As the pulse of the music industry continues to transform, emerging NYC singer / songwriter Katt Rockell is carving out an indelible niche her way - delivering soul-stirring vocals that cut through the fluff and strike a feel-good nerve. Her music is filled with lifelong lessons and a clear message. We love, we lose, we win and we fall, but, when we get up, hopefully, we are better for having gone through it all. With truth and transparency as its common thread, Katt’s body of work has undeniable crossover appeal. Whether it’s the hip hop head, the pop consumer, the jazz enthusiast or the soul/R&B lover, Katt’s music evokes the emotions of love and fear that we all experience, while navigating through this crazy things called life.
Katt grew up in Cape Cod, MA, and both of her parents were gospel singers. She was heavily influenced by gospel music and the timeless soul and R&B records from the 70s, 80s and early 90s. Her inspirations range from Shirley Caesar and Michael Jackson to Al Green and Sade. Katt began her journey in the junior choir of her family church and singing is and has always been second nature to her. Katt explains, "Singing has always been around me and a big part of my life. It was just something I enjoyed doing and seemed to be good at.”
In high school, Katt joined an R&B quartet and it was not long before the group’s manager recognized her talents and urged her to pursue a professional singing career. The group eventually broke up, but while in college, she continued to perform in local talent shows and write her own songs. It was during those years that she realized singing was her passion and decided to pursue music full-time. "I had never been left to my own devices. I was always told what to sing and how to sing it,” she states. Katt began to create her own melodies and explore her innermost feelings. When combined with her true life experiences, she developed a very personal and organic approach to telling her story.
More determined than ever, Katt immersed herself into her music. Already recognized as a talented vocalist, Katt realized that developing her writing skills was essential to becoming a well-rounded artist and key to opening the door for her solo career.
After signing a publishing deal with BMG Music Publishing Katt began to focus her attention on writing for other artists. She has since collaborated with several elite and award-winning artists and producers including John Legend, Rick Ross, The Lox, Dave East, Rodney Jerkins (Michael Jackson, Toni Braxton, Jennifer Lopez) and Kwame (Christina Aguilera, Janet Jackson, Mary J. Blige). Her songwriting accolades include a plaque for a number 1 Top 100 single for Asian superstar Joey Yung. Katt most recently co-wrote and was featured on Maybach Music V from Rick Ross' latest project, Rather You Than Me.
Katt is currently in the studio working on her upcoming EP with production heavyweights BudaDaFuture and GrandzMuzik (Meek Mill, Rick Ross, Jadakiss, Estelle, Dave East).
Having graced the stage at some of the most historic venues, including The Howard Theatre (DC), BB King Blues Club (NYC) and SOBs (NYC), Katt’s live performances bring her songs to life and take the audience on a journey all her own. Described as “riveting”, the experience is one that should not be missed and will linger in your mind long after the show is over.