Kat McDowell
Los Angeles, California, United States | Established. Jan 01, 2013 | SELF
Music
Press
In our latest interview for J!-ENT, Dennis A. Amith interviews Binyl Records music artist KAT (Kat McDowell). One of our favorite upcoming music artists from 2007, we have always been intrigued about this New Zealand music artist’s transition as a music artist in Japan. But with a musical style that brings together her style of music that brings together both cultures, her music has been attracting any fans through YouTube and MySpace. With her first full-length album “Echoes over the ocean” released, J!-ENT interviews the talented singer/songwriter and musician.
(Link to PDF with the full interview below..) - J!-ENT online
In our latest interview for J!-ENT, Dennis A. Amith interviews Binyl Records music artist KAT (Kat McDowell). One of our favorite upcoming music artists from 2007, we have always been intrigued about this New Zealand music artist’s transition as a music artist in Japan. But with a musical style that brings together her style of music that brings together both cultures, her music has been attracting any fans through YouTube and MySpace. With her first full-length album “Echoes over the ocean” released, J!-ENT interviews the talented singer/songwriter and musician.
(Link to PDF with the full interview below..) - J!-ENT online
I was playing in a bar in Roppongi one night a few weeks before I was heading back to New Zealand. I had given up on doing music in Japan after many people telling me how hard it would be for someone like me. A Sony scout heard about me and came to see me play..." Kat McDowell
For Kat McDowell that pivotal day of discovery would come after a long, multi-cultural journey. She spent the first five years of her life in Japan and the next 17 in New Zealand, where she learned to appreciate the twin cultures of her heritage. When she set her sites on a career in music, the time had come for her to return to Japan... (cont. on the website. Link below) - http://www.j-popworld.com/
I was playing in a bar in Roppongi one night a few weeks before I was heading back to New Zealand. I had given up on doing music in Japan after many people telling me how hard it would be for someone like me. A Sony scout heard about me and came to see me play..." Kat McDowell
For Kat McDowell that pivotal day of discovery would come after a long, multi-cultural journey. She spent the first five years of her life in Japan and the next 17 in New Zealand, where she learned to appreciate the twin cultures of her heritage. When she set her sites on a career in music, the time had come for her to return to Japan... (cont. on the website. Link below) - http://www.j-popworld.com/
Discography
Still working on that hot first release.
Photos
Bio
Born in Tokyo and raised in New Zealand, Kat has always loved music. While she draws inspiration from artists including Foo Fighters, No Doubt, and Jason Mraz, Kat's sound is definitely her own. She mixes acoustic guitar-led melodies with emotionally transparent lyrics that are delivered in a blend of Japanese and English.
After university Kat returned to Japan, where initial attempts at going professional were met with frustrationher mixed heritage made it difficult for the conservative music industry to market her. However, she finally got a break and was able to sign on with Avex. Her partnership with them yielded several mini-albums, her first full album, and a limited vinyl edition of Nagoriyuki, which went to #1 on Japans Vinyl Charts and sold out in two days.
Outside of the studio, Kat has been recognized for her performances in high-profile TV ads. Additionally, she has also performed over 1000 live shows, both throughout Japan and internationally. Some touring highlights included Raul Midons Japan tour in 2006 and 2008, and playing at the Summer Sonic Festival in 2006 and 2007. Kat also played at Australias One Movement Festival in 2009, opened for Switchfoot in Japan in 2010 and played at the Artist Power Bank festival in Japan 2012.
After the release of her first album, she went on a 40-day musical journey that took her around the world. One particularly moving experience occurred in Nicaragua, where she got to play for children who live and work in a garbage dump. Reflecting on her experiences she said, I met so many incredible people in my travels. I became friends with those who are very wealthy and those who live in extreme poverty. But, one thing everyone has in common is a need to love and be loved. Her subsequent album, You and me, explored some of the facets of those relationships.
In 2011, both New Zealand and Japan were profoundly changed by large-scale natural disasters. In the aftermath of 3/11, Kat regularly traveled to Northern Japan to play for the people of Tohoku. Then, after visiting Christchurch at the start of 2012, she felt she ought to capture some of the stories shed been privileged to hear in her two home countries. Her newest mini-album, Hope in you, presents songs of empathy, encouragement, and redemptionand a couple just for fun
Band Members
Links
