After making her mark on the Australian country music industry singer/songwriter Cat Southern is making inroads into the mainstream market.
“I’m not an artist that can be pigeon-holed. I’m just one of a number of artists who acknowledge the role that roots and country music plays in other genresâ€, explains the thoughtful and determined Cat
Her latest offering, ‘Little Miss Understood’, is a catchy, guitar-driven pop tune with Country roots and, a touch of attitude.
The track has been produced by widely applauded multi-instrumentalist and producer Matt Fell (Slim Dusty, Sara Storer, Graeme Connors, Troy Cassar-Daley).
Originally from South Australia, Cat is a young lady who has achieved a lot in her life time.
Once a champion gymnast and diver, Cat competed at high levels in gymnastics and was selected for the diving team for the Beyond 2000 squad.
“While my sporting career was my focus growing up, I was also listening to music, singing along and doing the dance moves. Music has always played a big part of my life. It was only 5 years ago when I realised that my singing was the most important thing in my lifeâ€.
From that moment Cat hasn’t looked back. Shortly after progressing to the semi final rounds of both Australian Idol and Popstars, Cat was named as a finalist at the 2005 Australian Independent Country Music Awards, and travelled extensively across outback Australia on the Brian Young Tour.
The following year Cat was crowned the Toyota Starmaker at the Tamworth Country Music Festival, the same accolade bestowed on the likes of Keith Urban and James Blundell.
A Golden Guitar and multiple People’s Choice nominee, Cat was awarded the 2007 People’s Choice Award for Most Promising Rising Star. Cat was yet again a finalist in the 2008 Australian Country Music Peoples’ Choice Awards, Taking home the award for 2008 Best song of the year, for Little Miss Understood. Cat also released Little Miss Understood in Europe earlier this year, and she reached number 9 on the European Independent Charts.
With the nominations and awards rolling in it’s no wonder Cat was chosen for the lead performer role in the R.M. William’s Australian Outback Spectacular, a $23 million musical and action extravaganza on the Gold Coast where Cat performed for thousands of people each night. Cat’s acting career doesn’t stop there, she was on Australian hit series McLeod’s Daughters, and Headland, she has also featured in many TV commercials. Cat is also the Face of the DARE Styling Iron, and is a proud ambassador for Variety the Children’s Charity.
Cat has just returned from Nashville USA where she performed in New York and, Nashville, and recording her Debut album with Award winning Producer Terry Sawchuk, the first single from the album will be released in August, with the album being launched shortly after. The album features 10 songs, two co-written by Cat, and the remaining 8 written by Nashville's top song writers. Featuring on the album are some of Nashville's A list Musicians, helping Cat to produce a top quality Pop/Rock Contemporary Country sound. Cat is excited about returning to the USA to tour again, and is also planning a Europe trip in 2009.
Cat is always honing her skills as a songwriter, and enjoys performing. Cat has travelled to the Middle East where she performed for Australian and coalition troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. She also attracted huge crowds at New Caledonia’s largest festival, the Bourail Fouir. Cat has performed at all Major festivals in Australia, with much success, as well as performing at major corporate events, including the Opening Ceremony for the World Police and Fire Games, Adelaide Crows Football Club events.
Cat's future in the music industry is looking promising, with her contemporary, new and individual style. A vibrant performer, Cat’s recognised for her sizzling and high energy shows.
Detailed achievements to date:
Singing Achievements
•2008 - 3 month tour of the USA, where she recorded her upcoming album.
•2008 - Winner of People’s Choice Award for Best Song
•2008 - Australian People’s Choice Nominee for Best Female and Vocal, Best Song.
•2007 - 1 month Tour of the USA
•2007 - New Caledonia Tour performing at the Bourail Fouir
•2007 - Tour De Force 17 day Tour to the Middle East Performing for the Troops
•2007 - New Talent Golden Guitar Nominee
•Winner of 2007 People Choice Award for Most Promising Future Rising Star
•2007- Australian Peoples Choice Nominee for Most Promising Future Rising Star, Female Vocal, Single of The Year, Heritage Song Of The Year
•Winner of 2006 Toyota Starmaker
•Named as a finalist in the Rising Star Female at the 2005 Australian Independent Country Music Awards
•Australian Idol (Channel 10) – Top 64 nationally
•Popstars Solo Performer (Channel 7) – Top 100 nationally, her journey featured on Today Tonight (Channel 7)
Acting, TV & film work
•Lead performer role and Pre/post show entertainment at the Australian Outback Spectacular 2006
• McLeod's Daughters (Channel 9), Headland (Channel 7), West (feature film) Dangerous (Fox8) featured extra on nemrous TV commercials for Australia, and USA
Other related Achievements
•Competing at high levels in gymnastics and being selected for the diving team for the Beyond 2000 squad
•Her equine knowledge & love has seen her work with and own horses, competing at high level competitions
For gig bookings, interviews and more information Tony Savage at [email protected]
