We Say…
Based out of London, although originally from Northampton, Katie Malco is a songwriter who’s been making quiet waves for a few years now. Back in 2013, Katie released the well-received Tearing Ventricles EP, and has subsequently toured with the likes of BC Camplight, Jenny Lewis and This Is The Kit. Now seven years on, Katie is set to return this summer with her debut album, Failures, due out in June on 6131 Records.
Described by Katie as, “a coming of age record”, Failures serves as a documentation of growing up, learning to accept adulthood and figuring out who you really are. While we’ll have to wait until June to get the full picture, Katie has thus far shared two offerings to whet our appetites. Creatures, released in September last year, is a raw and wonderful thing, all crunchy alt-rock guitars and impassioned vocals, as Katie reflects on the thoughts that run through your head as you lie down to sleep. Even better is Katie’s most recent single, Animals; a reflection on a particularly dark time in her life, where Katie was sofa-surfing to avoid her mum’s abusive partner, and turning to drink and drugs for a sense of escapism. Musically, Animals seems to nod to equally to the likes of The Breeders and We Were Promised Jetpacks, as powerful guitar lines are cut through with crystalline vocal tones. Both tracks hint at a record of emotional outpouring, of a songwriter digging back into their past, working through it, and emerging out the other side, Failures is shaping up to be far more successful than it’s title lets on.
They Say…
FTR: For those who don’t know who is Katie Malco?
I’m a singer songwriter, originally from Scotland but I grew up in Northampton and I live there now! I’m putting out my debut album on June 5th, it’s called ‘Failures’ and it’s a coming of age record that documents my life growing up and facing adulthood.
FTR: What can you remember about your first show?
My first ever show was a battle of the bands with the terrible rock band I was in as a teenager – we won! But we sucked. So the other bands must have really sucked. My first show as a solo artist was in The Labour Club in Northampton, and I actually have a photo of it on my wall. I remember it must have been around Christmas because I played ‘River’ by Joni Mitchell.
FTR: Why do you make music? Why not another art form?
Singing is the only thing that makes me feel like….myself! I’ve always used it as a tool for expressing myself though I’ve never thought about it too hard, I just do it. I’m not even sure that being good at an art form is the think that makes you do it, I think it’s just about the art form you feel comfortable emoting in. I actually paint a little as well, but I am really really bad at it. I just find it therapeutic.
FTR: What can people expect from the Katie Malco live show?
Despite the fact that the record was recorded with a band, I tend to play solo live, and the songs take on a bit of a different form – a lot more sparse and pared back and emotional I guess. Hopefully there will be some full band shows this year though.
FTR: What’s next for Katie Malco?
Hopefully a tour if Coronavirus clears up this year….and obviously the album comes out in June 5th.
They Listen To…
Low – Murderer
Torres – Three Futures
King Princess – Cheap Queen
Squirrel Flower – Red Shoulder
Land Of Talk – It’s Okay
Failures is out June 5th via 6131 Records. Click HERE for more information on Katie Malco.
For The Rabbits 