Kerri Watt Talks New Single, Her Voice And More

 Scottish singer-songwriter and musician Kerri Watt has returned with her new single ‘Predictable’. We asked her about the new track and much more:

Your new single ‘Predictable’ is released on 8th March 2024. What is the story/inspiration behind the track and who did you write it/collaborate with? 

Predictable is my first single in 3 years so I’m very excited for it to be out in the world! I wrote it with my friends Jeff Cohen & Jenn Bostic. Jenn and I were discussing the idea that your feelings about relationships change as you get older. In my early 20’s I loved the opportunity to travel, meet different people and have new experiences. Now, a bit older, I really love the predictability of my long term relationship – knowing who I’m coming home to each night and all the things we love to do together. The end of the chorus has a fun twist on the idea of ‘predictable’ – you’ll need to listen to find out! 

 Do you have any interesting, funny or memorable stories from the track’s recording sessions? 

People who followed the making of my first album will know I recorded it in a professional studio in Austin, Texas. This time around, I recorded vocals in my bedroom. I didn’t have time to get back out to the US as I was in the process of moving house and my home studio was packed in boxes – all I had was my microphone, interface and laptop. It was interesting recording completely by myself with no real-time input from the producer or a band to vibe off but I’m happy with how it turned out. 

Where did you record the song and who produced it? 

I’m very lucky to have a musical family. My brother Fraser Watt is a music producer in Nashville and is producing all my new music. I have some great musician friends in the US, so we recorded the band Stateside and I laid down my vocals back home in Scotland. 

Fun anecdote – the guitarist on the track is the same guitar player that played on all the songs on my first album! Interestingly, he comes from a metal background, but he can rip any style like a pro! 

What is your earliest musical memory?

I had this amazing music teacher at school called Mrs Scott. She taught the general music class but I also took piano lessons with her. I always remember the first time we had a little ‘performance’ day in our music class. I was about 7 and I sang ‘Tale As Old As Time’ from Beauty & The Beast. Mrs Scott gave me ‘second place’ and it meant the world to me. It gave me the confidence to go forward and pursue music!

Do you have any favoured stage instruments, effects, pedals, microphones? 

I often play acoustic sets – just me and my guitar. My favourite tool that I’ve found to help amplify my sound is the BOSS PS-6 HARMONIST PEDAL. Basically I hook it up to my guitar and microphone. When I strum a chord and sing into the mic, I hit the pedal and it adds a few harmonies onto my vocal in real time! It’s totally magic and gives the effect of backing singers or a choir. 

The only downside is, because the harmoniser pedal locks into the guitar chord to find the harmonies, if I play a bum chord it can sound really terrible! Luckily it’s only happened to me in rehearsals. 

Do you have any live plans for 2024 in the UK and Europe?

I love playing live and will take any opportunity to get on stage! I’ve been off the live scene for a while since having a baby but it all kicks off again on 8th & 9th March at Country 2 Country Festival in London. I’ve been lucky to play C2C a couple of times before and it always has such a great vibe so it’s going to feel like a warm welcome home to the stage. 

I’m looking at some Glasgow & London headline shows in the months ahead, so keep an eye out for dates!

 Where is your hometown and could you please describe it in five words? 

I grew up in a village outside Glasgow. After years of living away in California, London and then Brighton, I’ve finally returned home! I live right in the countryside with amazing views of the hills and love the most that I can hear owls hooting at night and songbirds in the morning!  

In 5 words, my hometown is Peaceful, Friendly, Beautiful, Green & Picturesque. 

 Do you have any further music releases planned such as more singles, EP or an album? 

I have 3 more singles lined up this year which might end up comprising an EP. I’m always writing new music so I’ve got lots of ideas for starting to put the second album together. The first album “Neptune’s Daughter” was years in the making so I’m taking my time making sure the next one gets just as much love and care put into it! 

I do feel like a live album could also be on the cards in the future. Playing live is such an important part of who I am as an artist so it would be great to document that on recording!

What music do you enjoy listening to? Do you have any recommendations? 

I always start my day with music that puts me in a good mood. At the moment, I’m loving the band Surfaces. It’s been really wet and cold in Scotland this winter (surprise) and Surfaces music has a magic way of taking you away to a beach in your mind.

I generally try to listen to different music throughout the week so I’m taking inspiration from lots of places. Some favourites at the moment are Lawrence, Mitchell Tenpenny, Spencer Sutherland and Lainey Wilson. 

 How do you look after your voice? 

I stick to pretty simple stuff. I drink A LOT of water, regularly warm my voice up and love a hot honey and lemon. 

If my voice is in a bad way and I absolutely have to sing, my rescue remedy is Dr Nelson’s steam inhaler. It works a charm and I’ve been using it for about 15 years! 

 What two things do you hope to have achieved once you have left the stage? 

At festivals and when supporting other artists I often find myself in front of new audiences who aren’t familiar with my music and I love the challenge of trying to bring them on board! I always hope I’ve given them such catchy melodies that they leave singing one of my songs and also just that everyone had a great time. I think the goal is always just to entertain so leaving the stage feeling like I’ve given people a fun night is a great achievement. 

 What makes Kerri Watt happy and what makes you unhappy? 

I’m easily pleased and often find the joy in little things. The sun, laughing, catching up with old friends, reminiscing, croissants, Zac Brown Band and watching my little boy learn to talk right now makes me particularly happy! 

I have more minor annoyances than things that make me unhappy – the smell of parsley, being in a rush then realising my car has no petrol and missing family that live far away. 

Feature Image Photo Credit: Supplied By PR

Kerri Watt’s new single ‘Predictable’ is released on Friday 8th March 2024.

You can pre-save the single here: https://ditto.fm/predictable-kerri-watt 

Kerri Watt will perform at C2C London at The O2 Arena, Greenwich, London, United Kingdom on March 8 (Big Entrance Stage 2pm, Icon stage 5pm) and March 9 at 2:30pm on Observatory stage.

For more information visit her official website here: https://kerriwatt.com/