Kat is the Queen of Sax in Detroit. The moody, funky, gritty notes that Kat plays on her venerable woodwind instrument have energized the stages of nightclubs and festivals across Detroit for decades.
She is a remarkable artist and entertainer. Kat spans multiple music genres. She can lay down a heavy Funk melody that will mesmerize an audience, then bust out with some Rock music, and then easily shift to Pop, Soul, or Jazz.
Who inspired you to make music?
So, if you are talking about writing, I would say Stevie Wonder, Prince, and Michael McDonald. Really the list goes on! I love Tina Turner, Aretha Franklin, Gladys Knight, and Bonnie Raitt. I listen to sax players, David Sanborn, Stanley Turrentine, Junior Walker, Gerald Albright, and Dave Koz…In the real world, I would have to attribute the inspiration to my teacher, George, who encouraged me through times when many were trying to convince me to NOT play and just sing. Later, it would switch to play not sing. My expression is through both playing sax, flute and singing. Luckily, I’m now in a situation I’m just able to do what I do!
How would you describe the music that you typically create?
I think in terms of R&B, Funk, Soul but it usually comes out with more Rock. Other people hear my stuff as Jazz. So probably a combination of all that.
What is your creative process like?
It could start with a lyric idea, or I’ll sit at the keyboard and mess around with some chords, which will lead to me putting drum beat down and other parts, just to map out a rough song structure. If I feel it has possibilities, I get it to a producer, or arranger, who develops it further for recording.
Who would you most like to collaborate with?
In my wildest dreams, Stevie Wonder. I occasionally do collaborations with people on a site called Kompoz. I also would like to convince my producer from my current EP “There I Said It”, Gayle Brannon to write with me. That would be a powerful combination.
If you could go open a show for any artist, who would it be?
Hmm, Sheila E, maybe. I’m a huge fan.
Are you finding the isolation of the pandemic conducive to your writing or is it hindering the experiences about which you can write?
Well, things have loosened considerably but during the height of it, I did write a lot. I had some pent-up feelings about it and what was happening in the media, how it was affecting people’s attitudes, and how they treat each other. It also caused artists to experiment with recording remotely, virtually. My band and I did a recording at my house, masked, and distanced. With the help of a sound tech friend, we came out of it with a great recording. I edited and mixed it, and ran it by all my players. They gave me whatever suggestions and approval. It won a Detroit Music Award in 2021 for Outstanding Urban Recording.
With the pandemic, how have you found a way to get your music and your message out there?
As I mentioned, the internet made things possible with virtual performances, Facebook Live and all that.
What is one message you would give to your fans?
Support live music. Get out to see live bands. Buy independent! My audience tends to be older. They are stuck between CDs (players are obsolete) and not knowing enough tech-wise to stream, use QR codes to access new music. I want people to not be hindered by technology when it comes to getting to the music they may not hear on traditional radio & TV. Also, we live in a time a turbulent time. When music was at its height (to me, that was the late 60s-70s) a culture was created that promoted love and peace as the message. I’m hoping people would embrace that message again.
What would you be doing right now if it weren’t for your music career?
As a graphic designer, maybe more of that. But I’m past the hiring age to do that in-house. Really, I’m semi-retired, so maybe my husband and I would be traveling more but for fun, not touring.
Where have you performed? What are your favorite and least favorite venues? Do you have any upcoming shows?
Over the years, Detroit MI, all over the Midwest, Southwest, LA/Orange Cty CA, Guam, Eastern Canada, Colorado, Ohio, and Florida. My husband and I perform as a duo in Florida in winter. In Michigan, we’ll do shows with my band until year end, then back to FL. I do love big stages so when a festival or outdoor event pops up, I really enjoy those. I have many shows on the schedule. See my website: https://www.katorlando.com
How do you feel the Internet has impacted the music business?
Like anything else, the internet has its good and bad effects. It’s easier to advertise shows, and music at little cost. Selling music via streaming all but destroyed the music business, that is, until they rethink proper compensation for artists. As a user, it’s wonderful to have access to thousands of songs. I just hope I’m not eventually destined to be a DJ! The Internet also impacts potential audiences, since there is so much competition for entertainment in general.
What is your favorite song to perform?
Right now, the Logical Song by Supertramp. I love the sax solo.
If you were to write an autobiography, what would the title be?
Already started…… will I finish it? Who knows. “Confession of Sax Maniac”
If you could learn any language fluently, what would it be?
French
If you were talking to a younger version of you, what advice would you give yourself?
Be a writer. Learn Piano. Don’t marry that Cajun guy, wait for the Portuguese one.
Kat’s latest EP release called “There I Said it” delves deep into introspective thoughts and issues while the listener can still feel an unstoppable beat! The new single“ST. So and So” melds Steely Dan jazz blues approach with harmonies that hint of the Beatles. Yeah, there, I said it. Who was not influenced by them? Producer, Gayle Brannan captures the pshych and spirit of Kat’s Detroit musical DNA.