Liam McNally
Darley recording artist Kitty Rae has been named as a semi-finalist for the International Songwriting Competition (ISC).
The up-and-coming pink-haired pop star is in the top 13 per cent of 15,000 entries in the competition which is judged by the likes of Mariah Carey, Coldplay, Linkin Park and The Lumineers.
Kitty said they were “stoked” to hear the news.
“I’ve been doing music professionally since 2020, and it validated me. I opened up the email and went, ‘wow maybe I am a professional now’,” they said.
“I am so incredibly grateful to be shortlisted alongside some artists that I really am very inspired by and look up to.”
Kitty was nominated for their 2022 single Swim With Sharks, they said the idea behind the track is about their move from Moorabool into the city to pursue music.
“It came from leaving the warm tight-knit community we have in Moorabool for the city which felt a little bit like being dropped in the middle of the ocean,” they said.
“The song its self is about how sometimes it can really feel like you’re surrounded by sharks. I was worried I wouldn’t be able to succeed because I wasn’t able to survive in a world that’s a little bit cold.
“But it’s not about becoming a shark, it’s about learning to swim with them… being yourself, being brave enough to stand your ground alongside them.”
Finalists for the ISF will be announced in about a month’s time.
Kitty Rae will be performing at the MOOMBA festival on Saturday, March 11.
Details: www.facebook.com/kittyraemusic/
