Kate McLaughlin is a lady of many musical talents, which include composer, multi-instrumentalist, and songwriter. Her journey has seen her receive accolades from Taylor Guitars for her skills. Not only that, but the emotional depth of her lyrics have received praise, too. Covering various topics that include tragedy, Kate McLaughlin uses her words to inspire with her positive outlook to those who listen.
Recently, the Break the Business Podcast (a great resource for independent musicians) set up their own version of Serj Tankian’s Seven Note Challenge. The rules were fairly simple, create a song of any genre under 3 minutes . However, it had to begin with the same seven notes which have been set. Kate McLaughlin rose to the challenge with her contribution called “7 Notes”. This beautiful instrumental track captivated the judges and saw her win the competition.
How did this talented singer-songwriter writer approach this challenge? Kate McLaughlin was kind enough to give Indie Band Guru an insight into her world of music and answer this and other questions. This is what she had to say:
Indie Band Guru: Who or what inspired you to take the journey of becoming a musician?
Kate McLaughlin: My father had a great record collection, including The Man In Black by Johnny Cash, the Beatles’ Revolver, opera like Leontyne Price, but my favorite was Carole King’s Tapestry. Carole King’s music, Tapestry and Brother, Brother I listened to over and over. I would say she was my greatest inspiration.
IBG: You are a highly talented guitarist as well as a writer who creates songs which cover a wide range of topics, including tragedy as well hope. With so many strings to your songwriting bow, how do you use these skills when writing something new?
KM: I used to write sitting with a guitar, playing up and down the neck till I found the desired sound. Now I enjoy challenging myself with the addition of keyboard/piano/synth sounds. I mix it up sometimes and create lyrics first or start with a theme, and other times I wait to see what the music brings me as far as mood, etc.
IBG: Talking about new songs, “7 Notes” recently won the Break the Business Podcast Seven Note Challenge. How did you approach this challenge and is there a story behind what you created?
KM: That started with the mood of the seven given notes. They felt a little trepidatious, like it was holding back something. So the song started with the struggle of finding what key it was in, a simple task for some, but not for me. The next step was to take it forward, give it some movement with drums and electric guitar. Then once the idea is formed it is just fun to add the layers!
IBG: You have created an impressive catalog of music. For any new listeners out there, which one song would you recommend they go check out and why?
KM: This is a hard question. I would have to understand where the listeners are coming from to pick what might suit them best. As I haven’t yet met them, I would have to maybe choose a song that represents what I do the best, or who I am and what I stand for. That was all blather to stall my brain and hope that I could evade that question but I won’t so the answer is…. “All About That Moment.” I like the lyrics: “Venus di Milo hiding scars half-baked, slow to wake, she dreamed she was ascending, her mind transcending it was all about that moment. People pronounce love like an ice cream flavor, I lean over what you have said, what you will say and make a meal of it.”
IBG: What are the future plans/goals for you and your music?
KM: I’ll continue to learn the craft of songwriting, producing music and trying to complete two songs a month. I love singing and the challenge of writing songs, but I am not crazy about performing. I have been co-writing and collaborating with others. The goal and future plans is music licensing, there I have the freedom to try new genres, explore new techniques, love what I’m doing.
2001 saw the release of her album Sunshine From Mars and with it, gained her respect for creating something without genre borders. It gave the listener a blend of blues, folk, jazz, pop and much more. Here is a songwriter who went where the music flowed. Each song shows off her lyrical talent which is highlighted during “Everything” and “All I Want”. Both offer gentle guitars as its soundtrack and gives the spotlight to her stunning soft vocals. Overall, this is music that spread its wings to fly.
After this release, McLaughlin continued to push herself with her music and this included experimenting with different styles. “Just Believe” gave her fans something different with a cool dance track with its infectious electro beats. “Feeling Great” is another uptempo outing which shows off her funky side, it feels like she had some fun while creating this one.
Kate McLaughlin is a True Audio Artist
Even though McLaughlin likes to challenge herself, she still has time to create music with a delicate soul. Her rework of “It’s” is one of her best as it shows off songwriting talents perfectly. Her beautiful and haunting vocals mesmerize the listener. The same can also be said for her rework of the competition winning “7 Notes”. She has added her delicate voice to an ambient backdrop and evolved this song into something special.
Give Kate McLoughlin a listen at Spotify, Soundcloud and Musicoin, and keep up to date at her website at katemclaughlinmusic.com.
