New-Manila got the chance to meet one of the freshest talents to ever emerge from Manchester, following the footsteps of Manchester ’s finest but never duplicating, Katie Miller, a singer and songwriter, is set to endeavor a challenging battle to have the music industry notice something new. Given the creative freedom at LIPA, a performing arts school in Liverpool, with links to Paul McCartney, she is equipped with a strong foundation and first-hand experiences in the arts.

We have witnessed her magnetic performance on stage, it’s her songwriting where she feeds you with a lyrical insight into her life, her voice is emotionally charged that it’ll have you amazed for weeks. Her soulful vibe, beauty’s secret and her sweetest charms will leave the biggest impact on you, she’s got it all.

Describe your sound and your influences?

I'm a very soulful artist. Throw in some Funk, RnB and bit of Pop and thats my sound. My influences are artists like Chaka Khan, Erykah Badu, Alicia Keys, Corinne Bailey-Rae and Jill Scott 

Tell us more about LIPA? And what is it like studying there?

LIPA is a great place for making connections. Apart from the studios and other wonderful facilities, the students and people you meet are the best asset of the place.  

How have you grown musically?

Songwriting's been the biggest achievement. I never wrote songs until 2 years back... I never thought I'd be any good! Now I have the ball rolling, I just write as much as possible.

When did you realise this was the right direction for you?

It's what I seem to write when I sit down... it just oozes out!

What struggles have you been through to get to where you are now, if any?

Possibly facing the competition which is out there, and realising I may stand a chance. There is a hell of a lot of talent... but I’m just gonna keep doing my thing. That’s all anyone can do really! 

What inspires you to write?

People, places etc. I write mostly when I’m highly emotionally charged or influenced in some way. Sometimes I'll be making toast and a melody pops into my head also.

Tell us about your first memory of singing / performing?

Hehe... I remember when I was about 7.... my mum had made me a dress and entered me into a Filipino talent competition... "Little Miss  Philippines ". I was supposed to play a piano song as my audition piece, but to start the event off, all the girls had to sing a group song whilst walking towards the stage. I remember being so nervous that I just burst out crying, and ended up not taking part! 

What does it feel like when you perform?

Like I'm myself, and I can be open and passionate about things which couldn't be expressed in normal conversation. No one can interrupt me or say I’m wrong. It’s my time on stage.

What is the biggest compliment someone has ever given you?

That I have the stage presence of Diana Ross and Shirley Bassey! hehe! I can't see it personally! 

What commitments do you have as a singer/songwriter?

Apart from my own original music, I do live vocals for "diesler" (an artist who has CD's out in HMV www.myspace.com/diesler). I may also be co-writing with him on some tracks for his new album. I also work as a part time pianist/vocalist at a local Liverpool cocktail bar called Andersons .

Has the Filipino culture influenced your music, image or lifestyle?

Passion and Musical expression are all things I have learnt from the Filipino culture. I remember singing and dancing with my Filipino cousins when I was over there. Pinoy's just love to sing and dance... it's in the blood!   

How hard is the music industry to break-through?

So many people want to do it. And there is a lot of talent. But you can never underestimate a bit of luck!

How do you get noticed and how do you know what they are looking for?

Just gigging as much as possible, and getting a fanbase..... make an impact and the labels will catch on soon enough

What makes you different?

My voice. My Anglo-Filipino looks. Passion on stage.

Your most memorable performance?

Singing to a crowd of over 500 in Lubeck Germany . Christian Badzura (a graduate and talented arranger- who is arranging for Nate James’ album at the mo) did a spectacular string arrangement for my song "oh boy". The crowd were great and very supportive.

Your greatest triumph?

Probably getting into LIPA. But I never imagined I'd be where I am now. Probably getting a band together, and finally getting my own original music out there is quite an achievement for me.

What challenges are worth fighting for?

A dream. If you believe in the beauty of it... nothing should stop you.

Future plans?

Record deal! Probably carry on doing cover gigs to support myself along the way.

Have you met Sir Paul McCartney? If so, has he helped you in anyway?

Not yet.... I should do next July on my graduation day! Because I do the songwriting module at LIPA, I should be able to meet him for one to one session where he can hear my songs.

Is there anything about the music business that took you by surprise?

I did a showcase last Wednesday for some record label scouts... and I've been told that one of them said... "I couldn't sign her because she's too gorgeous... and would probably run off with a footballer"! T he cheek.... apparently this person was speaking from past experience!!!!! I love music too much though!

Musically, what direction are you looking to venture into?

The soul/RnB/Pop genre.

We met you at ‘The Bedford’ in Balham, which was a great showcase of talent, do you tour a lot? Is it like a family on the road? What other gigs have you done?

We gig mainly round Liverpool . Me and the band haven't been together that long, but we get along.  We played the Cavern a month or so ago, and will be doing Liverpool Barfly next year!