Kate Nicholson has released her new single, Street Lamps. We asked her the BIG questions . . .
Tell us three things about yourself?
I grew up next to an alternative music festival site (Glasgowbury) in the heart of the Sperrins in Northern Ireland. This gave me an interest in the alternative music scene from an early age. I also grew up with Irish Traditional music and still go back to that music from time to time.
I went on honeymoon to Nashville, Tennessee. We caught an 'in the round" singer-songwriter night in the Bluebird café and were able to stand on the same spot Johnny Cash and hundreds of other legends stood to perform on at the Ryman Auditorium. Music has been something I keep coming back to. I've worked in a music shop and in the famous Empire Music Hall in Belfast during University where I heard amazing bands like the late Rab McCullough and his outstanding Blues band, Ken Haddock, and visiting bands and singer-songwriters such as Lisa Hannigan.
I am a mum of a 19-month-old boy and am expecting a new baby at the end of July. I am also a GP. Sometimes people might think these things are a strange match with music and sometimes I do too. But it has been a very humbling job and given me a three-dimensional view of the human condition from birth right to the end, with all of its highs and lows and the many heartaches and struggles.
How would you describe your music?
My music falls under the alternative singer-songwriter genre and I think it also reflects my diverse taste in music whilst still remaining me. There are elements of alt-rock, alt-folk, and alt-country. What ties everything together is a love for song-writing, lyrics, and melodies.
Who are your musical inspirations?
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I love great story tellers and song writers that make you feel something e.g. Tom Waits. Other inspirations are Fleetwood Mac, The Beatles, Lana del Rey. My latest single, Street Lamps, is inspired by Americana and a Tom Petty sound.
How did you occupy yourself during the coronavirus lockdown?
By writing and releasing this album! This album was written and recorded when conditions allowed during lockdown 2020. I was on maternity leave at the time and found lockdown 1 in particular extremely isolating. There were no baby groups/creches or any other means of support. Family or friends weren’t even allowed to visit. As a coping strategy I poured my energies into creating this album. It wasn’t easy as sleep deprivation was massive at the time, but it was truly a saving grace for me and something I’ve wanted to do for a long time.
What's your favourite song right now?
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Today, I was loving Fade into You by Mazzy Star.
Favourite lyric of all time?
"And you could have it all, my empire of dirt. I will let you down. I will make you hurt" Hurt by Nine Inch Nails.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Martha by Tom Waits. I think it has a simple beauty. You can really hear the longing and nostalgia. It is not over-produced in any way and keeps you listening the whole way through. Although I’m finding these questions really hard! Maybe Into the Mystic by Van Morrison.
Where can people find your music/more information?
People can find my music on Spotify, and all the other usual streaming platforms. In addition to this, people can pre-order my album Fallen from Grace on my website. Follow on all the usual places: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at KateNicholsonmusic for updates, photos and more.
