Cat Burns is a 24-year-old British-Liberian singer-songwriter known for her raw and relatable lyrics exploring love, heartbreak, and self-discovery themes. Rising to fame with her 2020 single “Go,” which went viral on TikTok, Burns blends pop, R&B, and soul with gospel and indie music influences. Her soulful vocals and honest songwriting have garnered critical acclaim and a laundry list of awards.
Here’s a quick profile overview:
- Born: 2000 (age 24) in Streatham, London, United Kingdom
- Listeners: 4 million monthly streams on Spotify
- Musical Style: A blend of pop, R&B, and soul with gospel and indie music influences.
- Known for: Honest and relatable lyrics that explore themes of love, heartbreak, and self-discovery.
- Breakthrough: Her single “Go” went viral on TikTok in 2022. With more than 2 million Tiktok followers, her audience recently demanded she release her cover of “Teenage Dirtbag” which is currently viral on the platform.
- Accolades: Three BRIT Award nominations (including ‘Song of the Year’ and ‘Best Pop/R&B’), BBC Sound Poll 2023 shortlist, Spotify’s Global RADAR artist, Attitude Music Award, and a nomination for the ‘Rising Star Award’ at the Ivor Novello Awards.
Early Life and Influences
Cat Burns’ musical journey is deeply rooted in her family history and upbringing. Her parents, originally from Liberia, emigrated to the UK during the First Liberian Civil War, seeking refuge and a new beginning. This experience instilled in Burns a profound appreciation for her heritage and a unique perspective that informs her songwriting. Growing up in Streatham, South London, she was immersed in a vibrant and creative environment. Her mother, a talented singer herself, fostered Burns’ love for music from a young age, filling their home with melodies and encouraging her daughter’s passion.
This early exposure to music ignited a fire within Burns, leading her to pursue her dreams at the prestigious BRIT School in Croydon. This renowned performing arts institution has nurtured the talents of numerous successful musicians, and it provided Burns with a platform to hone her skills and develop her artistry. While at the BRIT School, she delved into various musical genres, but it was gospel music that truly captivated her soul. Artists like Kirk Franklin and Donnie McClurkin, with their powerful vocals and uplifting messages, became major influences, shaping her musical sensibilities and inspiring her own soulful expression.
Burns’ musical journey is a testament to the power of family, cultural heritage, and the transformative influence of music education. These formative experiences laid the foundation for her to become the authentic and captivating artist she is today.
Musical Journey
Cat Burns’ musical journey is a testament to the power of organic growth and authentic self-expression. It began with humble beginnings, busking on London’s Southbank. Picture her there, a young artist with her guitar, pouring her heart out to passersby, honing her performance skills, and connecting with audiences in a raw and intimate way. This experience not only helped her develop her stage presence but also allowed her to gauge firsthand what resonated with listeners. It was in this vibrant, bustling environment that she truly began to understand the power of music to connect people.
In 2017, she took her first step into the recorded music scene with the release of her debut single, “Fallen Out of Love.” This marked a significant milestone in her career, showcasing her songwriting abilities and introducing her unique voice to a wider audience. But it was her savvy use of social media, particularly TikTok, that truly propelled her into the spotlight. Burns recognized the platform’s potential to reach a global audience and began sharing original music and covers, captivating listeners with her raw honesty and soulful vocals. Her videos quickly gained traction, amassing a loyal following who were drawn to her relatable lyrics and genuine personality. This online presence became instrumental in building momentum for her career, allowing her to connect with fans on a personal level and create a buzz around her music.
This culminated in the 2023 release of her highly anticipated debut album, “Early Twenties.” This album is a coming-of-age story in song form, a poignant exploration of the joys, anxieties, heartbreaks, and triumphs that come with navigating young adulthood. It’s a testament to her growth as an artist, showcasing her versatility and depth while staying true to the authenticity that first captivated her fans. “Early Twenties” is more than just a collection of songs; it’s a diary of emotions, a reflection on the human experience that resonates with listeners on a deeply personal level.
And what makes Cat Burns’ music so compelling? It’s a combination of factors:
- Raw and Authentic: Her lyrics are like open windows into her soul, often drawing from personal experiences and exploring vulnerable emotions with unflinching honesty. This allows listeners to connect with her on a deeper level, finding solace and understanding in her words.
- Soulful Vocals: Burns possesses a voice that is both powerful and expressive, capable of conveying a wide range of emotions with nuance and depth. Her vocals draw you in, wrapping around you like a warm embrace, making each note resonate with your own experiences.
- Genre-bending Sound: She effortlessly blends elements of pop, R&B, soul, and indie music, creating a unique sonic landscape that defies categorization. This eclectic approach keeps her music fresh and exciting, appealing to a diverse range of musical tastes.
- Relatable Themes: Whether she’s singing about love, loss, identity, or mental health, Burns tackles universal topics that resonate with a wide audience. Her songs offer comfort, understanding, and a sense of shared experience, making listeners feel seen and heard.
Coming Out
Cat has been candid about her journey of self-discovery and embracing her identity as a lesbian. In an interview with Attitude magazine, Burns shared how social media played a pivotal role in her coming out journey. Seeing other people’s experiences and finding a community online helped her realize and accept her own sexuality.
Burns described her coming out experience as overwhelmingly positive, with supportive friends and family. This positive reception has resonated with her LGBTQ+ fanbase, who see her as a relatable role model. She emphasizes the importance of representation and hopes her story can inspire others who may be struggling with their own identity.
Beyond her coming out journey, Burns has also been open about her struggles with anxiety. She discussed how therapy and mindfulness have helped her manage her mental health, particularly in the face of increasing fame. Her willingness to discuss these challenges further strengthens her connection with fans, fostering a sense of shared vulnerability and resilience.
Overall, Cat Burns is more than just a talented musician; she is an advocate for authenticity and self-acceptance. Her openness about her experiences as a lesbian and her struggles with mental health makes her a relatable and inspiring figure, particularly for young people navigating their own journeys of self-discovery.
Cat Burns’ journey is far from over. With her talent, authenticity, and dedication to her craft, she is poised to become a leading voice in the music industry, continuing to connect with audiences and inspire through her powerful and relatable music.
