Cancelled weddings, some lesbianism, and a new EP: CATTY has been on a wild journey from Caernarfon to the big smoke, making music to haunt your ex by along the way. Read our latest Hype cover feature.

Words: Stephen Ackroyd.

CATTY is not your average pop star. Hailing from a small town in North Wales, she's the kind of artist who makes music to haunt your ex with - because God knows those exes need a good scare. With her debut EP 'Healing Out of Spite' arriving today (18th October), some dubious people better start sleeping with the lights on.

The journey from Caernarfon to London is more than just a geographical shift; it's a narrative arc for any main character looking to make 'it' in their field. That's not to do down 'the regions' - wonderful enclaves of culture and personality that are every bit as valid as the smoggy streets of That London, but sometimes you've just got to admit that you're gonna have to come to them if you want the big wigs to pay attention. CATTY made the leap at the raw age of 18, embodying the classic trope of a small-town girl chasing big-city dreams. But this isn't your typical rags-to-riches story. As CATTY puts it, there were "definitely some teething problems - a cancelled wedding, some lesbianism - it's not quite a Hallmark film, but I'd watch it."

There's a self-awareness and dry humour permeating CATTY's music and persona. When asked about if she has any hobbies outside of music, she admits, "Low key, no, not really. Which is a bit sad, innit? I should work on that." But actually, that's kinda cool, not sad. Passion matters, and with an honesty that makes her relatable, candour like that very much goes against the fake it to make it rulebook the traditional music industry loves to stick to.

But don't mistake her frankness for laziness or a lack of giving a fuck. CATTY's been grafting hard, selling coffee to "the whole of East London" to fund her musical ambitions. Her recent tour with fellow potential pop superstar Dylan was a turning point. "She's a gem," CATTY gushes. "No one was listening to my music at the time, but she backed me from the get-go - took me on that tour, honestly, probably against the advice of everyone around her, and it changed my life. I think she's magic, and I ride for her. I really do."