Artist Spotlight: Katy Hurt “See Ya Later” - Single Review

Katy Hurt - See Ya Later (Single Review)

Release Date: 30 July 2018

Label: Spinnup

(P)(C) Katy Hurt, distributed by Spinnup

Total Length: 2:55

Genres: Country

Amazon UK - UK iTunes - Google Play - Spotify - YouTube

Chart Success: Debut: July 30: #120 UK Country iTunes Single Chart, then #87, then #63, then #66, then #51, then #44, then #42 (highest peak) | July 31: #59 | Aug 1: #96, then #167 | Aug 2: #109 | Aug 3: off the top 200

It was great to see Katy Hurt and her band perform at this years’ Country To Country Festival (Saturday March 10, 2018 at 10:30) when they were the first act of the day to play the now relocated Town Square Stage. In fact, it was a delight to get to speak with her beforehand as the band were assembling. I had missed seeing her on The Big Entrance stage in 2017 but having heard such good reports from other fans made a point to catch her this time around.

One of the songs included in their 30-minute set was “See Ya Later” and hearing it for the first time it instantly came across as something which brought an energy and a fun live number. Katy has matured from a sweet teenager to a delightful young lady mirrored by a more confident, assured, and edgy stage presence with songs that have a more pop-rock kick to them.       

This first single See Ya Later and forthcoming EP UNFINISHED BUSINESS has come to fruition thanks to a Pledge Music campaign which was oversubscribed reaching 135% of an unknown goal (156 pledgers). This allowed the loyal fans to receive access to exclusive content and singles from the EP before they are released and access to video blogs to see behind the scenes footage of the entire recording process.

Katy Hurt and her band performing "See Ya Later" at Town Square Stage
C2C2018 Festival on 10 March 2018

After sending multiple emails around to different dream producers, for recording this EP Katy turned to long-time creative cohort, musician and producer, Murray Pulver (Website) who began his career as a member of the award winning bands Crash Test Dummies and Doc Walker, working out in Winnipeg’s own Stereobus Studios.

One of Katy’s current favourite tracks are on the JUNO winning (Roots Album of the Year) debut release from Canadian roots-rockers the Bros. Landreth called LET IT LIE which was recorded at Sign Post Music, Winnipeg, MB and whose music was produced by Murray, hence the connection. The London songstress and her band braved temperatures of around -20 degrees to fly out to Winnipeg to record the project.

In the press release See Ya Later is described as a "catchy country-pop track, made for radio with its driving beat, relatable lyrics and summer party ambience”. It was released on Monday 30 July to coincide with both Katy’s “life changing” scoliosis surgery, 5-years ago, and to mark her dog Ziggi's birthday! The UKs country station Chris Country Radio didn’t have a bone to pick with it immediately adding it to their New Music Playlist.  

Bright, with a tight contemporary punchy feel with some crunchy driving guitar riffs and sturdy back beat witnesses Katy immediately lay down some ground rules relating a story of an unwanted, irritating male admirer who simply won’t take NO for an answer and whose hollow words are instantly dissed. This classy lady has seen his like before and he won’t even make first base!

Mr. Persistent, Keep your distance

You must think I was born last week

Think you're pretty cool, irresistable

It takes more to sweep me off my feet

Oh Mr Mr, you never listen

You're just waiting for your turn to speak

I've seen how you act

That's the reason that

We ain't never ever gonna meet

There isn’t an iota of a maybe here, likening his fruitless advances as “like the devil knocking on my door”. Realising what it takes to win the ladies hand his usual hollow pickup lines may have worked before, but they certainly won’t work their magic here. She’s seen his ilk before, picking up the pieces for friends who unfortunately fell for those sweet-talking barroom lies. Move on dude, “Baby, oh baby, there's no maybe's!!  Oooooch!

The production is slick throughout and the word play is snappy and brutally honest punctuated by the accompanying lyric video.

This good be one of the most fun goodbye songs from a Brit country artiste and Katy’s message for the annoying Mr. Mr. means it will Hurt!  

I'll see you later, see ya later now

See ya, see ya later, see ya later

Katy Hurt rocking See You Later at Black Deer festival >> YouTube.

Katy performs an acoustic version on “See Ya Later” for Reload Sessions >> YouTube

On this number Katy sings with a more normal accent (she has a lovely natural English spoken voice). It seems to be the case that having been influenced by the likes of Patsy and Loretta from a very young age, whilst singing along to their songs, that she has developed a country twang with America phrasing.

Without sometimes knowing who the artist was I was hearing on the radio it was then a surprise, expecting to hear an American name credited to find it was Katy. Whatever the production her voice makes her instantly country and at times her softer vocal has Lambert-esque vibes. This could be regarded as a compliment but frowned upon in other quarters perhaps holding her back to make a mainstream breakthrough.

Katy Hurt (R) pictured with Bob Harris (OBE)
at the Back Deer Festival (June2018)

We have seen his authenticity critique levelled at British acts (Talia Smith) on The Voice UK. From 1999 to 2007 Bob Harris (OBE) flatly refused to play any British country artists on his BBC Radio 2 show. 

He had observed UK artists trying to be American (Published on 11 April 2017, a Your Life In A Song interview, broadcasting legend Bob Harris (OBE) discusses 'Under The Apple Tree', the success of C2C, his love for country music and the current state of the UK country scene) and explained how this changed when some Brit Americana acts like Bex Marshall, The Toy Hearts and The Redlands Palomino Company started filtering into the format. 

Then in 2014 with the arrival of The Shires and Ward Thomas who took more recent country music influences and “Anglicized” them rather than what had preceded this with Brit country mainstream acts who tried to copy American artists which he said “culturally just doesn’t work” (Ref >> Under The Apple Tree Whispering Bob Harris Q&A).

This new single is a step up for Katy and she is slated to be releasing four new singles with “Revved Up” (more rockier) and some rootsy ballads during 2018. The EP is said to adopt a very old-school approach “recording in one room to feel the connection between vocal and instruments” with songs that have a reason and meaning. A Spaghetti Western themed mini-movie is also promised.

The title cut “Unfinished Business” was certainly a Wow! moment during her live set at C2C this year and one I’m certainly excited to hear on the forthcoming EP.  

Musically the EP will have no labels attached to it, so let’s just call it Katy Country and enjoy it!

Adrian Clark

What others are saying about See Ya Later

“See Ya Later has a very funky and upbeat beat right from the off. The verses is See Ya Later features some incredibly catchy lyrics… Katy's vocals shine perfectly throughout and I like the softer sounding tone on the bridge makes off such a magical feel.

I love that the chorus is super catchy and written from the girl's point of view” – Kellie itskellielou.blogspot.com

“This track is impossibly catchy and was born to be on your radio. ‘See Ya Later’ combines the London-based singer’s utterly stunning vocals with some stinging attitude and sass in her lyrics…With the success of outfits like The Shires providing a brighter spotlight to country over here in Britain, there’s every chance that an artist as talented as Hurt can make it big”. – Charlie Payne RGM.press

“Katy Hurt has taken Country music and given it a good lick of paint with a pot marked ‘Pop Sparkle’. New single ‘See Ya Later’ has a Nashville inspired accent and hints of steel guitar but there’s also the slickness of delivery and charm that you’d expect from Shania Twain or Meghan Trainor”. - Listen With Monger

Katy Hurt is one of our favourite artists and a real star of the UK scene. Having graced the Country 2 Country festival in each of the last two years, Katy is an artist at the top of her game and is back with a great new single. ‘See Ya Later’ is a fresh and energetic new track - Belles and Gals

“British country star!” – Lee Williams CEO CMR Nashville (“Europe’s No1 Country Station”)

“She rocked” – Russell Hill Express FM

“Fantastic track” – Craig Parry The Moonshine Experience Dapper FM

Next Live Dates:

Wednesday 22 August 2018 - Bramley's, Canterbury (15 Orange St, Canterbury CT1 2JA) with Luke Jackson Trio £13:20 7:30pm Event

Fri 24 August 2018 - The Great British Rhythm & Blues Festival (The Muni, The Hippodrome & The Little Theatre, Lancashire) 7:00PM Tickets

Tuesday 28 August 2018 – Facebook Live RCM Takeover Sessions at 8pm

CONNECT with Katy Hurt:

About Katy Hurt:

London based Country Singer/Songwriter.

Birthdate: 31 May “I’m a Gemini…curious and chatty”!

Instagram PHOTO: 50% Sassy 50% Sweet (Photo: Gab Zsapka)

Katy lived her early years in New York, gaining an understanding and appreciation of the country sound, subsequently moving with her family to the UK. 

Born in Middlesex, as a baby her Dad used to play Jim Reeves and Patsy Cline records to make her sleep until Katy knew all the words and wouldn't go to sleep because she was too busy singing along!

Katy and her family moved to Long Island, New York when she was two.

That's where she started to sing country, but her appetite for all types of music was insatiable. Returning to the UK, she tried to share the records she loved with school friends, to blank looks all round. But not only was she undaunted, her nascent talent was further encouraged by a family trip to the US. When aged 13 her Dad surprised her Mum with an Elvis trip. "We literally followed his life story through the south. It was three weeks, and six states. When we got to Sun Studios in Memphis, we were doing the museum tour and 'Hound Dog' came on" explained Katy. A tour guide, who heard her singing, asked her to stay behind. This led to her first recording at the legendary studio. A concert on that trip confirmed her love of modern country heroes Rascal Flatts joining her all-time favourites such as Patsy Cline.

As a sweet looking teen, she released a Pop single “Wait for You” (Mu Recordings) back on 16th Jun 2013.

In her "breakthrough year" she released her Country/ Pop debut EP, BLUE SNAKE on June 23, 2014 (Amazon UK | iTunes) with regular performance slots, while she was still at school. It was produced by Smiley at Sunshine Corner Studios. This EP was very personal to her as one of the songs was written about her time dealing with scoliosis when having to wear a back brace for 3 years in her earlier teens. Following spinal surgery in 2013 she still carried on writing and singing.

As part of their artist roster w21 Music described Hurt as being "one of Britain’s brightest young country singer-songwriters" and was a winner of the Battle of the Bands at the 2014 Rockfield Country Music Festival.

On Nov 23, 2015 she released a single "Part Time Girlfriend" (Amazon UK - UK iTunes - Amazon.com) with a debut #2 UK Country iTunes Singles Chart (#464 Overall UK iTunes Chart; peaking at #359) behind Dolly Parton & Kenny Rogers with Islands in the Stream at #1 (#232 overall UK iTunes). On Nov 25 it slipped to #776 (#8 UK iTunes Country) then fell of Top 1500 (#17 Country) and by Day 4 was at #65 UK iTunes Country. Katy shared: Seeing my name on the chart among some of my greatest idols made all the hard work and long days feel so worthwhile. I walked into class on Friday to the applause of my classmates. I cannot put into words how proud I felt. The realization of almost 5-years work. I am so grateful for all the support the team at ACM (The Academy of Contemporary Music UK) have given me throughout.

She was nominated for Horizon award at the British Country Music Awards in 2015.

In May 2016 Katy signed her publishing deal with Metropolis Music Publishing (Facebook Photo). W21 Music wrote "We are all so very proud to have been part of her journey so far and will continue to enjoy every moment with her"

She was filmed for acoustic Country Sessions (Showbiz Channel, Sky 266 and Sky 282) a 30-minute show showcasing new talent.

At the 2016 British Country Music Awards (Oct 30, 2016) she was nominated for Female Vocalist of the Year and her single “Love You More” was up for UK Song of the Year.

After meeting Katy in May 2017 and seeing her perform in London BBC Radio 2's Paul Sexton wrote:

Katy Hurt has lived a whole lot of country for an artist who's yet to hit 20. American culture is stamped on her singer-songwriter soul, from a childhood partly spent living there with her family. Then she returned to the UK to put her love of Nashville sounds and styles to very good use.

Hence the rapid emergence of “one of the most exciting prospects on the burgeoning British country scene”, going on to say “Hurt's confident, distinctive EP Pieces Of Me is the latest evidence of a career that's already produced an iTunes UK Country No.1 in last year's 'Love You More,' among other successes”. Acknowledging her skill as a songwriter he also noted she is “a vivacious and magnetic performer"

"I love words," said Katy. Her father speaks three languages and her mother speaks five. "I call myself a word nerd, I find it interesting and as a songwriter. I find having different languages and accents can actually change the way that you write" she shared.

2017 highlights included independently booking a highly acclaimed UK headline tour with support from Nashville's Sonia Leigh and 22 other musical guests (>> see interview originally filmed for Keep It Country TV in Oct 2017).

The release of her single "Cheap" and first official music video (published Oct 29, 2017), amassed over 25K Spotify streams and over 7K YouTube views, extensive UK radio play with in-store Caffe Nero playlisted.

Single “Dust” dropped on March 10, 2017, the day she performed on The Big Entrance Stage at the 2017 C2C Festival.

On Sept 25, 2017 she released the PIECES OF ME Live EP (Amazon UK). She played over 100 shows/festivals with her band (Gab Zsapka, Ace & Steve Matthews) including a 1st UK headline tour and spent 3 months on the road with Sonia Leigh supporting The Broken Witt Rebels.

Katy Hurt has rapidly become a leading light on the UK Country/ Americana scene without having released a full-length studio album.

So far 2018 has seen her nominated for "Best Country/Folk Act" at the Unsigned Music Awards.

She performed festival slots at Country To Country (March 10; Sat 10:30-11:00 Town Square / March 11 C2C Sessions - NY-LON), BlackDeer, Stone Free and Cornbury.

Katy performed at Pilton Party 2018, winner of the Pilton Party Auditions. Katy and her band were chosen as the Wild Card and were sent through to the finals competing up against 7 acts from all over England, all varying genres and background.

Katy Hurt: Wearing Stretch Retro Boho Hippie Style Bell Bottoms

Swipe for the 360° view:

Where there's a wall there's a way😉💄🏛 #no #obstacles Swipe for the 360° view 》》》 . . . #ootd #festivalstyle #outfit #flares #PiltonParty #country #boho #style #fashion

A post shared by K A T Y H U R T (@katy_hurt) on Jul 1, 2018 at 2:23pm PDT

Katy partnered with Legacy Sportswear and is now their new Legacy Ambassador.

Credit: Instagram Photo (by Gab Zsapka): "I needed time to think, I just wanted a D.R.I.N.K" It’s important to take the time to soak it all in and have a bit of fun in between all the work - so I decided to drink the props after our video shoot and spend a little extra time lounging in the sunshine!

#katyhurt #pink #swimwear #martini #blonde #bombshell #sassy

See Ya Layer released July 30, 2018 marks the first single from the highly anticated, pledge funded "UNFINISHED BUSINESS EP recorded in Winnipeg, Canada with Juno Award winning Murray Pulver. For more info check out www.katyhurt.com