Q&A - Kate Kyle
Kate Kyle releases her live session EP ‘The Circa Tapes’, followed by a Nashville ‘In the Round’ style EP Launch in hometown Dumfries.
Recognised for the prestigious award of ‘Performer of the Year’, D&G Life Awards 2021, the musically seasoned sought-after singer/songwriter and performer, 21-year-old, Kate Kyle is known by audiences for her unique blend of soulful country vocals and strong lyrics. After the success of her debut EP ‘Where I’m Going’, Kate released her second EP ‘Without Warning’ with her song ‘Confetti’ being recognised by BBC Introducing, among many other accolades.
You've just recently released your live EP The Circa Tapes. Can you tellus more about that project?
Yes! I am so excited to have these tracks out! I’ve always been inspired by the singer/songwriter rounds in Nashville and wanted to create something that portrayed that stripped back and unpolished style of music. The main reference I took inspiration from was The Marfa Tapes by Miranda Lambert, Jack Ingram, and John Randell, where they recorded a whole album in the desert, yes you read that right... in the desert! I loved the creativeness and ruthlessness of recording something so different from today’s produced music scene, so I wanted to give it a go! I recorded the EP at Circa 16 Recording Studio with producer and sound engineer Dave Miller who helped me turn the project into exactly what I envisioned. With 4 microphones set up, myself and legends Dave Bass, Jamie McClennan, and Ferg Henderson sat down and played through the 3 songs, leaving the studio with a live session EP!! I’ve had the best time working and creating something with people I am very inspired by!
The Circa Tapes launch takes place on the 11th of May at Mrs Greens Café in Dumfries! I can’t wait to play the new tracks live AND with a band!!
What are 3 albums you could not live without?
This is such a tricky question. My number one would definitely have to be From A Room: Volume 1 by Chris Stapleton, it is simply amazing. Every time I listen to it I get chills, his song writing ability is so mesmerising and his voice – wow!! My other 2 would have to be Speak Now by Taylor Swift and Dolly by Dolly Parton.
- If you could choose anyone, who would you most like to collaborate with?
The dream would be to collaborate with Chris Stapleton or Stevie Nicks or Dolly Parton!
- Do you have any pre-show rituals?
Oooo I like to run through my setlist and try relax as much as possible! I get nervous excited before any gig so I make sure to be as prepared as I can be to make the show goes as smoothly as possible. I also love a cup of tea before a gig
- What can we expect from your upcoming show in Dumfries?
The launch will have a cosy and relaxed setting with beverages, treats, and live music!!
The band who played along with me on the recordings with will also play at the launch with the new EP songs and more, in a stripped back acoustic style – I cannot wait!
- If you could play anywhere in the world, where would it be?
I do love Nashville and the music scene over there! I also would love to play in NYC - seems like such a cool place.
Listen to Kate Kyle’s new EP The Circa Tapes here and catch her playing in Dumfries on the 11th May.