Singer/songwriter Katherine Abbot has been a recognized figure on the London music scene and the UK festival circuit. Having recently returned to London after a period of busking through Spain and Asia, she is planning to release a new album inspired by her travels. Influenced by artists such as Joni Mitchell and Jeff Buckley; her sound translates as soulful folk acoustica with carefully written lyrics and haunting, melodic vocals. Sometimes accompanied by a band, other times simply vocals and guitar, her music is always aimed to transport the listener to another world where they can chill out and dream. As she releases her track ”Lullaby for Lucas” we had the pleasure of catching up with her to talk about her music and ambitions.
Hi Katherine, thank you for granting the interview. Congratulations on your career to date. Please share with our readers/viewers how you got into music.
Through my parents playing records a lot at home during my childhood, the three of us would dance around the kitchen on the weekends, especially to Annie Lennox, Joni Mitchell, Led Zeppelin, were some of our favorites. Watching my mum sing on stage, I think must have had a big impact on me caring about music. A piano teacher I met was a huge inspiration, he encouraged me to sing and perform solos with a choir – so I gradually discovered my love of performing there. Another milestone for me was meeting a bunch of musicians in Brighton who I later toured with and from there moving through different circles of musicians in different places over the years. All of these people and experiences have been a part of my journey through music and shaped me as a musician.
How and why did you choose the guitar as your preferred instrument?
The piano was my first instrument. I decided to learn guitar primarily just so that I could busk, but gradually my songwriting evolved through playing guitar and it became my main instrument.
You were busking at the age of 16, gigging in working men’s clubs in the UK, and traveling as far as India, New Zealand, and Australia. Please share your experiences and any particular events that impacted your approach to your artistry?
Experiencing culture shock has had a big influence on my artistry. The respect I’ve gained for people’s ways of life in different corners of the globe, seeing things I could never have imagined or believed properly without seeing them in the flesh and discovering a different sense of self within these new settings. Perhaps these experiences build up in my mind and then I write about them when I get home, but for the most part, I love to write when I’m actually on the move. Though I like to be alone when writing, whether it’s drawing from the past in my home or finding myself in a quiet room for the night, I find transience and unpredictability conducive to writing.
“Lullaby for Lucas” is a song about forgiveness and not being so quick to judge others. What compelled you to write it?
I think it’s an amalgamation of things I’ve experienced throughout my life, and people I’ve met over the years – but specifically meeting a man named Lucas who was an opera singer turned nomad in a bar one night, the song was inspired partly by his story. But it sums up how I feel about life and humanity as a whole, in a kind of nutshell.
You worked with producer, composer, multi-instrumentalist Jonathan Fletcher. Please share your experience of producing the track?
Jonathan is always a joy to work with, he’s a master of his craft and has always understood my visions completely, which is why the partnership has worked so well. We often talk through sounds I imagine that could give the song further life and depth and we listen to records before recording so as to reference an atmosphere similar to that which we’re aiming to create.
What has been your greatest challenge as a musician and songwriter?
Life has its great myriad of challenges and music for me is solace from them; another paradigm, but the greatest challenge within songwriting itself often lies for me in avoiding sentimentality in whilst being truthful. I’m still learning to be brutal with editing songs, I’ve learned that less is more and the greatest challenge often lies in the final touches. Also looking for experiences I can write about in earnest which can be in abundance at times but can be hard to come by in others.
You’ve played acoustic sets at festivals including Glastonbury, Rollright Fayre, and Secret Garden Party, and performed at renowned venues including London’s Ronnie Scott’s but what has been your career highlight to date?
I would say my most recent release, I feel I’ve captured a sound I’m proud to put out in the world without questioning it, and ‘Lullaby for Lucas’ has had a great response which has felt like a milestone.
Who would you love to collaborate with in the music industry and why?
A dream of mine would be to support a band called Valley Queen, fronted by lead singer Natalie Carol, I love her vibe, soaring vocals and philosophies hidden within the lyrics. The band is incredible, they produce a sound evocative of beautiful psychedelic rock; a world I’m always eager to dive into. They’ve been a huge inspiration to me since I found them two years ago, always giving me the urge to work harder at my craft. They’re rooted in L.A and I’ve always dreamt of playing some shows out there. Supporting Ray Lamontagne has always been a dream of mine, it would just be a great honor to support such a respected musician. I always come back to his music, the earthy stripped back, beautifully written music of his which is timeless.
Last year, I saw Robert Plant perform with his new band called ‘Saving Grace’ – Plant sang with a female singer named Suzi Dian, they sang these beautiful close harmonies with a band playing subtle arrangements of Appalachian folk songs. I also loved his collaboration with Alison Krauss and their joint album – ‘Raising Sand’. Playing on the same line-up as him one day would be a dream.
Another slightly more underground artist I’d love to support is Hero Fisher, her music is stunning and very powerful, she’s been a great source of inspiration to me over the past couple of years.
I love the production on all of Bon Ivers albums, from what I can gather he did a lot of the production himself, he’d be my dream producer!
The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the industry. How have you kept motivated during the pandemic?
Planning the releases of these singles has been hugely motivating, looking to the future however far away it may be. I also keep motivated by learning songs out of my skill set or comfort zone. I go for long walks every day, that always helps clear out the cobwebs!
.What other projects should we look forward to seeing you involved in?
I’m currently working on an album which I look forward to touring when we’re free from social distancing! I’m excited about forming a band and seeing the music evolve with the input of an ensemble of musicians.
I wish I could tell you about upcoming live gigs but sadly it’s all live streams for the time being! But if you follow me on social media and I’ll share any announcements there.
There’s one event I can confirm which is a live stream for BsidesTVLosAngeles, Instagram on 22/06/2020 16:30 ET, 20:30 GMT
Where will we find out more information about you?
Instagram: katherineabbott_music
Facebook: Katherine Abbott Music
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