Emerging North East pop sensation and BBC Radio 1 favourite Kate Bond to release third single
The new Single is out NOW
The up and coming artist is one of BBC Introducing’s ‘Tips for 2022’
2022 has got off to a flying start for North East singer and musician Kate Bond. Following the success of her debut single ‘Beauty Sleep’, the 21-year-old artist was named as one of BBC Introducing’s Tips for 2022, an accolade that is set to propel the artist to new heights.
“It stopped me in my tracks,” said BBC Radio 1’s Gemma Bradley about the young artist’s debut which was featured on the station’s ‘Best of 2021 Introducing’ show.
Now, the Yorkshire-born, Newcastle-based artist is set to release her highly anticipated third single ‘Thinking of You’, a soulful anthem about the end of a stormy relationship.
Explaining the track’s premise, Kate said: “Thinking About You is a song about a tumultuous relationship that ended very badly. It’s a song about wanting to contact someone whilst in separation but knowing that they’re no good for you.
“The songs shows that although you can be a strong woman and stand up for yourself in the face of a toxic relationship when there are feelings involved it can be hard to separate ideals from your reality.”
Channelling hints of Amy Winehouse, Joy Crookes and Little Simz into her composition and vocal delivery, Kate has won over fans with her down-to-earth, soul-infused pop. Lyrically, Kate’s music is layered, reflective and refreshingly earnest, a sentiment that is shared by BBC 6 Music’s Emily Pilbeam. “You really need to listen to the lyrics on this one”, the DJ said of Kate’s second single Yasmine.
Originally hailing from Bradford, Kate moved to Newcastle to study Spanish & Politics at university in 2018. As the daughter of an accomplished jazz musician, she started learning jazz standards from a young age and began to front her Dad’s projects as she grew up.
Her Mum, who Kate describes as a “hippie by nature”, was also musical and would recount tales to her daughter about her early life as a member of a feminist punk band in the 1970s. Drawing influence from the musical household of her youth and her parents’ love for opposing genres, Kate brings together punk-influenced lyrics, hip hop and jazz-inflected sounds to create her soulful, catchy and uplifting groove-led pop.
Feminism is a common theme in Kate’s work, both in her writing and in her efforts to boost female representation in the music industry. Her first two singles were produced by a talented female producer, Alice Haine who trained at the iconic Abbey Road Studio in London.
“Feminism, as a thought process, comes from my studies of politics at university and also from my mum,” Kate said. “She was an activist in the 70s and has brought me up with strong socialist and feminist beliefs.
“For me, working with a female producer was important as women are often underrepresented in the industry, especially in production. I thought it was important to make an extra effort to find a female producer, especially because ‘Beauty Sleep’ and ‘Yasmine’ are both quite politically engaged.”
With a strong local fanbase and growing popularity across the UK, Kate is a force to be reckoned with on the North East scene. Touted by numerous radio DJs as a one to watch, she is on track to become the latest star to emerge from the region.
Kate bond’s third single “Thinking of You” is available to stream and buy on all major platforms.
Listen to Kate here
Kate Bond’s upcoming tour dates:
03 Feb: George Boomsma with Kate Bond, Old Cinema Launderette, Durham
19 Mar: Georgia May with Kate Bond, Cobalt Studios, Newcastle-upon-Tyne
