Montreal-born singer-songwriter Kaïa Kater is breaking new ground with her latest single, “In Montreal,” featuring longtime friend and fellow folk artist Allison Russell. The track serves as a preview of her forthcoming album, “Strange Medicine,” which will be released on May 17.
Kater’s introspective lyrics delve into her complex relationship with her hometown. “Simply, this is a reflection on the gravitational pull of my hometown, Montreal,” she explains. I’ve left and returned so many times that it now feels like ghosts of my former selves haunt the city. During the deep winter of 2021, with its short days and long nights, 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 and Anna McGarrigle, and all the other incredible songwriters of Montreal.”
Listen to “In Montreal” below:
Produced by Kater and Joe Grass, “Strange Medicine” marks her first album in six years, following the critically acclaimed “Grenades.” This new project sees Kater delving into her personal journey, exploring themes of self-discovery and reinvention. She draws inspiration from historical figures, particularly women and oppressed communities, weaving their stories into her own narrative.
Collaborations with artists like Aoife O’Donovan and Allison Russell enrich the album, adding depth and diversity to Kater’s already multifaceted sound. Each track is a testament to her growth as a musician and storyteller, showcasing her ability to blend elements of folk, bluegrass, and Caribbean influences.
Reflecting on the album, Kater remarks, “The through line for me is just stories. It was the story of my dad on Grenades, and on Strange Medicine, it’s the story of people in history who might not have had their proper shrift.”
Kater’s talent has not gone unnoticed. Her previous album received critical acclaim and earned her a nomination for Contemporary Roots Album of the Year at the JUNO Awards. NPR Music praised her “vivid, sensory images and poetic language,” while Rolling Stone lauded her “plaintive, mesmerizing” style.
Beyond her musical endeavours, Kater has also ventured into film, composing original music for projects like BET’s “The Porter” and the upcoming film “My Dead Friend Zoe.”
Kaïa Kater plays La Sotterenea on May 23 – TICKETS HERE
