Kat Stewart

GIRL.COM.AU - 'STARS OF TOMORROW' SERIES

Stage Name: Kat Stewart
Age: 24

Location:
Sydney NSW

Music Genre:
Music Theatre/Jazz and a little bit of Country

When did you realise that music was your passion?
When I was in my first year of high school I decided to join up for the Vocal group and Musical. As soon as I started rehearsing, I was hooked.

List three musical influences:
The evergreen Barbra Streisand, Michael Feinstein and the always-funky Dixie Chicks.

How many years have you been performing?
My mother would say that I began performing when I was about 10 minutes old, but not counting backyard performances, about 13 years.

Do you write your own material?
I try to write as much as possible, usually in my spare time which is between 3:00am and 3:05am every second Wednesday! (giggle)

Have you found the Internet to be helpful/useful in fast-tracking your music career?
My band, 'Countin Stars', has had a few hits to the web site, and we've actually booked a few gigs through there. Still trying to get my tech people to get us on MP3, but when they're doing it for nothing, it's horrible to be too pushy.

In following your dream, who has helped you along the way?

There are so many people who help you along in this industry that it's amazing. I'd have to say the Music Staff at the Uni of Western Sydney, especially Kim and Diana certainly helped me out a lot. Also my amazing family have been so patient with me, and my friends an inspiration. But I think the person who has encouraged me the most is my husband Rob who just happens to think I can do anything. He's wonderful!

Is there anything you wish you could change about the music industry?
I just wish it wasn't so imaged based. I have had A LOT of knock-back and rejection because of it. But I guess it just makes me more determined to succeed.

What advice can you offer to other budding young artists?
Don't let the bastards get you down. Grab life and every opportunity with both hands and don't let go until you are where you want to be.

Where do you envision yourself in 5 years time?
I'd love to be performing full-time, and Broadway is my ultimate dream. I take the advice of an amazing woman, Ms Ella Fitzgerald. She said "Shoot for the moon, cause even if you miss, you might land among the stars"

Where can people purchase/listen to your music?
Just visit the website - countinstars2000 - you can write to us there or at PO BOX 400 Toongabbie NSW 2146.

GIRL'S 60 SECOND QUIZ

Full Name: Katrina Stewart
Nickname(s): Kat
Star Sign: Virgo

Fave Food: Butter Chicken with a nice big Cheese Naan

Fave Film: I loved Harry Potter but Lord of the Rings was simply magical.
Fave Actor: I love Kate Mulgrew from Star Trek Voyager and Harrison Ford is sensational.

GIRL.COM.AU - 'STARS OF TOMORROW' SERIES

Fave Animal: I have always had an affinity with cats - maybe it's the name.

Describe Yourself In 3 Words: TOO HARD BASKET (there you go, that's Three words!!)

Best Feature: I'm as loyal as a St Bernard.

Worst Feature: I am NOT a morning person!!

Person You Would Most Like To Meet: Frank Sinatra, but I guess I'll have to wait QUITE A WHILE for that one!

Hobbies/Interests: Music, Drama, Cricket, Rugby, and anything to do with STAR TREK

First Job: In the Entertainment department at Wonderland, Sydney.

A Talent You Wish You Had: I always wanted to tap dance.

The Best Advice Given To You: Ella Fitzgerald said it: "Shoot for the moon, cause even if you miss you might land among the stars"

What Can You Never Leave Home Without: My mobile phone, my credit card, and a pic of my husband.

If you were a cartoon character, which one would you be? Betty Boop. She's soooooooooo cute!
If you were told you had a minute to live, what would you do? Call as many of my friends as I could and tell them that I love them.

- Michelle Palmer


N.B.: If you would like to nominate a Star of Tomorrow, email michelle@girl.com.au, include a brief biography of the person you are nominating and tell us why they are the next big thing!