Though an honorary Bristolian having grown up down the road in rural Gloucestershire, Katy’s growth has seen her become a true ambassador for everything great the city has to offer musically, and proudly flies the flag for emerging artists across all genres. While her music is brimming with passion, it’s clear this feeling isn’t simply limited to her songcraft, as the way she champions other rising artists shows a pure love for the blossoming creativity of other up-and-coming acts.

Many tastemakers have touted Katy as being well on her way to stardom, and the trajectory her career has taken over the past three years certainly lines up with this prediction. Having previously almost reached these heights with her old band, Ardyn, it was with her 2020 debut solo record Return that she achieved greater notoriety for her music. Possessing an unwavering charm, the album garnered praise for its melodic blend of indie, folk and country influences, but to many it was apparent that her talents were not just limited to these points of reference.

Now having just re-emerged with her second album, Sound of the Morning, her palette has widened to incorporate elements of krautrock and 70s pop to create a glorious follow-up effort of even more ambitious proportions. This incredible record, twinned with the plaudits she has received for her energetic live performances have only aided her progression as an artist. The increased stature has also led to greater opportunities for Katy as well, giving her the freedom to collaborate with the likes of Dan Carey and Orlando Weeks on the new album alongside many cult heroes from the Bristol scene and beyond.

In spite of her rapid ascent, it remains clear that Katy remains humbled by her widespread admiration and acknowledges that the fact she stays grounded is a contributing factor to her appeal. Much of what she has to say about her success is rooted in immense gratitude for both her fans and the people she surrounds herself with, and often this circles back to the city it all began in.

You released your second album, Sound of the Morning earlier in the summer. How’s the reception been for you so far?

It’s been amazing. You never know what’s going to happen with the second record, and if people are gonna think it’s good. I’m really happy that people think it’s a good body of work. I think that I’ve got better and I’ve progressed. That’s what I really care about is that I’m improving and people think I’m a good songwriter. So yeah, I’m super happy.

Do you personally feel more proud of this one?

I don’t know. I feel like there’s always so much complex stuff with self-doubt in your own work and looking at it from the outside that I tend not to think about it. I’m proud of it, but then I am already beating myself up about how I could have done it done better. But you know, that’s just the way it goes.

What brought you to Bristol in the first place? I know that you grew up not too far away in Stroud, but what was the attraction of Bristol?

I’d been working a lot in London with my old band and had been there loads. I think for me, it just seemed like the most obvious choice. I have friends from my hometown that live there, and Brighton just felt too far away and expensive. When I moved to Bristol it was still quite affordable, and it’s a West Country city so how could I not want to live here? It was the most comfortable move without being too traumatic? When I moved, I’d just been dropped from the label and I wasn’t in the best place mentally, I think it just felt like a nice, safe and comfortable place. It took me a while to find my feet, but you know, I’ve been here five years now.

There’s a great community here music-wise, and across the record, you work alongside a few people who are from or have been part of the Bristol music scene in the past. What was it in particular about collaborating with the likes of Ben Hambro [Lazarus Kane] and Oliver Wilde [Pet Shimmers] that felt important for you?

I think it’s got a lot to do with who you’re hanging out with and when you live in a city, and do music, you gravitate towards fellow musicians. It’s exciting, and it’s really fun to be part of a community of other artists. I met Ben when I first moved to Bristol when he played in a band called Van Zeller, and three of that band became my backing band when I first started the project, and when me and Ben would have a free day, we’d just write songs together. Oliver I knew for a long time but we’d never really hung out, I just thought it’d be fun to write with him. I think a lot of major labels I’d worked with always put me with really big pop writers that were really famous and well known and had all these Grammys and stuff. Of course that’s exciting, but if you’re working with someone that’s your friend, you never know what could come out of a writing session, because you both have a laugh anyway, and you’re relaxed because you know them. ‘Float’, which is one of my favourite songs on the record, was really quick, and it just goes to show that you don’t have to work with these big artists. It’s really liberating to turn away from that side of collaboration.

In a few brief words, what is it that you love most about the city?

I really love the fact I can walk everywhere and that you’re really close to nature with places like Leigh Woods and Cheddar Gorge, or nice swimming spots like Hanham. I think it’s great to have a balance with living in an exciting developing city and also somewhere that is like integrated with nature and people who have their allotments. They’re just really nice opposites. There’s a big dance scene, but then there’s also a big band scene and it all seems to congregate in one city, which is really nice.

Are there any particular areas that you love most?

I lived in St Andrew’s for about four years, so I loved Picton Street and walking to the park there. There’s also the Downs and the harbourside is really nice in summer when you can go and sit by the river.

What would you say is your favourite venue in in the city and why? Either to play or watch stuff.

I really like Crofters Rights. I’ve always enjoyed watching gigs there and how small the size of venue is, plus the sound is always really good in there. I just like being on Stokes Croft where you can drink on the street between bands see all of your friends, it’s just a nice spot. Also the Louisiana will always be a favourite as well, I’ve seen so many of my favourite bands there over the years.

Outside of gig-going, what are your favourite spots to frequent?

The Old England is somewhere I always look back on with fond memories because when I lived near it, the boys from [Bristol band] LICE used to run it, so Bruce and Gareth so we used to have lock-ins and have a campfire and all the gang would come down and hang out. Rough Trade Bristol is a nice little spot to go to as well, and Strange Brew over the road, which is where I used to work.

For someone who’s never been to Bristol, what are you top three must do things in the city?

In the summer, you should go to Brandon Hill, sit on top of the hill and look out on this beautiful landscape of Bristol. Also, The Hillgrove is such a nice pub and you should also definitely go there. Number three, I think just going to the harbourside – there’s the Arnolfini, there’s an art gallery, and loads of really beautiful ships and houseboats docked there. It’s just so pretty.

What would you say is a hidden gem that only a local would know?

There’s a place called the Goats’ Gulley which is on the Downs, and it’s a little spot where you can see loads of wild goats that are really cute. There’s also the city farm in St. Werburgh’s which is a mega place, which you can spend ages wandering around, but there’s also a lovely pub and a little hobbit café nearby.

What do you love most about the people in Bristol?

Everyone’s really nice, and that’s not just a lazy thing to say. It’s just got a lovely community feel, especially with the music scene which is very supportive; it’s not competitive. Everyone just wants to live together peacefully, and it’s got a good mixture of people too. The people here are just happy to be in Bristol, because it’s got such a lovely atmosphere.

Finally, where would you say you have had your fondest memory?

There’s so many good memories! If I had to say, it would be my friend’s birthday party at the Old England when they still had the cricket nets set up out the back. We had a huge barbecue and a lock-in until 5am. It was just great to be around all of my friends, although my boss was there too telling me to go to bed at 4 in the morning. That was when I was young and still had the energy.