Today we’d like to introduce you to Kat Dion.
Kat, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
Little Kat was born on February 27th, 1999, in a small town in Canada called Lévis. That’s where I was raised for most of my life and where my family is based. Although, I moved a lot growing up which probably explains my love for the road and traveling. My earliest memory is just me falling asleep in my father’s arms listening to Depeche Mode.
I just always felt peaceful around music. I come from a family of musician, so I guess it’s in my blood. My uncle is a songwriter, my great-grandma and my grandma, on my father’s side are pianists. One of my father’s uncle was an incredible musician, he even worked with Sting, and my dad was a music manager back in the early ’90s. I also remember always being a very extravagant child and a bit of a weirdo. I wasn’t good socially, and my way to escape was definitely through art. Music has always been my main creativity input. My little world, my hidden garden.
I started singing at the age of 4, and I have sung every day ever since. Coming from a small town I didn’t have much to do so every Friday night, my family and I would have a “music night” where we’d just play music all night, and that’s where I started developing my performance skills I’d say. I was a super shy kid, but for some reason, I wasn’t shy to strut on a stage like if I was in my living room or in my shower. I performed in front of a crowd for the 1st time when I was only nine years old, singing “The Climb” by Miley Cyrus (such a fan btw). I have been literally addicted to the stage ever since. Being quite the drama queen combined with my crazy imaginative brain. I had to start theatre; it wasn’t even an option. Which, I also fell in love with. Playing pretend is my favorite thing besides music. I then, went on to pick up singing, piano and guitar lessons and finally, at the age of 15, I wrote my first song. It was actually really bad, but it was such an important step in my life, I loved songwriting more than anything. As a teenager I started dealing with a lot of issues, I was bullied, I got depression and anxiety, all of that, while I was discovering myself and my sexuality. I started writing poetry, but the idea of mixing poetry and music was just so magical. I could say anything I wanted to, and I was the creator. It made me feel free. Music helped me so much in my life. I had no other choice but to be an artist. I then ended up moving to California at the age of 18, where I studied acting. And here I am now, at 20 years old working on some super exciting musical projects. I have so much to say and to give, and I can’t wait for the world to hear and discover the craziness that is Kat Dion.
We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
Well, I am a singer-songwriter, performer and actress. I love telling stories. My music is very inspired by the ’80s, I also love rock & roll and alternative music. My favorite thing is to mix the genres, for example even while having my signature style I will usually experiment with pop/soul or even hip hop. I love to be playful with what I create and explore new styles.
My creation process is pretty simple, my brain never stops, really, so I get ideas everyday. I put them in my voice memos, and when I have a session, I often pick my ideas from little snippets of other ideas. I love working with other artists because I feel like the dynamic of a collaboration just does so much to a song. But yeah, most songs start off by a bubble that explodes in my brain, my little self, a notebook, and my keyboard. That’s how the magic happens.
I create because it makes me first; feel alive. Second, I really want to connect with people on another level, make them feel what I feel or just anything really. Be the reason for a smile or a tear. I want reaction. No matter how thirsty that sounds. But mainly, my goal is to help others through my art.
I want people to listen to my music and be inspired to start following their passion too, you know.
The message behind my music is mostly to be unapologetically yourself. I love to talk about subjects that are honest and true to me, so hopefully, people get something that makes them feel as alive as I do when I compose.
I think of every song like it’s a person like it’s a story. Each song is deeply thought about and has it’s own identity.
Oh, and I have a lot of amazing projects on the way, some cool original music coming out in June 2019!
How can artists connect with other artists?
I’d say go out there, don’t be scared to meet people and just be who you are. I usually go on social media to connect, I get in facebook groups for artists in my area, and I try to meet people. Look out for networking events related to your artistry or things that could be useful for you around town. If you’re a singer, put some videos online and go to open mics or jam nights. Find a mentor who will help you. Ask for help! Be friendly. Send a nice message to other artists you love. There’s a lot of ways, just get out of your room kiddo.
Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
People can find me on Instagram and youtube mostly. I post music things, covers and I love to bring people on my journey with me. Show you all of the backstage stuff. That’s where I mostly do that. And it’s also where I give out information about upcoming events and music.
I am also on SoundCloud, and soon I will be on Spotify! Good old Twitter and Fb to hear me rant about the food I had yesterday.
I also have a GoFundMe page to help fund the making of my upcoming album.
All the support is truly appreciated.
Love the love.
Contact Info:
- Address: Snapchat: @realestkatdion
- Website: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvPYoTmUmqSH8tML7qDJ_ow?
- Phone: +1 5819985004
- Email: info.katdionmusic@gmail.com
- Instagram: @katdionmusic
- Facebook: @katdionmusic
- Twitter: @katdionmusic
- Other: www.soundcloud.com/kat-dion
Image Credit:
Clementine Photography Instagram : @lpclementine
Mai Photography Instagram : @aout.septembre.octobre
Talent NationInstagram : @TalentNation
Getting in touch: SDVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
