Kat Holland

Kat Holland is a singer/songwriter based out of Charlotte, NC. She just released her debut single, “The One”, from her forthcoming EP, Retrovision, due out March 2019.

Kat Holland – lead singer

Claudia Mills - mixing engineer

For starters, what bands were you guys a part of prior to Kat Holland? How long has the band been around?

I was not a part of any other bands prior to Kat Holland. Before “Kat Holland” I was “Katana”. Katana was a name that I came up with a few years ago that combines my first name and middle name “Kathryn Anastasia”. After things started to get more serious, my team and I came to the decision that we needed to change it to something that had a better ring to it and that hadn’t already been used by others.

What’s the origin of that name and have you changed the band’s name before?



We came up with Kat Holland because Holland is my mother’s maiden name. We liked the ring to it and that fact that it had a personal connection, so we decided to stick with it.

Who writes your songs? What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs and do you think these topics will change over time?

So far I have written all of my own music. The main theme of my single, “The One” is love. It reminisces on the beginnings of a relationship in college. I think the topics of my songs will probably always have a lot to do with love, but I also think I will throw some other subjects in there such as anxiety and the struggle of finding yourself.

What bands are currently inspiring the music that you’re making?



Many bands and artists inspire the music that I make. I have always loved Norah Jones, and she has been a huge inspiration to my music over the years. I also love Adele, Maroon 5, Stevie Nicks, Moonchild, Dua Lipa, Camila Cabello, Maggie Rogers, John Mayer, and Ariana Grande.

Was there a particular band/artist or concert that inspired you to start a band?

I’ve been a music lover as long as I can remember, but I do remember in college seeing a band, Rainbow Kitten Surprise, who is now nationally recognized. They had so much passion in their music and their performance, and it really inspired me to pursue music, something that I considered doing for a long time.

What do you do to prepare for a show? Any flexing, exercises, etc …

I do vocal warm ups, neck rolls, drink lots of tea, and breathing exercises. I also try to laugh and not be too serious because if I get too serious my nerves will get in the way of my focus.

What has been the biggest highlight of the band’s career so far?

I played my single at an event in Charlotte called “Creative Mornings” in front of a crowd of about 500 people. It was an amazing experience and I received a lot of amazing feedback from the crowd.

If you could tour with any bands, past or present, who would they be and why?



I would absolutely love to tour with Camila Cabello, I just love her energy and kindness, and I also love her music. I would also love to tour with Maggie Rogers because of similar things to Camila. I love her music and the vibe that she puts off. I think it also would have been amazing to tour with Stevie Nicks!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Releasing my first single has been such an amazing experience and I am so grateful for all of the amazing support and feedback that I have gotten from everyone. I have a lot more to share and I am really excited to see what the rest of 2019 has to offer! Thank you to all of my fans, friends, and family for the support you have given me, it is truly what keeps me going! - Kill The Music

In this interview spotlight, I chat with Kat Holland about her latest single (The One), motivations, challenges, technology and more.

Full Q&A along with links and music below.


Where are you from and what style of music do you create? (In your own words, not necessarily in marketing terms or by popular genre classifications.)

I am from Charlotte, NC. If I were to define the style of music I create I would have to say it is Jazz/Pop/Soul. Some of my songs sound much more pop and others have a major jazz/soul flare to it.

What led you down this path of music and what motivates you to stay the course?

I have been singing ever since I was a little girl. My family is very music oriented, they all play instruments and love to sing. I’ve always had a strong passion for music, but it was in college when I discovered that I truly wanted to pursue my dream of making a career out of it. I started off doing it for fun because it is what makes me happy, but then as time went on I started to come to the realization that if I weren’t doing this for a living I couldn’t be happy. That is what motivates me to keep going.

How is your new release different than previous ones? Did you set out to accomplish anything specific?

This is my first release. In terms of what I set out to accomplish, my biggest goal was to just make music that I was proud of that I could share with the whole world. I really wanted to make music that everyone could relate to. I talk a lot about love, anxiety, and hardships in my music and I feel that is something most people can resonate with.

Do you face any challenges as an indie musician in a digital age? On the flip side, how has technology helped you (if it has)?

It is definitely difficult making a name for yourself in the age of social media as a musician. It has taken me time, but I have finally started to grow a pretty strong base of followers. It can be hard because sometimes it feels like the whole industry is so saturated on digital media. On the flipside, technology has been a huge reason that I have been able to accomplish anything in terms of my music. It has really helped me promote and create and image for myself that I wouldn’t have been able to do otherwise.

Where can we follow you online and hear more music?

My single, “The One” is available for streaming everywhere! You can find me under “Kat Holland” on iTunes, Apple Music, Spotify, Youtube Music, and all other streaming services available!

Anything else before we sign off?

Releasing my music and being able to share it with the world has been the most freeing and exhilarating experience of a lifetime, and I can’t wait to share more. - Middle Tennessee Music

Charlotte, NC-based jazz/pop songwriter, Kat Holland, announces her new single, “The One,” from her forthcoming EP, Retrovision, due out March 2019.

At the beginning of 2019, Holland went to Los Angeles to record her new EP in The Village Studios. Since then, she has put a 5-person band together. Holland draws from many of her musical influences such as Norah Jones, Adele, and Maroon 5.

Holland has always been a lover of all things music, recalling many fond memories of dancing to The Beatles with her father and Sarah McLachlan with her mother. “The One” is dedicated to not just her five-year relationship, but the hardships and anxiety that she experienced when they encountered an unthinkable hurdle. The EP title, Retrovision, references looking back into time, reminiscing or longing for something. After overcoming these hardships, Holland was inspired to write the EP’s songs.

Holland discusses the personal narrative of Retrovision:

“I went through a period in my life right after I graduated from college that was a rather stark but awakening experience for me. I was forced to spend a lot of time alone and away from people I loved, the people that I was closest to in my life. It was one of the hardest and most life-changing experiences that I have ever had to go through.”

She continues, “With that being said, I had a lot of time on my hands to write music. So that is what I spent all of my time doing. I submerged myself in what felt like a dream-world. The music that I created is probably one of the best things that came out of this heart-wrenching experience. What I went through not only changed me as a person, but it changed the entire course of my life. I was able to create something very special and meaningful to me through this experience. Something that involves not only past experiences that I was reminiscing on but future experiences that I fantasized about. All in all, yes, I went through a very difficult time in my life. But many people would say that is when the best music is created. I am grateful for the experiences I have had because it brought me to where I am now. “

Stay tuned for more from Holland as she releases more material from Retrovision, and takes a step into the national spotlight with “The One.” - The Fox Magazine

Charlotte, NC-based singer/songwriter, Kat Holland, shares her own experiences in dealing with the ups and downs of a five -year relationship in her new single, "The One." The new single is from her forthcoming EP, Retrovision, due out March 22, 2019. The EP title, Retrovision, references looking back into time, reminiscing or longing for something. After overcoming these hardships, Holland was inspired to write the EP’s songs. - Solo Vibes Music

At the beginning of 2018, Kat Holland went to Los Angeles to record her new EP, Retrovision, in The Village Studios. Since then, she has put a 5-person band together. She also recently released her debut single, “The One.”

“The One” is dedicated to not just her five-year relationship, but the hardships and anxiety that she experienced when they encountered an unthinkable hurdle.


CelebMix talked with Holland about her single and what fans can expect from upcoming music.

“The One” is about dealing with a major hurdle in a relationship. What advice would you give to people who experience something like that?

I would say to anyone, that if you really care about who you are with, push through the hard times, no matter how hard they are. I promise there is a light at the end of the tunnel, and you both will come out stronger at the end of it.

Does songwriting help you feel better about obstacles and hard times in your life?

Most definitely. Songwriting has been my biggest therapy when it comes to going through hard times. It has helped me get through so much in life, and I will always continue to use it as an outlet for my anxiety.

How does it feel to have such a personal song as your debut release?

I will admit I was very nervous about releasing something so personal at first. With that being said, I think it is great because so many people can relate to it. That is one of my biggest goals. To create music that people can relate to.



Can fans expect more of that personal feeling on Retrovision?

My entire EP is very personal. It talks a lot about love, anxiety, pain, and longing. So yes, people can definitely expect a very personal touch to the rest of Retrovision.

What is a message you would want to send to your fans?

I think that the biggest message I would like to send to my fans is that love can conquer anything. No matter what obstacles you face, if it is true and it is strong, it will persevere. I also want my fans to know that they are not alone in anything that they may be feeling. Many people struggle with relationships, anxiety, depression, etc., and I hope that this music can be one of the outlets that they can turn to to help them overcome it.

Is there anything else you would like to add about the EP?

The support and response that I have gotten from my single has been so amazing. I am so excited to release the rest of my EP and for everyone to hear the different feel that all of these songs have. Personally, my favorite part about my EP is that not one of the songs sounds the same. I am boiling over with excitement and can’t wait to see what’s to come. Thank you to my friends, family, and all of my fans for all of the support you have given me so far. I am elated to be taking you on this musical journey with me!

Make sure to listen to Holland’s EP when it is released on March 22nd. “The One” is available everywhere now.

Have you listened to “The One” yet? Let us know on Twitter at @CelebMix. - Celeb Mix

Charlotte, NC-based jazz/pop songwriter,Kat Holland, and her new single, “The One,” from her forthcoming EP, Retrovision, due out March 22, 2019. “The One” is dedicated to not just her five-year relationship, but the hardships and anxiety that she experienced when they encountered an unthinkable hurdle. The EP title, Retrovision, references looking back into time, reminiscing or longing for something. After overcoming these hardships, Holland was inspired to write the EP’s songs. At the beginning of 2019, Holland went to Los Angeles to record her new EP in The Village Studios. Since then, she has put a 5-person band together. Holland draws from many of her musical influences such as Norah Jones, Adele, and Maroon 5. Holland has always been a lover of all things music, recalling many fond memories of dancing to The Beatles with her father and Sarah McLachlan with her mother. Holland discusses the personal narrative of Retrovision: “I went through a period in my life right after I graduated from college that was a rather stark but awakening experience for me. I was forced to spend a lot of time alone and away from people I loved, the people that I was closest to in my life. It was one of the hardest and most life changing experiences that I have ever had to go through.” She continues, “With that being said, I had a lot of time on my hands to write music. So that is what I spent all of my time doing. I submerged myself in what felt like a dream-world. The music that I created is probably one of the best things that came out of this heart-wrenching experience. - iHeart Radio

Our fourth single is from pop artist Kat Holland. We really think she’s “The One,” and think you will want to add this artist to your favorites. - LA Music Critic

Expect more on Kat’s Match 22nd EP – ‘RETROVISION’ … “The One” here! - That Buzzing Sound

As far as Valentine’s Day and I go back, it’s been “complicated.” First, it was single teenage angst, then it was anti-consumerist frustration. And though this is my first Valentine’s Day in a relationship, I won’t be able to see her for another week and a half; instead, I get to see all of the couples who aren’t long-distance walking around campus holding hands. Needless to say, I have mixed feelings about today.

I could take this as an opportunity to once again be cynical about February 14. It is, after all, another reminder of how far I am from seeing my girlfriend. But if there’s one thing I love, it’s a good love song, so I decided to focus my efforts on creating the cheesiest playlist I could. Check out “Tell Them You Love Them”, a mushy love playlist full of some of my favorite artists and some new, below: - Indientry

Hi Kat, welcome to VENTS! How have you been?

Hi there! I have been great. A lot of exciting things have been happening.

Can you talk to us more about your latest single “The One”?

“The One” is dedicated to my now five year relationship. It reminisces on past experiences that we have had together.

Did any event in particular inspire you to write this song?

There was a period of time after college that my boyfriend and I had to live apart and weren’t able to communicate much. During this time I was inspired to write this song.

Any plans to release a video for the single?

Yes! I am releasing a music video for “The One” this month!

The single comes off your new album Retrovision – what’s the story behind the title?

A lot of my lyrics reference looking back into time, reminiscing on past experiences. The meaning of “Retrovision” is exactly that – a vision of events in the distant past.

How was the recording and writing process?

I love being submerged in the recording and writing process. Being in the studio is one of my favorite things in the world. If I could do it all the time, I would. There is something about getting in there and creating something with other musicians that is so special to me.

How did you go on blending the jazz with the pop on this record?

I grew up listening to jazz and blues, so it is pretty engrained in me. It was really important to me to incorporate that feel into my music. I also love pop music, so I thought it was the perfect mix.

How Nora Jones and Maroon 5 has influence your writing?

Nora Jones is very jazzy, and I love her style of music. That had a huge influence on my songs. Maroon 5 writes a lot of love songs. I grew up listening to them, and I think because of that it made me want to write love songs more.

What role does Charlotte play in your music?

I have met tons of amazing musicians here in Charlotte. I have collaborated with them on new music, old music, putting together live sets for my songs, etc. There is actually a great jazz scene in Charlotte, which I love. The music community here is really growing and starting to flourish.

What aspect of nostalgia did you get to explore on this record?

Almost all of my songs are nostalgic. They all talk about memories from the past, especially my single, “The One”.

Where else did you find the inspiration for the songs and lyrics?

Another huge inspiration for my music is my struggle with anxiety that I have experienced my whole life. You will see in particular on one of the tracks on my EP, it goes more into depth on how it makes me feel and the struggles I have had with it.

Any plans to hit the road?

I would love to hit the road and go on tour! I have also strongly considered spending a chunk of time in Los Angeles or Nashville.

What else is happening next in Kat Holland’s world?

I am already in the process of writing my songs for my album! I hope to finish recording it by the end of this year. I can’t wait to share more of my story and journey with all of my fans! - Vents Magazine

Kat Holland has released a new single called "The One," from her forthcoming EP, Retrovision, (due out in March). To celebrate we asked Kat to tell us about the song. Here is the story:

I wrote, "The One" during a chapter in my life that was very difficult. During this time, I was forced to be away from many people that I loved. I experienced many moments where I was sort of "daydreaming" or reminiscing on past experiences that I had with my loved ones. This particular song reminisces on when I first met my significant other of now five years.

I was longing to be back in that moment, where life was so carefree and joyful. We met in the month of April, and we woke up every morning to the cool mountain breeze sweeping in through the window. As I was reminiscing on these moments in my life, I decided to sit down and start writing about it. There were so many moments, so many memories that came flooding into my mind when I sat down and began to put it on paper.

We met in college, and in the fist few months of our relationship I remember waking up to my alarm every morning that I had set to go to class and thinking, "I just want to stay right here." I didn't want to get out of bed, I couldn't imagine myself being happier anywhere else. As I wrote these words in the chorus, flashes and memories kept coming into my mind. I can honestly say when I wrote this song it was almost as if it had been something on the tip of my tongue for months just waiting to be said.

Those memories are something that will grasp onto my mind for as long as I live, and I am grateful that in a time of despair I was able to express the detail of them in a way that many can relate to. This song carried me through a time that I didn't see the light at the end of the tunnel. It helped me see the light.

Hearing is believing. Now that you know the story behind the song, listen for yourself right here! - Anti Music

Editor’s Note: Charlotte, North Carolina based jazz/pop/singer-songwriter KAT HOLLAND will be releasing her EP entitled “Retrovision” on March 22nd, which also features the single “The One”. Kat recorded the EP at Village Studios in Los Angeles and she states that she draws her influences from Adele, Norah Jones, and Maroon 5.

Her single, “The One”, talks about living separately from one another after a five year relationship, and she writes her songs to where people can relate to her music. Here is Kat Holland discussing her narrative of her forthcoming EP “Retrovision”.

“I went through a period in my life right after I graduated from college that was a rather lonely but awakening experience for me. I spent a lot of time away from people I loved – some of the people that I was closest to in my life. What seemed like a difficult time was actually very self revealing.”

“With that being said, I had more time on my hands to write music. So that is what I spent all of my time doing. I submerged myself in what felt like a dream-world. The music that I created is the silver lining born from the dark cloud I felt like I was flying through. That period of isolation not only changed me as a person, but it changed the entire course of my life. I was able to create something very special and meaningful to me. Something that reflects not only past experiences that I was reminiscing about, but future experiences that I fantasized about. All in all, yes, I went through what felt like an emotionally difficult time in my life. Many people would say that is when good music is created. I guess that I learned to be grateful for the experiences I have had and the people who were there, even when they weren’t, because it all brought me to where I am now.“

-Kat Holland

Fans can check out her guest playlist for Madness To Creation here! Feel free to add it to your playlist!

Fans can check out Kat Holland at the Vintner Wine Market in Charlotte, North Carolina on Friday, April 5th. For tickets and further information on the Charlotte gig, click here.

Fans can find KAT HOLLAND at the following locations:

www.facebook.com/khollandmusic

www.kathollandmusic.com

Check out the single to “The One” below: - Madness to Creation

At the beginning of 2018, Holland recorded her new EP in the famed Village Studios in Los Angeles. Since then, she has been busy gigging, composing, and working with her band in Charlotte. Holland draws from many musical influences that include Norah Jones, Adele, and Maroon 5.

Holland has always been a lover of all things music, recalling many fond memories of singing along and dancing to The Beatles with her father and Sarah McLachlan with her mother. “The One” is dedicated to not just her five-year relationship, but the heartache and anxiety that she experienced when they encountered a period of time when they had to live apart from each other. The EP title, “Retrovision”, calls to mind looking back, reminiscing about the past and longing for something in the present or future. Holland was inspired and wrote most of the EP’s songs during this period.

Listen to “The One” from Kat Holland right now and connect with her on social media and check out her website. - Dope Cause We Said

Review: Kat Holland’s voice is husky and full and fits perfectly with her mix of pop and jazz, creating music that is radio-friendly across a host of genres. All four of these tracks rock and will help cement her place as an artist on the rise. Her voice is not easily forgotten, and her vibe will make you want to hear her again and again. We already shared her first single, “The One,” and think she’s definitely The One that will make it. - LA Music Critic

North Carolina jazz/soul/pop artist Kat Holland is creating a buzz with her new single “The One” from her forthcoming album Retrovision due out later this month. The album was recorded at the famed Village Studios in LA. Inspired by artists such as Maroon 5, Adele, Stevie Nicks, Norah Jones and Dup Lipa, Holland has always had a love for music. With a family that is very music-oriented, she started singing when she was young. Holland discovered her desire to pursue music as a career while in college, coming to the realization that she wouldn’t be happy doing anything else. She recently filmed a music video for “The One”, which you can watch below. With plans to book more full band shows this year, as well as hopefully releasing a full-length, Holland has a busy year ahead of her! You can follow her and stay up-to-date with all upcoming music, album and tour news via the following links. - Rock All Photography

Sending us a feel-good love tune from Charlotte, NC, jazz/pop artist Kat Holland hit us with her powerful steady voice in her new single “The One” from her EP Retrovision. Starting out relaxed, the song gradually begins builds up, adding on layers in the beats and lyrical storyline that will have you nodding your head right along to the groove. The inspiration of the song stems from her long-term relationship and describes the understood feelings that everyone can identify with when they have found “the one.”

The single fits into the story of her well-rounded EP that references her experiences with love and the nostalgia of the past and overcoming previous difficulties in her life. The strength in her voice, like the many classic strong female vocalists in the early 2000’s, helps push the messages of each song even further into the listener’s brain, making it feel so much more raw and real. - Glasse Factory

Retrovision is the new EP from Kat Holland, which is released this week. This Charlotte based Jazz/Pop singer songwriter has been on my radar for some time, and this EP makes clear why as she brings her fantastic vocals again together with gorgeous melodies that deliver every time. ‘The One’ can be heard through Soundcloud here.

A singer with an incredible talented for Pop-fuelled, fun melodies that really accentuate her incredible voice, Holland on this EP from the start really does make clear she is an incredible talent. Nice grooves and cool beats that make for a gorgeous listen, ‘The One’ is just the start of the highlights on this record for me as the harmonies just work so well.

Those harmonies are made ever clearer on the first acoustic track, ‘Stay’. Less is certainly more on this song as the vocal power is put on show, with delicate but powerful notes that sound so good. The chilled out melodies on this song, with lyricism that is packed with feeling and just makes you stop and listen. ‘Losing Balance’ continues those beautiful guitar melodies, but sees Holland highlighting her deeper vocal tones, that make for a beautiful listen on a track like this with fantastic guitar melodies that accentuates her voice more.

A stunning collection of songs, these four tracks including ‘Happy Pill’, Kat Holland creates an EP here that makes for some of the finest easy listening, late night chill tracks that you could ever hear. Do not miss out on such a musical treat. - Thinking Lyrically

Charlotte, North Carolina-based singer Kat Holland just released her debut EP, Retrovision. The four tracks showcase Kat Holland’s stunning vocals would satisfy Leona Lewis and Nicole Scherzinger fans. The Retrovision EP also showcases her unique artistic blend of jazz and pop music. The only small problem is that I wished the EP had more songs to be featured on this album. Otherwise, these morsels showcase an up-and-coming artist that the music industry should invest in immediately. A- - Jake's Take

On March 22nd, the Charlotte, NC-based jazz/pop songwriter, Kat Holland, released her EP, Retrovision. The EP premiered on Genre is Dead, and also received media accolades from Substream Magazine, Celebmix, Solovibes and more.

At the beginning of 2018, Holland recorded her new EP in the famed Village Studios in Los Angeles. Since then, she has been busy gigging, composing, and working with her band in Charlotte. Holland draws from many musical influences that include Norah Jones, Adele and Maroon 5.

Holland has always been a lover of all things music, recalling many fond memories of singing along and dancing to The Beatles with her father and Sarah McLachlan with her mother. “The One” is dedicated to not just her five-year relationship, but the heartache and anxiety that she experienced when they encountered a period of time when they had to live apart from each other. The EP title, Retrovision, calls to mind looking back, reminiscing about the past and longing for something in the present or future. Holland was inspired and wrote most of the EP’s songs during this period. - All Access Music

Where are you /your band from?

I am based out of Charlotte, NC!

What type of music did you hear the most growing up?

I listened to a lot of blues and jazz with my family growing up, although I was always a fan of pop as well.

What made you first realize you wanted to pursue a career in music?

I have been singing and playing guitar and piano since I was a little girl, so music has always been very ingrained in me. I think I first realized that this was something I would look to pursue when I was in my sophomore year of college. I really got into writing music and started performing around town some, and after that, I was hooked. Towards the end of my college career is when I really figured out that this was the only thing I want to do with my life.

What sets you apart from other bands/artists today?

I think the music industry can be a very ego driven world. I try my hardest not to make my music about that, I just want to create something that people can connect to and use as a therapeutic outlet. I also feel that my music has a really different feel to it than a lot of other artists.

Are there any stories surrounding your songs that you’d care to share?

On paper, I would consider it Jazz/Pop, and as I said, I grew up listening to a lot of blues and jazz, so it was always really important to me to be able to incorporate that into my music.


What do you do with your time away from music?

I spend a lot of time with my 9-month-old Husky Golden Retriever, Moose! I treasure the bond that he and I have formed together. We got on lots of walks and adventures, and I think I enjoy it just as much as he does! I am also very passionate about maintaining a healthy lifestyle, so I workout and try to eat healthy as much as possible.

Any upcoming shows/tours/news?

I do have some big upcoming shows that I will be able to share very soon! I am also very excited to announce that I will be releasing my music video for “The One” tomorrow, February 12th! I am really excited about this and can’t wait for all of my fans to see what it’s all about. – MB - True Sk8board Mag