals, and still to this day is a working performer. He’s amazing, I definitely got my voice from him. My brother is a producer and a songwriter, he recently just had his first Billboard no. 1 with Dynamite by BTS! I’m super proud of him. So I was bound to go into the music industry; I’ve been surrounded by it my whole life, and my family is my inspiration.
Let’s talk about your new single “Numb”, how would you describe this track and what inspired you to write it?
I would describe this track as happy but sad at the same time. You know how some songs make you feel really happy but also emotional at the same time, I feel that with this one. The lyrics are quite deep and meaningful but the juxtaposition of the production makes it feel upbeat. We wrote the song about those feelings you get when you know you’re at the end of a relationship and even though you haven’t fallen out of love, you don’t feel anything anymore. That numb feeling is an emotion I know all too well. You’re indifferent to the relationship, they could stay or go, and you just wouldn’t care.Love the song by the way, it’s very R&B influenced, is that a genre you gravitate towards more so than others?
Thank you! Yes definitely. I’m super influenced by R&B, pop as well. Growing up I listened to a lot of R&B so I think I definitely gravitate towards it the most.
You worked on the song with some incredible minds including Swagg R’Celious, Keithen Foster and Frank Romano, how did you get the chance to work with them?
Writing “Numb” was actually the first time I ever met or worked with Swagg R’Celious. We clicked straight away on both a musical and personal level, he really got what I was going for in terms of musical direction. Keithen was also in the studio with us and we all just started jamming and came up with the song! I’m so happy I got to work with them, they’re all incredible.
How did the idea for the lyric video come about?
I just wanted to show a fun, chilled side of me. My other video for “Hate You” was very stylised and felt more like I was acting. So with this I wanted to show the real side of me, so it was authentic. I was shooting with my friends Lucas Wilson and Hannah Grinham, we always have such a laugh! So I thought it would be a good idea to document it.
This song is taken from your forthcoming EP “You Had To Be There”, what can you tell us about it and when can your fans expect it?
A special thing about this EP is that there is a song on this project for every mood. Even though it’s very cohesive because it sounds like me, there are a lot of different genres and emotions on there. I really feel like this is the first project that feels totally authentic to my personality and who I am as an artist. I’m very excited for people to hear it.
What’s next on the agenda for you in 2022?
Releasing the EP and more visuals! I hope to go on a tour, whether it be my own or a support, and to hopefully take over the music industry!
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