Cate Canning grew up in Abbotsford just outside Vancouver in Canada. In high school she fronted a country band and when she left frequently drove down the West Coast highway to songwriting sessions in LA. During these sessions she met fellow artist Cian Ducrot who, along with another singer, debunked to London with in 2019. Ducrot produced her debut EP Love, The Madness the following year and her debut album Tell Me Things You Won’t Take Back followed a month later. Citing fellow Canadians Kacey Musgraves and Shania Twain as influences and with a love for Dolly Parton, her mix of sugar rush pop and emotive country style storytelling sees her out on a current second headlining tour. We put a few questions to her after the show in Birmingham.
You are currently on a second headlining UK tour. How’s it going so far?
So great, I love touring the UK!
What have been the tour highlights?
I’ve loved every single show for different reasons. Birmingham was a gig i’ll never forget – I lost my voice the day before the show and everyone basically sang for me. I’ll never forget it.
What do you do in your downtime? Any hobbies?
I always take up hobbies then forget them a few months later ha ha, but one that has stuck is reading. I’ve been reading ”Notes on Heartbreak” by Annie Lord on this tour!
You played British Summer Time in Hyde Park last year and Down on the Farm. Do you prefer playing festivals or smaller venues?
I looove both, but the smaller venues are extra special because they are usually headline shows.
Who were your musical inspirations growing up in Abbotsford, Canada?
I have loved Dolly Parton, Shania Twain, Taylor Swift and Kacey Musgraves for sooo many years now. They inspire everything I make.
Vancouver always gets voted in the top 5 best cities in the world. In your experience what makes it achieve such an accolade?
It’s just the best city in the world in my opinion. I grew up outside of Vancouver and then moved after highschool and would love to go back one day. It’s the most beautiful city surrounded by mountains and the ocean.
How does living in London compare?
I love London so much, but it’s very different. I love England for different reasons. I love writing music in London – it’s so so inspiring.
What do you miss most about your hometown?
My brother and Lepp’s farmers market ha ha
How do you think your song writing process has changed since your debut release ‘Sad Song’ in 2019 to your latest single ‘One Hit Wonder’? Do you think it has changed at all?
I think it has stayed the same in many ways but it’s more storytelling now.
Which one of your tracks are you the proudest of?
Probably ‘Cant Wait To Be Pretty’ just because of how honest it is.
Which track would you direct people to who haven’t heard your music before, that sums you up as an artist?
I think ‘Cant Wait To Be Pretty’ or ‘Ruin’.
What were the main influences on your debut album Tell Me Things You Won’t Take Back in Oct ’22?
That EP was inspired by a lot of things; London, Shania Twain, Kacey Musgraves, and moving away from my hometown.
Do you find it easier to write joyous pop tunes (‘Girlfriend’, ‘Get Better’, Groupie’ ‘Ruin’) or the more down tempo emotive tracks (Can’t Wait To Be Pretty’, ‘Maybe’, ‘I Won’t Wait’)?
I find it easier to write the sadder songs for some reason. I think I have a harder time not taking writing seriously.
What are your future plans? New releases, a new album, another tour?
Ive been writing in Nashville for another project…
What would be your advice for any aspiring pop stars?
To write as much as you can and with friends!
What’s the best thing about being a pop star?
The shows and meeting the fans after the shows
What’s been the highlight of your career so far?
Probably this tour I’m on right now
If you weren’t a pop star what would you be?
Maybe a music teacher ?
What’s your favourite fruit?
Ooh blueberry!