Innovative vocalist and musician Katie Rose chats about her new remix single 'Can U Feel It'
3 d
Newsdesk
Praised by The Guardian as a "fine singer" and hailed as "an eye (and ear) opener" by fRoots Magazine, Katie Rose—a trailblazing vocal artist and dedicated community vocal coach—has unveiled two spellbinding remixes of her track “Can U Feel It.” These were expertly crafted by acclaimed EDM producer and DJ Michael Doiley and released on the symbolic date of the Spring Equinox.
The release of her latest single, “Can U Feel It,” on March 21st was no coincidence. This date aligns perfectly with the song's central themes of love, hope, connection, and renewal. The Spring Equinox, a time when day and night are balanced, marks the beginning of new life and embodies the promise of hope and resilience—truly a light to hold onto in challenging times. Fun fact: the song’s music video captures Katie dreamily exploring the iconic red Sphinxes at Crystal Palace Park in London.
We had a chat with Katie to find out more about her life and music...
What inspired you to write "Can U Feel It," and how does it reflect your personal or artistic journey? I wrote the original acoustic track during lockdown as an affirmation that connections continue even when we are separated - that love can go the distance.
How did the collaboration with producer Michael Doiley come about, and what was it like working with him on the remix? I invited my good friend Michael Doiley to attend the (very strange) socially distant launch of the album Flame in 2021 and was thrilled when he said he’d like to remix Go the Distance. I was absolutely amazed when he came back with not just one but two remixes - working with him has been a dream!
The original acoustic single "Go The Distance" was originally written during lockdown—how did that period influence your creative process? During times of trial, songs arise as a form of musical medicine to help people express and navigate their experiences. To give one famous example, Vera Lynn's song We'll Meet Again was a great comfort to soldiers and their loved ones, expressing a vision of hope to the end of the separation and suffering caused by war. Singing with my choirs, whether online, outdoors or any way we could, and creating my album Flame over Lockdown, helped me tap into a sense of strength and resilience. I really had to dig deep - both to get through it myself and support others.
How does the remix differ from the original version, and what new elements does it bring to the track? Michael has taken the original track out into the stratosphere whilst staying true to its original essence. Bringing his expertise in EDM, he's given it a pulsing beat, whilst weaving many subtle textures and creating beautiful soundscapes around the lyrics.
What message or emotions do you hope listeners take away from the "Can U Feel It" remix? The song affirms that even when separated, the power of loving connection continues - love can go the distance. Aside from lockdown, there are many other situations where we can tune into this sense of telepathic or remembered connection with loved ones - such as long-distance relationships or bereavement. So I hope the song brings hope, comfort, strength and a rejuvenating, uplifting sense of the power of love.
Can you share any behind-the-scenes stories from the production of the track? As a lockdown project, the original track was made at home in my flat and the production was all done virtually - so I was never physically in a studio with anyone. Throughout my artistic career, I've learned to embrace the challenge of making things happen in tight corners, and we all had to adapt and find ways to continue making music without being able to get together physically.
What is the significance or meaning behind choosing the Spring Equinox as the release date? At the Spring Equinox, due to the Earth's tllt, the sun crosses the sun's equator from south to north and day and night are equal. From Nowruz, Persian New Year, to pagan spring festivals, it's celebrated as a time of new beginnings - so for me, it's a potent, hopeful time to release something new into the world.
You've been described as an innovative vocal artist—how do you approach blending different genres and styles in your music? I've always had an eclectic ear and a love and curiosity for exploring creatively. Living in London, I continuously encounter multiple forms of art and culture, and I've been blessed to collaborate with many artists from different genres. So for me, it's a very organic, natural process. Music can be a magical form of creative osmosis when we respectfully interact, influence, exchange and learn from each other.
What role does community and connection play in your music? Having led multiple community music projects in settings including hospitals, hospices and mental health groups, I've repeatedly seen music help strangers feel like friends within minutes. Despite having so many technologies to stay connected, there is an epidemic of loneliness. Music is a lightning conductor of connection - when we sing, dance or make music together we enter a unifying state - our heart rates sync, we breathe in time and we release oxytocin, the bonding hormone. Music helps us remember our shared humanity - that we are living, breathing, sounding beings in a living, breathing, sounding world.
As a multi-talented artist involved in choir direction and voice coaching, how do these experiences influence your solo projects? As a teenager, I had a eureka moment when I realised that singing was profoundly transformative and that I wanted to sing myself and help others sing. So everything I do as an artist proceeds from that mission to experience and share the magic of music and I'm always both learning and teaching. One of my early motivations for recording was realising that people in my groups wanted to be able to listen and continue their journey with songs beyond the live experience. My artistic fascinations influence what I teach and I've encountered so many different types of music through my choirs and sessions, all of which go into the creative melting pot.
What’s next for you after the release of this remix? Are there any upcoming projects or collaborations you’re excited about? There's a lot cooking in the pot - and I hope to have news of my next release soon but that's under wraps for now!
