A Quick Chat With Kat Greta

As the summer sun shines bright, Kat Greta returns with a vibrant new anthem to match. Her latest single, Summer Daze(out Friday, Jan 31), blends nostalgic ‘60s charm with a fresh, modern twist—capturing the essence of the Australian summer in a way that feels both timeless and deeply personal. Inspired by legends like Burt Bacharach and The Beatles, Kat’s rich melodies and heartfelt lyrics reflect on tradition, change, and the joy found in life’s fleeting moments. With its breezy sound and warm, sun-soaked energy, Summer Daze is the perfect soundtrack for the season. We caught up with Kat to find out more about the track and more.

Can you tell us what this track means to you and what you want people to take away from it?

This track is about embracing the moment, the good and the messy. For me, it’s tied to memories of summer—carefree, a bit silly and full of life. I want people to feel that same nostalgia and freedom when they hear it.

Who are some of your influences, and why?

I grew up listening to The Beach Boys, The Beatles and Led Zeppelin, so they’ll always be in my DNA. I love how they made music that still feels timeless. On the modern side, HAIM have this way of blending old-school influences with something new and exciting that inspires me to experiment.

What’s the creative process for you, from writing through to recording?

It usually starts with a melody—I’m always recording little ideas into my phone. From there, I’ll let it sit until I find a chord progression or feeling to match. In the studio, it’s about trying things out and not being afraid to get a little weird. I need to let the song make the decisions.

What makes a great song?

A melody that takes you somewhere, a chord progression that supports it, and a rhythm that keeps things fresh. I’m a sucker for a killer pre-chorus and a middle 8 that surprises you. The lyrics should feel real, make you think, and connect. And the production? It should lift the song without stealing the spotlight. When it all clicks, that’s where the magic is.

If you could collaborate with any artist, who would it be and why?

Ohhhh it’d be a toss-up between Paul McCartney and Brian Wilson. Paul’s got that knack for writing the most effortless, timeless melodies, while Brian’s a genius when it comes to pushing musical boundaries with those wild harmonies and arrangements. The mix of Paul’s pop craftsmanship and Brian’s experimental sound would be next-level.

When not working on music, what other creative outlet/s do you have?

When I’m not making music, you’ll find me in the kitchen. It’s like songwriting, but with garlic and butter instead of melodies and lyrics. I love playing around with new dishes or putting my own spin on the classics. It’s my way of getting creative and unwinding—plus, you get to taste the results, so it’s a total win.

Who are some local bands we should check out?

If you’re after some local talent, Sunday Lemonade – their happy vibes are sure to lift your mood. Velvet Bloom is creating gorgeous dreamy, indie pop, and Charlie Lane brings fresh energy. All three are definitely worth a listen!

Winter or summer, and why?

Summer for sure. It’s all about long nights, outdoor gigs, and a sense of freedom. Winter’s fine, but summer just has this energy that fits my music and who I am.

What do you have planned for 2025?

More music, more shows, and continuing to push myself creatively. I want to connect with more people and create moments that stick with them. There are some collaborations I’m really excited about too, but I’ll keep those under wraps for now.

Interviewsaustralianmusicscene31 January 2025