|
|
| Career Profiles > Kate Garner |
 |
Although having a musical family to encourage and support her, independent musician/singer/songwriter Kate Garner has worked hard making a successful career for herself whilst keeping her love of music. Having performed in numerous clubs, pubs and concert halls, she's now focusing solely on writing songs and performing her own material. |
|
Kate talks about the (sometimes) difficult decisions that need to be made in order to pursue your dreams.
Why and when did you decide to pursue a career as a musician?
"Music was always what I loved most about school and it was from this point I suppose it started to dawn on me. Encouragement from family and friends is what's always mattered most to me, but it really clicked into place when someone outside the family circle saw potential. I had a brilliant music teacher who knew what my strengths were and encouraged me to get up and play songs I'd written in front of the class. So when it was time to decide where to go after school - at the time I was looking at drama as well as music colleges for courses because I enjoyed that too - in the end I chose music."
What formal training did you do?
"I studied A-level Music at North Hertfordshire College in Hitchin - I had a great time there. One of the things I loved most about college was the social aspect. I made some great friends and played with some fine musicians, two of whom I still play music with today. However, because I had always played music by ear and taking theory to another level was like learning another language, I did find it difficult to fit in academically. But it was the best thing I could've done because by trying to keep up, I learnt a lot more."
Was the training purely practical or was there any academic study involved?
"Both. Performance-wise I played clarinet in the orchestra, which in actual fact improved my academic skills as I was having to sight-read music on a daily basis."
What were the first jobs you had?
"I went straight from college into regular gigging - basically everywhere from weddings to pubs. I also worked at Harrods demonstrating pianos, in between writing new songs, gigs and rehearsing with my band at the time. This all helped me to gain my apprenticeship - preparing for a gig, connecting with an audience, picking up on what people like/ don't like to hear and not taking anything too personally! People don't always tell you what you want to hear so you really have to trust yourself."
How has your career progressed to the point you are at today?
"About 2 years ago I made the decision to pack up playing weddings and pubs and invest 100 per cent into songwriting and performing my own material, which was quite a gamble as I wasn't earning much. I started writing songs with my brother and wrote two albums' worth of my own material. I made it my day job combined with sending countless CDs out to publishers. The gamble finally paid off because I got, not just one, but two publishing deals - one with IMG, representing my solo material, and one with MCS along with my brother. Since then songwriting has progressed from a hobby into a career."
Being an independent artist means you have to do a lot more than just perform. What else is involved?
"It's hard work doing it yourself but I'll do it as long as I am able to, as people are rarely as ambitious for you as you are for yourself. You can pick up useful tips along the way but you have to think about how you present yourself at gigs and on photos. I never used to think it was, but image IS important - it helps people to identify with your music. Little things like the shape of your logo and what you wear will say different things about you and your music.
You also have to make sure you get your songs sounding exactly how you want them to and get them out to as many promoters, record companies, managers and publishers as you possibly can. I think the website Myspace is brilliant for generating interest - people can hear your music globally at the touch of a button and it's a good way of letting people know about your gigs."
What does it mean to have a publishing contract?
"Publishing is basically a way to sell your songs. A good publisher will pitch the music you have written to advertising and film companies and collect any royalties due from where your music is played or performed. They take a percentage of your royalties for this service."
What have been the highs and lows in your career?
"Although there are little disappointments every day, with sheer persistence and self-belief, you learn not to take them too seriously. Getting published was very exciting but nothing beats the feeling of a newly written song, playing it live, and the audience getting as much pleasure from it as you do."
What advice would you give to someone wishing to pursue music as a career?
"Believe in yourself, trust in yourself, and see. And don't forget to have a laugh, because success is enjoying what you do!"
|
|
|
 |
Get the 2009 Guide now
A full-colour publication packed with essential performing
arts information, advice and institution course listings. Get your personal
copy now... [more]
|
|
Free Info Request
Request FREE information from dozens of leading UK performing arts training
providers and organisations with the click of a mouse!
CLICK HERE |
|
|
|
