Manchester singer-songwriter and violinist Kate Couriel is quickly carving out her own space with music that blends her classical roots with modern influences and social commentary.
After years of performing alongside Seb Lowe’s band, Kate has now stepped forward with her own solo material, bringing a theatrical ambition to songs written to make an impact both on record and on stage.
We caught up with Kate to discuss her upcoming slot at NBHD Festival in Manchester on 17th October, along with her classical upbringing, Manchester’s influence, and finding her voice as a solo artist.
We also discuss Kate’s work with Seb Lowe, the new single ‘A Kid, A Wife, A Man’, and what’s next for one of the city’s emerging new talents.
NC: For anyone who hasn’t heard your music, how would you introduce yourself as an artist?
Kate: “I am a singer-songwriter and violinist from Manchester who has just started releasing music this year. My music is rooted in social commentary and the female experience. I am heavily inspired by musical theatre, and hopefully my songs feel like they are made to be performed as part of a massive live show.”
NC: How has your classical background shaped your songwriting?
Kate: “I started playing violin when I was 4, and it has always been a huge part of my life. Growing up learning classical music, as well as being a part of groups like the Halle Youth Orchestra has had a huge influence on my songwriting. I think that this is particularly noticeable in songs like “Are You a Puppet”, which includes a Baroque-style violin bridge, and is one of my favourites as it draws me back to my classical roots.”
NC: You’re from Manchester. For an up and coming artist, is this a blessing in terms of influence and an iconic scene, or a curse with potential pigeonholes?
Kate: “Living in Manchester has been such a blessing for my development as an artist. I grew up busking on Market Street, which grew both my violin skills and ability to cope with the occasional difficult interaction!! I also worked as a gigging musician across the Manchester pub circuit, which allowed me to connect with many other musicians, get inspired and form truly meaningful relationships.”
NC: You’re playing NBHD Festival next month. Have you been before and how are you feeling ahead of the slot?
Kate: “I have played NBHD Festival before as a part of the band for Seb Lowe, and it is always one of my favourite festivals. I can’t think of a better day out than to watch live music all day in Manchester with my mates, and now I get to play it too! It will be my first live gig with a full band, so I am really excited.”
NC: How do you view the importance of smaller festivals like NBHD for artist growth?
Kate: “I think festivals like NBHD are essential for artist growth, as they allow smaller artists to gain exposure and develop their live skills, as well as nurturing those first vital connections with a fan base.”
NC: Your new single, A Kid, A Wife, A Man, is out now. Tell us all about it and how the release has gone down?
Kate: “A Kid, A Wife, A Man is about the pressure placed on women to marry and have children before they are 30, and the anxiety and frustration that comes with that. I have become increasingly aware of these expectations as I move through my early 20s, and this song is essentially my way of saying I’ve had enough of it.
“The release has gone amazingly. It is always so surreal to see just how many people connect with a song once it has been released, and the support has been overwhelming. I am super excited to play it live on tour in the winter.”
NC: You’re part of Seb Lowe’s band, what have you learnt from this and what inspired the solo move?
Kate: “I have learnt everything I know from being a part of Seb’s band. He is such an unbelievable songwriter, and is so supportive of everything I do. I have been so inspired by both him and the band, who have created an encouraging environment for me to begin exploring songwriting.
“That band is my family, and the last four years of practicing, recording and performing together have been the best of my life. I can’t wait for whatever comes next.”
NC: Seb’s music is politically charged, is this something you are aiming to carry through in your solo work?
Kate: “I think art is inherently political, and every person with a platform has a responsibility to try to do good with it. I am heavily inspired by Seb’s music and aim for my songs to encourage conversation about difficult topics, and hopefully be a small part of a very large effort to form a better future for people. It brings me so much joy to see the connection people feel to the songs, particularly tracks like Patriarchy’s Dead, and I couldn’t imagine writing in any other way.”
NC: If you could write or record a track with any artist today, who would be at the top of your list?
Kate: “I would love to write a track with Raye. I have seen her twice this year and she and her orchestra put on the best live show I have ever seen. Her use of classical influences mixed with modern pop and R&B, as well as her incredible voice creates a truly unique sound. I would also love to write a song with Lin-Manuel Miranda – I think Hamilton is a masterpiece and he would be very fun to write with.”
NC: What can we expect from Kate Couriel in the rest of 2026 and beyond?
Kate: “I will be touring around the UK, EU and North America this winter, supporting Seb Lowe. These will be my first shows with a full band, and I am super excited to travel to these new places and meet the people behind the streams. You can also expect lots more new music over the next year. And who knows what else!”
You can see Kate Couriel at NBHD Festival in Manchester on Saturday October 17th.
Head to Neighbourhood Festival | October 2026 for more information.
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