Interview: Cathy Burton
British singer/songwriter Cathy Burton already has a string of hugely popular albums behind her. From her 2002 debut solo album 'Burn out', to the stunning follow up 'Speed Your Love' and the most recent 'Silvertown'. Famed for her brilliantly crafted songwriting and beautiful melodic vocals, Cathy is currently preparing a new album for 2010. LouderThanTheMusic grabbed a few minutes of Cathy's time to find out more.
Cathy, you've recently been working on a new album, what can you tell us about that and when can we expect to hear it?
I started the writing for this album about a year ago, and it's from writing songs for our church within the context of our worship times that this album has essentially found its beginnings. So it's in the process of being recorded in pockets of time this year and should be released end of January 2010.
What is your favourite track off your new album and why?
I don't know as they're not finished yet! I do however like "The Way" quite a bit. I wrote it in the car (I'm sure all my best songs get written in the car!) I really like the lyrics of it and it was one of the first I wrote. The lyric starts with "Reveal to us how Your heartbeats" it's about remembering people who've lost their way with God and a reminder to all of us that Jesus is the way the to Father.
A few years ago you formed a band called Hummingbird, how did that work out and are the band still together?
I didn't form it, I joined it! We went for about a year after I joined then due to 2 babies being born it was time to stop. I loved my time with the girls, it was really good for me to do musically and relationally. It was a great experience.
Did you enjoy recording the 'Redeemer' album with Grace Church?
Loved it! It was a great week although it was plagued with sick bugs which was terrible timing!
What has been your career Highlight so far?
I've had loads, so I can really pull out one to mind. I've loved the surprises on the way like getting to write with people I respect. Like playing venues that I'd only dreamt of playing. The biggest highlight is occasional email that comes along that just tells me to keep going - it's great to know that my music hits the spot for some people.
How do you balance your music career with your family life and being a mum?
I've got an au-pair! Both sides of our family live away from us (by about 4 hours) so I wouldn't cope unless I had au-pairs. (I only have one at a time by the way, but Keren is our 4th now!) That way my work can be so flexible and it also frees me up to play at church regularly.
What's your song writing process?
It varies, it's usual that the lyric and melody comes at the same time and then I go on a quest for the song. Other songs just kind of "come along" almost complete, then I'll add the finishing touches when I find an instrument to play on - a lot of it is in my head before I even sing/pick up the guitar.
What advice would you give to any aspiring singer/songwriters out there, looking at starting a music career?
Not sure really! Just to work at your skills, be determined. Look for opportunities and don't expect things to fall in your lap - apart from maybe the occasional song!
You're stuck on an island, it's hot, you only have enough battery life left to listen to one song on your mp3 player. What track is it?
Well I'm so old school I don't actually know how to work my ipod and my husband has to show me every time! I'm rubbish at having favourite songs, but maybe "Broken things" by Julie Miller.
What does the next year hold for Cathy Burton?
Album release in January and whatever follows, who knows! I'll be getting stuck in at my local church on the worship team and just doing the same as I do every year - pushing doors, trying to seek and follow God's leading.
