BY FELINO DOLLOSO –
Born in Brisbane, Australia, to a Northern Irish father and a Filipino mother, Cat Thompson is a singer songwriter and recording artist. She is an all-round performer who sings, dances, plays instruments and lives to share her passion for music and storytelling.
Cat Thompson began playing piano at the age of six. Over the years, she developed her skills in song writing and performance.
She has now performed up and down the east coast of Australia, opened concerts for major international acts including American rapper Eve, RnB singer Lloyd and American dance act The Jabbawockeez as well as Philippine superstars Dingdong Avanzado and Jessa Zaragoza.
She has had three successful tours in the Solomon Islands, performed for members of Solomon Islands Parliament and was the international judge for the Solomon Islands Grand Finals for World Supremacy Battlegrounds.
She was a songwriter for “Asia’s Nightingale” Lani Misalucha’s latest album, Force Called Woman, released by Universal Production Music.
Cat Thompson has her own recording studio in Byron Bay, Australia, and is signed to US based Progressive Artist Management. Her music has received radio play in over thirty countries. She released two EDM singles in Europe with Netherlands artist Melandru titled Don’t Fall In Love and All I Need.
From what age did you know of your great interest in Singing/Songwriting? What was your first original song?
As a small child I always loved singing. I also enjoyed writing poetry and creating my own melodies on the piano. One day I sat down at the piano and tried combining my poetry with my melodies. That’s how I discovered my love for song writing. My first original single release was titled Rescue Me. It was a really fun release because I got to shoot my first ever music video! For the Rescue Me music video, I worked with a Filipino-Australian dancer/choreographer named Daryl Morante. We discussed my creative vision for Rescue Me and he was able to capture it perfectly in the choreography for the music video.
Are there any song collaborations that you have been involved in Australia and or overseas?
I have been very blessed to have collaborated with incredibly talented songwriters, producers and artists both in Australia and overseas. I am really honoured to be a songwriter on the latest album for Filipina artist Lani Misalucha. I had the pleasure of working alongside Jhay C, who is one of Australia’s most successful Urban Pop producers and I’ve also collaborated with some amazing artists in Europe, Canada, the United States and most recently in Latin America.
Of the work you listed above, which one would you consider your favourite or the best one you have undertaken that is closest to your heart so far?
I wouldn’t be able to pick a favourite. I pour so much love into every song I work on. For me, each song represents a unique, memorable moment in my music journey.
Who would you accredit as having the greatest influence on you and in what you do? Who would you select as the most enjoyable person/s you have worked with and why?
As a kid I was influenced by many great female artists like Whitney Houston, Stevie Nicks, Destiny’s Child and more. Their songs and performances inspired me to keep pursuing my music goals. Every creative person I have worked with has brought a fresh, new perspective and helped me grow into the artist I am today. I definitely love working with Australian choreographer/dancer and music video director James Deane. James Deane’s vision and passion for dance always inspires me, especially when I am writing and recording an upbeat track. As my choreographer, I often bring James into the studio to have a listen to my new music. If he automatically starts moving and vibing to the song, then I know it’s good track for the dance floor.
What songs or project are you currently working on? What are planned in the next five years?
With the pandemic happening, it’s hard to tell how things will pan out over the next five years but if all goes well, I’d like to be touring again. As for projects I am currently working on – I am super excited to announce that I am co-releasing a collaboration single titled Be Free with Australian based DJ and Sax duo SaxBeatz. The track features American rapper Kev Hannibal.
It’s such an honour to be able to do a song with the uber talented Malina and Tom from SaxBeatz. Tom and Malina brought a really cool creative spin on the production and Malina is an amazing saxophonist! We were looking for a talented rapper for the track and Kev Hannibal’s tone was just what we needed! Be Free is now available worldwide on streaming services such as Spotify and can be downloaded from digital music stores. It’s an upbeat track about hitting the road and finding freedom!
What was the most enjoyable/best part of your career so far?
I love every aspect of the process from writing and creating new music, planning and shooting the music videos, then releasing them for my fans to enjoy. It’s so nice to hear my fans say that they love my songs and videos. I especially enjoy performing live shows and connecting with the audience. We get to share our love of music and create great memories together. It’s a wonderful feeling!
What else would you want to accomplish?
There is so much I want to accomplish! So many songs I want to record and stories I need to tell. I’m super keen to get on the road and tour again.
Do you have any projects coming up?
Yes! Since building my recording studio, I’ve been back-to-back with projects. I’ve got some exciting new songs on their way and I’ve been collaborating with some really cool, creative minds including my latest release Be Free which I wrote with SaxBeatz and Kev Hannibal.
What advice would you give to other aspiring Fil-Aussie Singer/Songwriters who are still trying to establish themselves in the music industry?
Get a good music lawyer. Having an experienced music lawyer in your team will help protect you on your music journey. Also, keep a good record of all your music accomplishments including newspaper or magazine clippings about you performing as well as interviews you do. Apart from being a nice memory in your scrapbook, these things can be used in visa applications when you want to do shows overseas. Last but not least, surround yourself with good, kind people who believe in you and your dream.
Cat Thompson has just released her latest single Who You Gonna Call and is co-releasing a collaboration single titled Be Free with Australian based DJ and Sax duo SaxBeatz. The track features American rapper Kev Hannibal. Her songs Who You Gonna Call and Be Free are available worldwide.