How are you today? I’m doing fine. Thank you for talking to me!
For those who may not yet be acquainted with your work, could you elaborate on the essence of your sound and elucidate upon the prominent influencers that have shaped your artistic journey thus far?
Being from Detroit played a huge part in my musical influences, from the R&B, Motown and rock. My influences have been Stevie Wonder, Gladys Knight, Chaka Khan, Aretha Franklin to name a few. My mentor sax player George Keith from Denver encouraged me along the way. I learned most of my music theory from him.
In what ways has your geographical surroundings served as a muse for your creative endeavors? Have you observed any discernible impact of your locale on the evolution of your musical expression? Once again, Detroit is one of the hotbeds for musical talent. The bar is set very high when you’re from the home of so many great artists and your friends have toured with some of them. When you say you’re from Detroit, people respect that, from a musical standpoint. There have been so many talented players I’ve worked with while I traveled, lived In Denver and LA. You develop a standard to keep your singing and playing skills up and never stop learning. People tell me I sing and play with soul, so I attribute much of that to my musical environment along with all the records I’ve listened to.
Your recent single release has garnered attention. Could you provide insight into the genesis of this record and expound upon the narrative that informs its creation?
Thank you! I’d like to think so! My single “Not that Guy” came from a track that was already written. It took me about 15 minutes. I found the title I had previously written to my phone for later use. I then wrote the lyrics and came up with the melody. My husband deserves credit in that he always uses the expression “I’m not that guy.”
How does your latest single distinguish itself within the context of your discography? Furthermore, could you delve into the significance it holds for you personally?
It’s definitely a high energy dance tune! It’s been a while since I wrote a song from another person’s point of view, too. I listen to single women expressing frustration on meeting a good man. I’ve been there too so it was pretty easy to tap into that mindset. Coincidentally (or not) that’s the name of the EP!
What aspirations do you harbor regarding the impression you wish your latest project to leave upon its audience?
Hopefully, they go FIND MY MY MUSIC, which is pretty easy to do if you search “Kat Orlando”. I’m all over Spotify, Bandcamp, Apple and more. Once they do that, I hope the lyrics will resonate with them and the beat will be infectious. I give my producer, Gayle Brannan, much credit for capturing the sound, the drive and developing those killer arrangements!
Can we anticipate the emergence of a new EP or, perhaps, an album from your artistic repertoire in the foreseeable future?
That would be ideal. It’s not that I’m short on ideas but in a perfect world I would have the financial support along with the outlet of radio play to get back to the studio sooner than later. I do get there eventually. I have to time it accordingly.
Looking ahead, what milestones do you envision accomplishing within the forthcoming five years, both artistically and personally?
Artistically, I’m always looking for opportunities to tour, perhaps in Europe, to support an album release, while I still can physically! Personally, I’d just like to stay healthy and active, spend time with my husband and family. Writing and painting would be