This Spring Equinox, vocal visionary Katie Rose returns with a powerful new release: “Can U Feel It” – a vibrant EDM reimagining of her lockdown anthem “Go the Distance”, remixed by internationally acclaimed producer Michael Doiley. Having dropped this March, the track pulses with a message of unity, healing and the transformative power of music,  perfectly timed with the seasonal turning point of renewal.

Hailed by The Guardian as a “fine singer” and by fRoots Magazine as “an eye (and ear) opener,” Katie Rose has long blurred the lines between art and activism. From leading choirs in London hospitals to coaching performers across music, film and theatre, her work champions voice as a force for connection and change. With “Can U Feel It,” she invites us back onto the dancefloor – not just to move, but to feel, affirm and awaken.

We sat down with Katie to talk about remixing across genres, keeping love alive through isolation, and why this single is more than just a track, it’s a message for our times.

Introduce yourself in one paragraph:

 

As a singer and writer, I’m powered by the understanding that our voices can change our worlds – individually and collectively. Endlessly fascinated by the diversity of human expression – sung, spoken, written and signed – I create music, events and sessions where people can experience the joy, magic and power of voice. To that end, I’ve created four albums, written for local and international media, directed multiple choir projects and coached individuals from beginners to acclaimed industry professionals.

 

 

Tell us more about your musical journey. 

 

From our first baby yell to our last heartbeat, music is the soundtrack of our lives.  As a medium of self-expression and service in the world, for me music is a living, breathing, daily vocation and a life-long technicolour adventure. 

 

Growing up in a musical family, with lots of singing around the piano, embedded my love of music and writing words and songs came naturally. My grandmother was deaf, and my grandfather, the hearing child of deaf parents, wrote a book advocating for sign language and led signing choirs. I realised at the age of 15 that singing was profoundly transformative and that I wanted to sing and help people sing

 

I initially started recording music whilst exploring singing and sound as a meditative/ spiritual practice. From there I found my way into directing choirs in settings including hospitals, hospices, mental health groups and large scale charity projects. It’s amazing seeing people come in bent over and walk out standing tall and smiling after singing. 

My eclectic ear and musical curiosity has led me into all sorts of cross-genre, cross-cultural projects including this latest collaboration with EDM DJ and Producer Michael Doiley.

 

Any words you want to share to encourage other artists and producers?

 

Follow your path and don’t give up – the twists and turns are all part of the journey.

 

Networking, consistency, character, approach… what and how do you initiate your Industry relationships?

 

I take an organic, intuitive and proactive approach. When we resonate clearly, align with our values and follow our inner sat nav, we naturally seek and connect with likeminded people. Beyond the initial spark of connection it’s essential to develop mutual trust, respect, understanding and clear professional agreements, as a foundation for long-lasting creative collaborations. No matter what the outcomes, every connection has its reason and season, offering rich opportunities to learn and grow.

 

Is there anyone specific you’d like to thank that has helped you evolve and why?

 

Huge thanks to my choral-collaborator and musical genius Mike King, who produced my  last album Flame (2021) and to Michael Doiley for taking a track from that album Go The Distance, and make two stunning remixes titled can u feel it.  I’m also so grateful to my longstanding friend, film director and editor Leon Stuparich –  we had so much fun creating the video.

A big shout out to my trusted close circle of friends and family for going the distance with me – they are the precious stars in my sky.

Name 3 albums or labels that have inspired you the most.

Ella Fitzgerald – For the Love of Ella 

Kate Bush – The Sensual World 

Eric Whitacre – Lux Aurumque

 

What’s your favourite piece of studio equipment or software?

 

My microphone 

 

Name your favourite club or festival in the world, and how does it makes you feel?

 

WOW (Women of the World) Festival – I love listening to pioneering leaders, experts and artists and always come away feeling strengthened and inspired.

 

Name an outlandish rider request?

A kettle, bowl and towel so I can steam my voice before singing and have a cup of tea 🙂

Favourite clubbing memory, who or what did it involve?

 

All I can say is that I had a wild time clubbing whilst at University in Leeds 🙂

 

What quote represents you best?

 

“To love a person is to learn the song that is in their heart and to sing it to them when they have forgotten.” – Arne Garborg, Norwegian Author (1851-1924)

Singing is an amazing medium of self discovery and self expression – a way to ‘know thyself’ and come home to ourselves – so I aim to sing my own song and support others to do the same.

 

If you could play any venue, where would it be and why?

 

Royal Festival Hall – because I love the vibe, ethos and riverside location.

 

One song you really couldn’t live without?

 

Eric Whitacre’s piece Lux Aurumque – it’s instantly calming

 

Name drop your favourite tunes, artists or DJs (past or present)

 

I love being immersed in vocal harmony from classical requiems to dazzling acapella ensembles such as Pentatonix, Voces 8, Ladysmith Black Mambazo and Sweet Honey in the Rock. 

Ella Fitzgerald and Kate Bush were early musical heroines and I’m inspired by pioneering artists who use music to advocate for social justice including Annie Lennox and John Legend. 

I love running and dancing to uplifting EDM tracks – eg David Guetta, Swedish House Mafia, Clean Bandit etc. Current favourite songs amongst my choirs are Die with a Smile by Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars and Stargazing by Myles Smith.

 

Tell us more about your plans for the future.

 

To continue sharing the magic of singing wherever and whenever I can.

 

Any worldly advice you’d like to share?

 

As a vocalist, I’d love to encourage us all to share our voices courageously, truthfully, creatively and lovingly. Whether it’s singing a song, writing a book, having an honest conversation, standing up for an important cause or telling someone we love them – our voices are such powerful instruments of transformation. We each have a unique song to sing or sound to make within the symphony of life, so when we love and listen to our own voices and those around us, it has a big ripple out effect.

 

Listen to more from Katie here 

Watch the video for ‘Can U Feel It’