Meet Cate… The Canadian Talent Breathing New Life Into The Disco-Pop Genre

If you’re a fan of disco-infused pop songs, then Cate needs to be on your radar. Growing up in Abbotsford, Canada, the emerging talent first fell in love with music at an early age. Inspired by Dolly Parton, Taylor Swift and Miley Cryus’ popular Disney Channel character Hannah Montana, Cate soon evolved from a music listener to a full-fledged artist, resulting in her performing at local gigs around her hometown. After a few years of honing her craft, the young talent debuted in 2019 with her bittersweet break-up anthem ‘Sad Song.’ Since releasing her first single, Cate has continued to capture the hearts of music listeners worldwide with her relatable songs and stellar debut album ‘Tell Me Things You Won’t Take Back.’ 

With Cate’s new music era in full swing, we sat down with the Canadian singer-songwriter to get all the details about her music journey, her upcoming UK tour, and the creative process for her latest single, ‘U Want Me.’ Read our full interview with Cate below. 

Heya, Cate! Thanks for sitting down with SPINDLE. How’s summer treating you?

So great! I just got back from Canada (where I’m from) and played a few UK festivals this weekend, so that was really fun! 

Congratulations on releasing your latest single, ‘U Want Me,’ it’s absolutely fantastic! Can you take us through the creative process for the record? We hear that you wrote the track with two of your friends.

Thank you so much! I wrote the single with my friends Navvy and Josh Wilkinson exactly one year before it was released. I was listening to a lot of disco music at the time, and I wanted something that felt like that. I really wrote the song for one of my friends who was going through an awful break-up and I realised I didn’t really have any songs to send her – so I wrote this one! 

What themes or messages did you want fans to take away from ‘U Want Me’ after listening?

I just wanted a really confident” I Don’t Miss You” type song, so I hope it helps some of them get over their exes ahaha

We need to talk about the track’s high-energy music video! When brainstorming for the visual, which elements of the song were you most excited to bring to life?

I loove the video, it was SO fun to film. My creative director Abi Ford was the real mastermind behind this video. She’s amazing, and made the whole day so comfortable and fun. We really just wanted it to feel like one of those nights dancing in your room with your friends listening to break-up songs. 

Your last few releases have had such a retro 80s/disco sound. Is there an artist or album from that era you looked toward when creating ‘U Want Me,’ ‘Girlfriend,’ and ‘Get Better?’ 

It’s funny because the disco influence really came from Karl Frederik (who produced all 3 songs). I was listening to a lot of Kacey Musgraves and Shania Twain at the time so not exactly disco. 

Let’s go back to your music beginnings. When did you first realise that you wanted to be an artist? What was your “ah ha” moment?

Honestly probably watching Hannah Montana. I was obsessed. Also when I started Idolising artists like Taylor Swift and Dolly Parton, that’s when I really fell in love with songwriting. 

It’s been over four years since you released your debut single, ‘Sad Song.’ How have you evolved as an artist since then?

Oh my god, so much! I really didn’t know what I was doing back then. I was just making music with my friends and then releasing it through CD Baby. I feel like I have a clear direction of the type of music I want to make now. It’s so crazy that the song came out 4 years ago; it’s like my first child. 

Looking back on your journey, what advice would you give your younger self? 

Just to relax and make as many mistakes as you can – they make great songs. 

With ‘U Want Me’ currently making the rounds, what else can fans expect from this music era? How will it differ from your album ‘Tell Me Things You Won’t Take Back?’

They should expect a lot more music this year. It will be different from that EP in many ways but also that EP represents so much of the way I tell stories in my songs – so I think it’ll definitely stay true to that. 

You’re set to have a busy fall season with headline shows in Leeds, Glasgow, Manchester, Dublin, Birmingham, Bristol and London. Can you spill some details on what fans can expect from your upcoming shows?

A whole new show!! New everything. I’m so excited for these shows. We have so many surprises planned. I can’t wait!

Check out Cate’s latest single ‘U Want Me’ and its accompanying music video below.