The Hour

Kitty the Lion is the musical project of lovable singer/songwriter Anna Meldrum. Growing up by the seaside on a diet of folk and pop music, Anna became a regular fixture at many of Glasgow’s open mic nights and small venues.

The talented songstress won over her audiences with a combination of wise-beyond-her-years lyrics, unforgettable pop hooks and sassy stage banter. As a solo artist she played at the Hydro Connect festival at Inverary Castle and has been a support act for Duke Special, Amy MacDonald and John Smith.

In 2009 Kitty the Lion became a five-piece with the addition of Joe Rattray on bass, Nick Roan on drums, Sorren MacLean on guitar and Callum Wiseman on mandolin. Most of the band members have been in the music business for a while.

Joe also plays with band Admiral Fallow, who headlined the T Break stage at last year’s T in the Park and attracted the attention of 6 Music’s influential taste-maker Gideon Coe. They recorded their debut album with funding from the Scottish Arts Council.

Callum, who comes from Shetland, was previously the front-man of band Jocasta Sleeps. They were regulars on the Glasgow gig circuit and played at several festivals in 2008, including T in the Park. They also had a brief UK tour.

19-year-old Sorren, from Mull on Isle of Iona, has worked with some high profile Scottish musicians including Michael Marra, James Yorkston and the late Martyn Bennett. His dad Gordon is the director of An Tobar arts centre in Tobermory and is a well thought-of folk singer.

Following the release of their debut single, Lion in the Bed, Kitty the Lion had a sell-out show at the Centre for Contemporary Arts in Glasgow with animations from artist Tony MacKay. They also appeared at several festivals including T in the Park, RockNess, Go North, Wickerman, Solas and Belladrum.

The group are set to release a double A-side single on October 11 through Dead Hip Records. The catchy songs were recorded at Glasgow’s Sugar Mountain studios.

Kitty and the Lion are playing at King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut in Glasgow on October 4, Hootenanny in Inverness on October 14, the Old Bridge Inn in Aviemore on October 15 and Café Drummonds in Aberdeen on October 17.

MUSIC MADNESS

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