Acclaimed singer-songwriter and musician, Kaia Kater, unveils "In Montreal," the latest single from her highly anticipated album, Strange Medicine, set to release on May 17, 2024, via Free Dirt Records. Following the success of her previous singles, "Fédon" featuring Taj Mahal and "The Internet," Kater continues to enchant listeners with her profound storytelling and musical prowess.
"In Montreal" serves as a vibrant homage to Kater’s hometown, capturing the essence of its rich musical heritage and the personal connection she shares with the city. Inspired by the bleakness of the 2021 winter, Kater crafts an upbeat narrative that mirrors the feelings of a lost poet amidst the backdrop of Montreal's storied streets, paying tribute to legendary local artists like Leonard Cohen and Kate & Anna McGarrigle.
Kaia Kater describes "In Montreal" as a "reflection on the gravitational pull of my hometown, Montreal." She elaborates, "It now feels like ghosts of my former selves haunt the city. I wanted to write an upbeat song about a poet feeling lost and aimless, tectonic plates stacked in their sink—a nod to Leonard Cohen, Kate & Anna McGarrigle, and all the other incredible songwriters of Montreal."
Strange Medicine opens with a haunting narrative about women persecuted as witches in 17th century Salem, symbolizing a journey through oppression and the resilience of women and marginalized communities throughout history. The album is a personal exploration and a dialogue with these historical figures, reflecting Kater’s growth as an artist and individual.
After her celebrated 2018 album, Grenades, and a stint at film school to learn composition, Kater has delved deeper into her songwriting craft. This forthcoming album marks her most personal and revolutionary work to date, blending influences from minimalist composition, jazz, and film scores to create a rich and diverse soundscape.
Produced in collaboration with Joe Grass (Elisapie, The Barr Brothers), Strange Medicine features contributions from close friends and colleagues, including Aoife O’Donovan, Allison Russell, and the legendary Taj Mahal, providing a lush backdrop to Kater’s introspective lyrics.
Kater’s latest project transcends the confines of Americana, offering a Black Feminist perspective on a genre that has historically marginalized Black women's voices. It’s a celebration of self-identity and empowerment, inspired by Lucille Clifton’s poem "won’t you celebrate with me."
As Kaia Kater gears up for the release of Strange Medicine, "In Montreal" stands as a testament to her innovative spirit and the enduring allure of her musical roots. The single is now available on all major streaming platforms, including Spotify, where fans can also enjoy her previous releases.
About Kaia Kater: Kaia Kater is a Grenadian-Canadian singer-songwriter renowned for her unique blend of folk and Americana. A banjoist and storyteller, Kater’s music delves into themes of identity, migration, and social justice, making her one of the most compelling voices of her generation.
Kaia Kater’s music is available for streaming on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/5rbv19FUmbvYZ9ANnIh8wl?si=1H7lYcQSSIWQxz…
Watch "In Montreal" on YouTube: https://youtu.be/PZMft0_9Dng
