Kat McDowell

日本語のブログは　　
http://ameblo.jp/katmusic
So
Nice to meet you
In Japan I am known as Kat (or "kyatto") Everywhere else I am known as Kat McDowell
My back ground is a mix of Japan and New Zealand and right now I am working as a recording artist in Japan writing a blend of English and Japanese songs.
My ideal day would be a day spent at the beach with some friends and my guitar The songs I write reflect how I feel about this journey called life~!
Official bio
Bio
In 2009, Kat McDowell released her first full album, "Echoes over the ocean", produced by internationally acclaimed Yashiki Gota. Inspired by bands like Matchbox 20, No Doubt and the Goo Goo Dolls, Kat's sound is combination of catchy acoustic guitar-led melodies and powerful lyrics sung in a blend of Japanese and English. Her natural-soft-rock style has captured the hearts of Japanese audiences.
Born in Tokyo and raised in New Zealand from the age of five, Kat has always loved music. Having won numerous lyrics competitions as a teenager, at the age of 20 Kat set out to explore the live music scene in the UK, where she took to the stage at various venues, including the prestigious Rock Garden in London's Covent Garden.
Her next stop was Japan, where initial attempts to turn professional were met with frustration – her unique mixed background made it difficult for the conservative music industry to market her. However, she finally got a break when signed by Sony, and subsequently Avex subsidiary Binyl, with whom she has now released several mini albums, her first full album and a limited Vinyl edition of "Nagoriyuki" which went to no 1 on the Vinyl Charts in Japan and sold out in two days.
Outside of the studio Kat has been recognized for her performances in high profile TV advertising campaigns, and over 1000 live shows both internationally and around Japan.
Some of the highlights being supporting Raul Midon's Japan tour in '06 & '08 and playing alongside artists such as Gwen Stefani, Avril Lavigne at Summer Sonic Festival '06 & '07. Kat was also invited to play at One Movement Festival in Australia in 2009 and open for Switchfoot's Japan tour in 2010.
After the release of her first album, she went on a 40 day journey through Hawaii, California and Nicaragua, touring and writing songs. The moments which really impacted her were in Nicaragua where she played in a trash tip to children who live and work there.
Speaking of her experiences she said "I met so many incredible people in my travels, people from different cultures, who speak different languages and became friends with those who are very wealthy and those in extreme poverty. But the one thing everyone has in common is the need to 'love and be loved'. So I am very excited about the next album, I'm calling it 'You and me' and it's all about human relationships." I have worked on this album with my live band and we have produced this album together.
The new album "You and me" by Kat and the Underdogs is due to be released in Japan on July 6th 2011.
As for the future, Kat is working to introduce her unique blend of Japanese city / New Zealand beach vibes to an international audience, with more English-language songs on this next album and performances outside of Japan.