AN INTERVIEW WITH LOREN KATE
BY TAHLIA WILLIAMS
'Her songs contain a distilled spirituality and honesty that touch many, with exquisitely shaped melodies, glowing harmonic movement and lyrics resonant with deep poetic meaning.'
– Iain Grandage
As part of Weavers of Story and Song – our 2024 contemporary series curated by Iain Grandage – Aldinga-based singer/songwriter Loren Kate will perform two concerts with Iain and Aurora Vocal Ensemble. Tickets are still available for Friday 26 July (Saturday 27 July is sold out).
Our Communications Officer Tahlia Williams spoke to Loren about how these artistic relationships were formed, her connection to South Australian communities, and the power of storytelling through song.
What is your artistic relationship with Iain Grandage, and what does the invitation to perform with him at UKARIA mean to you?
I've had the privilege of knowing Iain as a friend and have played music with his partner, acclaimed cellist Mel Robinson, over the years. I've been a huge admirer of Iain's work for a long time, but beyond his immense talent, I also admire him deeply as a person.
Your songs are imbued with a distinctive sincerity and warmth that continually entrances people as you give a voice to the realities of human existence. Where does this heartfelt storytelling spring from?
I write from my own experiences and the lives of those close to me. I've always believed that the most powerful stories are the ones that come from a place of truth and vulnerability. Growing up, I found refuge in listening to music, and as I got older, I used it as a tool to help me unpack the more difficult parts of my childhood. It became a way for me to process my experiences and understand the world around me. For me, song writing is about capturing the essence of those experiences and sharing them in a way that hopefully resonates with others.
As you freely profess to ‘wearing your stories and life experiences on your sleeve’, what power do you think storytelling and music have in a journey towards healing and freedom?
Storytelling and music hold an incredible power in the journey towards healing and freedom: I truly believe it saved my life. When we share our stories openly and embrace our vulnerability, we create a space for others to feel understood and to do the same. It's in these moments of honesty that we find true connection and healing. We break down walls, release our burdens and find strength in our shared humanity.
Your concerts at UKARIA will feature arrangements of your songs for voice, choir and cello, which you’ll be performing alongside Iain Grandage and Aurora Vocal Ensemble. How do these arrangements transform the songs’ profile and offer you a new scope of expression?
If I could pick the perfect accompaniment for my songs, it would definitely be a cello and choir. There's something so haunting and beautiful about both that really gets under your skin and brings out so much more emotion than you can achieve alone. I've always dreamed of hearing my songs arranged with a choir – it's one of those pinch-me moments. It adds a whole new layer and depth to my music that I absolutely love.
Alongside opening Cooee Arthouse in Aldinga, SA, you regularly perform in regional venues around Australia. Do you feel a deep connection with these locations, and if so, what is your desire for the performing arts industry in regional areas?
I feel a deep connection to this land and the regional venues and communities where I perform. The audiences are always so warm and supportive, and there's a genuine sense of community that’s truly special.
My hope for the industry is to see it find its feet again after these tough few years and to really flourish. So many venues are closing their doors, and so many artists are struggling. There’s a lot of hard work in this industry that often goes unnoticed and unappreciated. I’d love to see more support and opportunities for artists and venues everywhere.
I've recently
had to close Cooee Arthouse because the running costs were too high. But I'm
turning this challenge into an opportunity by transforming Cooee into a nomadic
venue, using the fantastic spaces we already have here in South Australia. This
way, I can continue to support artists and communities in a new and exciting
way.
Loren Kate with Iain Grandage and Aurora Vocal Ensemble | Friday 26 July at 7.30pm
Pictured above: The singers of Aurora Vocal Ensemble performing at the 2024 UKARIA A Cappella Academy. Photo by Jarrad Dearman.
Weavers of Story and Song is generously supported by the Lang Family Foundation.
