Singer/songwriter Cat Tedder on performing, recording, Broadway aspirations, and her favorite Starbucks drink
Cat Tedder has become a standout performer in the Pittsburgh music scene. The North Allegheny senior has been impressing crowds with her incredible vocals and stage presence. She’s released her first original song (another one is on the way), performed the national anthem at major events, and has Broadway in her sights.
At a Starbucks in Wexford, I talked with her about performing, recording, Broadway aspirations, and her favorite Starbucks drink.
Starting Out
Josh: When did you start singing?
Cat: Ever since I was a baby. I started in theatre. The national anthem was my first live performance. I was 7. Then I started doing my own two hour sets.
J: Were you nervous?
C: Oh my gosh yes.
Music Influences
J: Any musical influences?
C: I’m a huge Billy Joel fan. All his songs tell so many stories. There’s a lot of emotion. He puts everything into his art.
Performing
J: You opened for the Clark’s. What was that like?
C: That was really cool. I met them. They are very kind people. That was the day my song, “At Ease,” came out as well. It was the perfect way to introduce it to people. It was the first time I sang it live.
J: No pressure. (laughs)
C: Yeah. (laughs)
J: I saw you play at Pittsburgh’s Little Italy Days.
C: That’s right! I grew up in a big Italian family. Listening to Dean Martin, Sinatra, all the time. A lot of my influences come from that. I love the classics.
J: I’m sure the audience appreciated it.
C: I really love when they are into it. I feed off of the audience’s energy. The more I do it, the more comfortable I feel. The first few songs are all about getting warmed up. Then I’m more comfortable.
Broadway Dreams
J: You can really belt it out. Have you ever thought about Broadway?
C: That’s the goal. Long-term. I really wanna do Wicked. I want to be Elphaba. I hit the high note in that song for the first time in 8th grade. The girl playing Elphaba on Broadway at the time reposted it. It’s been a dream of mine to do Broadway. You have to be really lucky and work hard. I really hope I end up doing that.
J: Would you ever want a full band?
C: I’ve always been solo. I think having a band is a whole other element. In the long run, I definitely want to. It would elevate the performance I’m sure.
National Anthems
J: You’ve sung the national anthem at major events, including PNC Park.
C: I love doing it. I was featured on Fox News singing the anthem this past summer. It was great, but I only know 24 hours before I do them. I immediately have to drop everything. It’s nerve wracking, but I love it. I’ll sing in front of 24,000 people. The exposure alone is huge.
J: What do your friends think of all this?
C: They are very nice about it. Very supportive. They send me texts, comment on all of my stuff. I appreciate them a lot.
J: What are some of your hobbies besides music?
C: Honestly, it really is just music and songwriting. If I’m not singing and doing covers, I’m writing my own stuff, thinking of other stories I can do, album covers. My mind always goes to creating music.
J: Do you come from a musical family?
C: Not at all (laughs). They do not sing. I came out of nowhere.
J: (laughs) So you hit these high notes at home and they were like, “What?!”
C: Yeah pretty much. (laughs)
Original Songs
J: How did your original song “At Ease” come about?
C: Around freshman year, I wanted to write my own music as a way to differentiate myself. I needed to branch out and do my own stuff and separate myself in my shows. I had the idea of the hook, and I kept revising it. I got it recorded at The Vault.
J: I’ve been there! I took a tour.
C: Isn’t it amazing?!
J: It is!
C: Bob McCutcheon is amazing. He really helped guide me and was patient with the process.
J: That must have been a thrill recording there.
C: It was wonderful. And he’s just like the perfect person. It was an honor.
J: Did you write the lyrics or music first?
C: I wrote the lyrics. I’d hum a melody over it. I can hear what I want it to sound like in my head. I communicate that with my voice. I’m working on my second song now. I’m really excited about it. I have the process down. It’s much easier now.
J: Can you tell me about the new single?
C: I’m getting more of a country pop feel to it—it has a great vibe. I love listening to pop country. This one had that feel to it. It was also recorded at The Vault.
J: Do you have a favorite song to perform live?
C: “New York State of Mind” is always my favorite. I visited New York City for my sweet 16. Everytime I sing it I think of New York. It’s challenging but fun once you figure it out. I love that song.
J: Would you ever want to go on tour?
C: That would be incredible. That’s the long-term goal. Truly nothing makes me happier than singing and performing in front of an audience. And writing music. That is my passion. If I could make my living doing that—that is the dream. I understand how difficult that can be to get to that point.
Favorite Starbucks Drink
J: Since we are in Starbucks, do you have a favorite drink?!
C: Yes! Since it’s Christmas I keep getting the Caramel Brûlée Latte.
J: I haven’t had it!
C: You have to get it next time! And the Sugar Cookie Latte. That’s good too. Those two are my favorites.
J: Highly recommended?
C: Yes! (laughs)
For the latest news on Cat’s upcoming shows, keep up with her on Instagram. Listen to her single “At Ease,” streaming now!
Check out last month’s artist of the month article here!
This content was provided by a local, independent contributor to Made in PGH, a lifestyle blog.
