So, who is Kitty Rae?
Growing up in rural Victoria, Kitty Rae's musical journey kicked off in school and community theatre. Despite radiating confidence now, a run-in with the careers counselor almost made Kitty abandon their dreams. The counselor scratched off 'singer, actor, songwriter' and suggested that if they enjoy performing, they should be a ‘lawyer’ instead.
Dealing with a tough childhood marked by depression and anxiety, Kitty did what a lot of anxious young kids do - listened to the adults. It took reaching university for Kitty to realize that a career in music was possible. They switched degrees, and in 2020, Kitty started taking music seriously.
Following that dream
Kitty’s professional career started humbly in 2020; watching YouTube tutorials and recording demos in their wardrobe. To this point they’ve been completely self-managed and independent (with the help of some beautiful friends and fans!), creating their own artwork with home photoshoots, recording and producing their music in their growing home studio with their partner, Ryan Mangold, and even making quick-selling merch items in their garage, including earrings, tie-dye shirts and more.
In September 2023, Kitty unleashed their debut album 'Lightning Strikes'; an alt-pop collection telling their compelling story as a genderqueer creative determined to find their voice and stand tall in a world constantly questioning their identity. Kitty dedicates the album "to the recovering people pleasers and melancholy queers". Songs from 'Lightning Strikes' have featured on Spotify's 'Fresh Finds: AU+NZ', TikTok's 'Pop' Playlist, and played on JOY949 and SYN
Gaining a reputation for a captivating live show, their electrifying stage presence has ignited audiences at festivals like Moomba, Summerwave and The Push All Ages Tour. They've supported acts like King Stingray, Teenage Dads, Eliza + The Delusionals and D'Arcy Spiller. In October, they hit the East Coast for the first time to celebrate their debut album, playing Brisbane, Sydney, Wollongong, and a big hometown spectacle in Melbourne.
With ambitious energy and an unapologetic commitment to self-expression, Kitty Rae is not just an artist to watch, but a rising star set to redefine the Australian musical landscape.