music insauga: Kate Todd

We recently caught up with country music star, actress and recent Sauga resident Kate Todd.

For our readers who have never heard your music, explain your sound in 140 characters:

I’d best describe my music as roots based, guitar driven, country/rock. 

Ten years from now you will be…  

People love to connect through music and I hope to still be doing what I love, writing music and performing before live audiences.  

If you could go open up for any artist on tour right now who would it be?

 I have many favourite artists both male and female but if I were to narrow it down to one let’s go with Sheryl Crow.  I’m not sure if she is currently on tour but that is one bill I would not definitely pass up.

So, what’s your favourite thing to do when you aren’t doing your music?

My day job is teaching both music and acting so I cherish the downtime I have hanging out with friends and riding my bike along the beautiful Lake Ontario waterfront where I live. I also love keeping in touch with nature and when the budget allows travelling!

What is your Mississauga connection?

When I moved to Toronto to attend university I was playing gigs and meeting new people and musicians who happened to be living in the Port Credit area of Mississauga and I began booking gigs there.  Port Credit is such a beautiful artistic community and I became gravitated to live here.  I love it, the people and everything it has to offer from the lakeside parks and biking paths to the quaint restaurants and patio bars.

What’s your favourite place in Mississauga to perform and why?

That is a tough one as there are so many cool clubs and theatres in Mississauga and whether performing solo in a quaint cafe or with my band in a rocking club it is always a pleasure to play before a live audience. That aside however, I was deeply honoured when I was asked to perform at the prestigious Mississauga Living Arts Centre.

Where do you draw inspiration from when you write your lyrics and what’s your favourite part about the process?

I tend to draw inspiration from events that affect my life and emotions. I’m still honing the craft of songwriting and I enjoy getting together writing with a partner and tossing out ideas and subject matter that we share in common and feel others may relate to as well.

Who are your favourite musicians?  Why?

So many artists from all musical genres come to mind but few songwriters are able to offer depth and meaning in a song like Bob Dylan. As for musical style Sheryl Crow brings an energy and grace to her music that I have always connected with.

What are five things you can’t live without?

First and foremost would be my family and friends.  The love and support of my family and friends is unconditional and immeasurable. In this business you have to stay connected, a missed call may be a missed opportunity so my cell phone is a must. My car is up there as a must have also.  Although I prefer to ride my bike as much as possible I can’t load all my gear on it. Another electronic device would be my iPad, a great tool for writing.  Lastly it would be my Starbucks coffee, I have to have it.  It’s great for getting me started in the mornings.

What’s the coolest gig you ever did?  Why?

The first time I performed live before an audience.  It was Family Day at Downsview Park before 20 000 fans. I was terrified but was able to channel that adrenaline into my performance and the sensation I got from all those screaming fans was overwhelming.  It was amazing! I’ll never forget it.

Anything you want to plug?

I currently have a few shows lined up in the Port Credit area.  July 1st I am looking forward to be performing with my band at Port Credit Square and am honored to have been asked to open day’s festivities by singing the national anthem.  I am also proud to announce that a short film I was involved in titled ‘S is for Bird’ will be shown at the Cannes Film Festival.

Thank you for your interest and enjoy your summer.  For further information or updates on concert listings and appearances visit www.katetodd.com and follow www.twitter.com/katetoddQuick Facts:

What high school did you go to?
When I wasn’t being tutored on set during the filming of the show ‘Radio Free Roscoe’ I attended Nantyr Shores Secondary School.

Favourite food?
Peanut Butter and Jam sandwiches!

Favourite place to eat in Mississauga?
With so many exquisite dining restaurants, patios and bistro’s along Lakeshore Road and throughout Mississauga it would be way to hard for me to name just one but some of my favourite establishments are Lake Affect, Spice, Ten, The Harp, Roc’nDocs…

iPhone of Android?
I currently own an iPhone

Timmies or McD’s coffee?
McD’s

Last song listened to on your iPod?
One Headlight by The Wallflowers