In Conversation: Katie Rose

Katie Rose is not just an artist and singer-songwriter: she is also a powerhouse, multitasking musical maestro, wholly committed to making the magical benefits of singing accessible and inclusive. She has directed and arranged music for over 20 choirs, 5 London hospitals, and the mass choral event 'Sing for Water London'. In her coaching practice, she supports beginners and established professionals in music, film, theatre, and TV to claim the magic, joy, and power of their voices and fulfil their creative missions.

Hi, how are you?

So glad to see the lighter, brighter days - it's literally put a spring in my step.

We are so excited about your new release... tell us the story behind it...

I wrote the original acoustic track during lockdown as an affirmation that connections continue even when we are separated - that love can go the distance. I invited my good friend Michael Doiley to attend the socially distant launch of the album Flame in 2021 and was thrilled when he said he’d like to remix Go the Distance. He came back with not just one but two amazing remixes, with the new title 'can u feel it'.

And what is your key ambition?

As a teenager, I realised that singing (and music generally) is profoundly transformative and that I wanted to sing and help people sing. That mission drives every project and piece of music I create. It's all about helping people access the magic, joy and power of music and their voices.

We want to get to know a little more about your musical taste. I have a very eclectic ear, and a fascination with all things voice, so you'll find me singing South African choral music, Irish folk songs, Jazz standards, classical requiems, dance anthems and the latest pop hits.



Tell us a song (and a reason) that makes you:

Smile: Rather Be - Clean Bandit feat Jess Glynne - it's just so uplifting

Cry: I Carry Your Heart - by Eric Whitacre - such a tender expression of love.

Laugh: Rong Radio Station - Benjamin Zephaniah - the beloved poet's brilliant satire of media brainwashing - a deadly serious messageconveyed with inimitable humour

Feel nostalgic: Dido's Lament - Purcell - stunning renditions by Annie Lennox/ Jessye Norman have been soothing following the recentdeath of a friend who loved opera.

Dance round the kitchen: La Vida Es Un Carnaval - Celia Cruz - love Salsa!

Sing in the shower - the Spring sunshine prompted me to sing Beautiful Day by U2 in the shower recently

Message a friend immediately: - my choirs are currently singing Die

With A Smile (Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars) and we message each other when we hear it.

What was the best gig you have ever been to?

So difficult to say, but one of many peak musical experiences was seeing Eric Whitacre conduct Equus at the Royal Festival Hall in 2019 - totally exhilarating.

What is the best show you have ever done?

Singing at the DVD launch of Road to Peace, a film about the Dalai Lama, in Union Chapel was a very special honour.

What stage have you not performed on, that you dream of?

Royal Festival Hall

Lastly, you can achieve one thing by the end of the year, what is it?

Finish a writing project I'm working on.