Where are you from?
Born in Detroit raised in Warren, Mi.
What is your earliest memory of music?
4 yrs old. My grand mother gave me records from my Uncle’s restaurant jukebox. Radio, Music TV shows and records were my play.
When did you start being an artist? It depends. My first public performance was 15 years old. Although I played harmonica on the school bus on the way to camp when I was 8….I sang and payed flute. I joined my first band at 18. I picked up the sax at age 20.
How would you describe your style? R&B Funk meets Rock with bit of jazz.
Are there any particular themes or messages that you often explore in your music? Love. losing love, wanting love, Love vs mean people. Some songs off my last EP zeroed in on bullies and one in particular, constantly in the media. Now, my latest EP has a song called “Are you Gonna Be (the Healer)” that focuses on a segment of the population that insists on believing all his/their lies.
What is the meaning behind your stage name?
Orlando is my maiden name. I kept it for stage. Kat is just short for Kathy, (too many Kathys and I never cared for Kathleen for my name.)
What is the story behind your most famous song?
I don’t know about “famous” but most popular with the most youtube hits would be a song called “Shoulda Known Betta” from my “Hypothetical Scenario” EP, 2017. It’s about my younger days and memories we all have about doing crazy things and having wild aspirations, right at what seemed to be the end of the hippy era.
What is the hardest thing about being an artist?
Spending countless hours promoting my music and then people asking you what you’ve been doing. Same with promoting shows; “Where are you playing?” Usually goes under the radar. Must be those pesky algorithms not working for me, I don’t know.
What’s the best thing about being an artist?
Performing, recording it. Somebody (or several), maybe one person coming up to you at the end of a show that “gets it”. Even a kid that admires what you do because they are interested in doing the same, can make it worth while.
What are your goals for your music career?
To have a larger audience than I do currently.
What do you like to do in your free time (outside of music)? I like to Kayak, rollerblade, paint.
Do you get involved with charities or causes that are important to you?
I wouldn’t mind doing that. I would perform for a preferred charity if the situation was right.
What is something that people would be surprised to know about you?
That I have my own band. Many people know me by my husband’s former band which is no longer.
What does a typical day look like for you? Promoting myself for shows, promoting songs, calls emails, scheduling rehearsals, recording, writing, practicing vocals, sax, flute, graphics, web site edits, video edits, social media posts.….
Do you have any upcoming projects we can be excited about?
YES. I’ve just completed 4 songs, 2 of which are reworked covers mod late 60s songs right out of the love and peace era. it will be released soon as soon as I tie up some loose ends.
What are some of the standout tracks on your latest project?
“Are You gonna be (The Healer)” is really coming together nicely. The tracks share slamming. Another cut called “Not That Guy” is like channeling the Gap Band.
What are your favorite topics to write about? Don’t be a mean person. Stand up for what you believe.
How do you deal with creative block or artist block? I listen to other artists especially keep inspiration for singing. I need that to drive my vocal ability.
What is the best advice anyone has ever given you? Learn your long tones, scales and arpeggios. Don’t give up just because people don’t understand your goals and aspirations.
What was the best show or tour you have ever been on?
I was with a band that opened for Wall of Voodoo. Look them up…..A long time ago.
What’s been your favorite moment of your career so far? Where can people find your music online?
Favorite moment: Once again I have to go back to when booking my band 5-6 nights a week. It was a breeze and 1 night stands were the special shows. Somewhere in there. I could actually talk to radio people over the phone, record people (sometimes)…
Find my music “Kat Orlando” on Spotify, Pandora, Amazon, Google play, Apple Music, Youtube. My website: katorlando.com
