We recently connected with Kate Neville and have shared our conversation below.

Kate, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

I was quite young when I first realised how much I love songwriting and that it was something that I would love to pursue. I was about 7 years old when I first started writing songs and if I’m going to be honest they weren’t great (as you can imagine at such a young age). I was writing and singing about how I would stay up until 11 pm and I just thought it was the coolest most rebellious thing ever!! Despite their quality, I loved the process of being able to write about whatever I was feeling or thinking and creating a piece of work I could then perform for my whole family. It felt like my own world that I could escape to and pour my heart out. One big defining moment that solidified that I wanted to pursue this creative path was when I released my first original song ever. It was such an incredible feeling releasing something into the world that I could finally share and it was received with so much love and support that I will always be grateful for. It made me realise that if I continued to work hard, I could turn my passion into a full-time career. I am so excited to see what happens in the future!

Kate, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Kate Neville and I am a 20-year-old singer-songwriter from Adelaide, Australia. I have always been passionate about music and songwriting from a young age and my safe place is 100% at my piano in my bedroom. My musical style is rooted in pop-alternative and some of my all-time favourite artists and writers include Sabrina Carpenter, Ruel, Maisie Peters and Olivia Rodrigo. I attend the Studio and Star Factory which has been the most amazing and supportive environment to learn and develop my craft. I’ve had the opportunity to take lessons in singing, songwriting, music production and music business. I truly do believe that I wouldn’t be where I am today without this special studio. I was lucky enough to have been offered a place at the Valley Girls songwriting camp in Kangaroo Valley, NSW hosted by Apra Amcos and Kobalt Music in 2021. This was such an incredible week surrounded by fellow Australian artists, writers and producers. I was able to learn from those that I have and always will continue to look up to. This was one of the most amazing opportunities I’ve had in my creative career so far and it’s moments like those that continue to inspire and motivate me. I have also recently returned from a trip to Los Angeles where I attended an artistry camp called Vocalize U which has helped immensely in shaping my artist journey. This was an invaluable experience for me as both a singer and songwriter in helping to develop my craft, learning about myself as a person and allowing me to form lifelong connections with other like-minded peers and mentors. This also fired a dream within me to move to Los Angeles one day and pursue songwriting as a full-time career!

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

Wow, I mean there are so many rewarding aspects of being a creative it is hard to pinpoint one. However, one of the main aspects is that I can express my own stories, experiences and emotions and share them with people who may have experienced or are experiencing the same thing. It serves as my avenue to make sense of the world and growing up. Some people might seek talking to friends/family or going to therapy but my outlet is writing songs and I wouldn’t change it for the world. It’s such a beautiful tool to connect with people on a deeper level and make them feel something – it is so powerful! I’m going to be honest, I’m sometimes reluctant to sing my original songs or show them to anyone because my lyrics are so personal and reflect real-life experiences. It puts me in a vulnerable position of people knowing exactly where I am in life or what emotions I’m feeling or have felt. However, as I’m getting older I’m also starting to recognise how beautiful it is to be vulnerable. Being a creative, you are constantly evolving and this process can be incredibly fulfilling and one of the main reasons I love songwriting.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

Oh, great question! I would recommend everyone to go and see more live music if they can. As creatives we want our songs to be heard and shared and there is no better feeling than having a crowd of people hearing something that you wrote in your bedroom. Mental health and well-being is such an important aspect in any career path. Recognising the mental health challenges that creatives face often due to irregular income and work and the intensity of creative work is important. Also, checking in with your fellow peers is important to let them know you care and are there if you need to chat. One simple conversation could really make a difference. There are so many incredible companies and organisations in the music industry such as APRA AMCOS providing creatives with information, opportunities and support and so I will always advocate for these because they are doing such great work for creatives!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kateneville_/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/katenevillemusic/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUbD3BgBHaZUi4OFi8qeBdA
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6CsTNZ85y9q3JHPFdEHjqV?si=BmIyldodSIOgUhgEd-S22w

Image Credits
Kelsey Zafiridis Tayla Lipkiewicz