Queen of the sticks...Kat Greta
Photo Credits Michelle Grace
The debut single ‘Let It Go’ from dynamic drummer and songwriter Kat Greta which features Melbourne’s Charlie Lane on vocals has been released. ‘Let It Go’ is our first taste of Kat’s impending maiden EP ‘Get Up & Go’ which is due out on the 5th of August. The Queen of the sticks will also be delivering ‘Let It Go’ live in July and August, with Kat launching the single at The Old Bar in Fitzroy on Thursday the 21st of July, and an EP live unveiling at The Workers Club in Fitzroy on the 28th of August. We jumped at the chance to ask this this new-gen rock n roller about the new music, the collaboration with legend Charlie Lane, and that time she took her drum kite for a drive.
For those that haven’t heard your music before, how do you describe your sound?
Firstly, thanks so much for having me! So I’d say my sound is a blend between vintage and modern. There’s definitely some 80’s vibes going on in there, with lots of ‘Doorsy’ rock organ. It’s basically Rock/pop, with a grungy male vocal. (I wrote these songs with a male vocalist in mind.)
You have just released your first single 'Let It Go' . What made you decide to release this song as your debut single?
I thought that this song was the best representation of my music as a whole. It’s an introduction of what’s to come, like a bit of a teaser to the EP. It’s got the keys, the drum beats and Charlie’s amazing vocals, so I thought this would be a good song to start with.
Tell us about your new song? What does 'Let It Go' mean to you?
‘Let It Go’ is very close to my heart. It’s about my dream of playing the drums, and the sense of freedom and happiness that it makes me feel when I play. Life just gets busy… and some things get pushed aside. But now I have rediscovered how much music means to me, and I couldn’t be happier.
“I just knew that he was the one! It had the right amount of swagger, while still being able to hold a strong melody line.”
Charlie Lane provides the "whiskey soaked" vocals for 'Let It Go', how did the collaboration with Charlie come about?
I had been searching for a really long time for the right singer - and in fact, I still hadn’t locked anyone in even by the time the studio sessions began! It was a miracle that my producer, Lindsay had been working with Charlie on another project, and when he played me an excerpt of his vocals, I just knew that he was the one! It had the right amount of swagger, while still being able to hold a strong melody line.
The accompanying video was filmed with the aim for vintage feel in mind and even included an Ol' Skool mustang. Who came up with this concept? Were there memorable moments during the making of it? Did the drums behave themselves in the back seat?
Yeah, so I was lucky enough to work with Dayne Edward on the video - he came up with the concept of road tripping in an old car, with my drums in the back. I can’t believe I was let free on the roads with that Mustang to be honest. Anyway, everything went to plan until it was time to go home. I was driving along the windy road at Cape Schanck, and two kangaroos bounced right out in front of me! I slammed on my breaks and I was THIS close to hitting them. Could you imagine?? The drums went flying, and I had a heart attack.
Your full length EP 'Get Up & Go' is due out on the 5th of August. What can fans expect from the new release?
Yeah, wow the date is approaching quickly! The songs in ‘Get Up & Go’ have the same kind of flavour as in ‘Let It Go’, and are all part of a story. “Get up and Go” are actually lyrics from ‘Let It Go’, and very much tie the single and the themes of the whole EP together. There’s the same kind of feel - a little bit vintage, and all the songs feature Charlie’s vocals.
Are there any tracks that are particularly special or close to your heart on the album? Do you have a favourite?
There’s a song on there called ‘Out of Tune,’ and it’s about the world feeling out of kilter. “So give me time to breathe, cause I’m feeling out of tune. The world is feeling so out of tune, out of tune.” It’s a meaningful song to me, and represents both the outside world and my inner world.
You have a single launch ( TheOld Bar) and EP launch (The Workers Club) both happening in Fitzroy. What made you choose to launch in this bohemian suburb of Melbourne?
Fitzroy is such a cool suburb hey! There’s a real buzz about the place. But it’s more about the venues - I’ve always been a fan of both The Old Bar and The Workers Club. They are awesome, and have been really supportive and helpful, especially since I am only just starting out. They just both happen to be in the coolest suburb in Melbourne!
Are there plans to tour for 'Get Up & Go' ?
I am actually just working all of that out now. I would love to do a Victorian tour and also visit interstate.
“I needed to learn and go through the hard yards myself”
You are related to a who's who in the Australian music industry, is this how you got your start in music?
It’s actually been so many years since I last saw any of my musical relatives. Although it would have been super handy to get a head-start, I just haven’t had that contact with them. It’s probably a good thing, because I needed to learn and go through the hard yards myself.
Were you tempted to ask any of the "Fam" to help with the album?
Oh yeah, the thought definitely crossed my mind. But who knows, maybe we could collaborate in the future! ;)
What has been their feedback on your material?
I don’t know if they’ve heard the single to be honest. They are all so busy…
Do you play a part in the production side of your music?
I write the music and lyrics, do the arranging, and Lindsay takes care of the production side of things. He is incredible, and such a great person too. You know honestly, I wouldn’t know where to start with production, and I think I’m better off just focusing on the songwriting. I’m so lucky to have Lindsay on board.
Who do you credit as your musical influences?
I love John Bonham’s style and groove - I could just watch videos of him playing and learn so much from him alone. Then there’s the melodic greats like Brian Wilson, Billy Joel, Carole King and Simon & Garfunkel. I listen to a lot of older music, and draw most of my inspiration from artists of the 60’s and 70’s.
Will you be looking to do more collaborations in the future? Who would your ultimate Collab Partner be?
Yeah for sure. I would love to write more songs and work with different singers, while I play the drums alongside them. Ohh my ultimate collaboration partner?? Kate Bush (cause I have written a song with her in mind). Or Nic ;)
If you weren’t a musician what else would you be doing now?
I’d be a chef. I’m a chef by trade, and I’m lucky to be able to say that I love it too. I’m a total food-head! (Is that even a word?? Umm, foodie…) Anyway, I have mum to thank for that - she always cooked the most amazing meals for us.
Who in your crew or team deserves a shout out but never gets one? And what is it they do that keeps your world turning?
Everyone in my team deserves a shout out! They are all ridiculously good at what they do! My producer Lindsay Gravina has contributed so much, not only creatively, but has also helped me navigate my way through the industry. He has put up with all my silly questions, annoying emails and has been SO patient with me.
What's next for Kat Greta? What's in the works for you that fans can look forward to?
You’ll see me up on stage playing the drums, writing more music, and then who knows what next? ;)
KAT GRETA – UPCOMING SHOW DATES:
THURS 21 JUL | THE OLD BAR, FITZROY VIC | 18+
Tickets available from https://theoldbar.oztix.com.au/outlet/event/e04a87a3-d24e-4e48-a8a8-1d3bcb5c436d
1300 762 545 | All Oztix Outlets
Let It Go single launch with guests Luke Medley Band & Thomas Byrne
SUN 28 AUG | THE WORKERS CLUB, FITZROY VIC | ALL AGES
Tickets available from https://theworkersclub.oztix.com.au/outlet/event/a321246f-0867-4e23-a7cd-1dd7777363e9
1300 762 545 | All Oztix Outlets
Get Up & Go EP launch with guests Thomas Byrne & Hui
SAT 06 AUG | THE TOTE BAND ROOM, COLLINGWOOD VIC | 18+
Tickets available from https://tickets.oztix.com.au/outlet/event/caa4845d-4d58-40b3-ade9-467504a95bfe | 1300 762 545 | All Oztix Outlets
Photo Credit Michelle Grace
Interview by Michelle Symes
July 2022