KATE MAHOOD | INTERVIEW + TRACK REVIEW

Kate Mahood has a way of crafting songs that feel both lived-in and luminous. With roots in Central Queensland and a musical palette shaped by the likes of Neil Young and Gillian Welch, her sound sits comfortably at the intersection of folk and country — poetic, personal, and quietly powerful. Whether she’s unpacking emotional truths or chasing the echoes of a story from the Irish countryside, Mahood brings an honesty to her songwriting that resonates far beyond the stage.

As she moves through a new writing phase, Kate opens up about her influences, her process, and the clarity she’s found in trusting her own artistic rhythm. From soaring crowd moments with Busby Marou to the quiet strength of setting boundaries, this conversation reveals the steady evolution of an artist with deep roots and a clear direction.

TRACK REVIEW

“Like the Eagle” unfolds like a quiet walk through an enchanted garden — intimate, raw, and deeply grounded. From the opening moments of delicate guitar picking, there’s a sense of stillness that draws you in. While it echoes the emotive spirit of artists like Julia Stone or Kate Miller-Heidke, Mahood offers something more stripped back and honest, eschewing overly whimsical production for something beautifully human.

It’s refreshing to hear the Australian accent come through so naturally, adding another layer of authenticity to the track. The arrangement builds gently, each layer arriving with purpose. By the time the harmonies bloom in the haunting “mmmm” section, you’re fully immersed in a sonic journey that feels both tender and transformative.

Kate Mahood doesn’t just write songs — she invites you into her inner landscape. And “Like the Eagle” is a stunning, weightless flight.

LISTEN HERE

Your music often walks the line between folk and country, with a deeply personal edge. What draws you to this intersection of genres, and how do you feel it shapes your storytelling?

I've always loved both folk and country music, which I think comes from my mum and dad’s taste in music when I was a kid. I've predominantly loved and listened to folk music throughout my life, but I think the country influence comes from growing up in the bush and being exposed to it from a young age. My aunt and grandmother are both authors, so I believe that’s where my love of storytelling comes from.

You’ve mentioned that you’re currently in a writing phase, what kind of themes or emotions are surfacing in your new material?

I'm currently writing a lot about navigating challenging situations in life, setting boundaries, and self-empowerment, tapping into a more raw and unfiltered aspect of my voice and writing.

Growing up with artists like Neil Young and Gillian Welch, how have those early influences evolved in your sound as you’ve developed your own musical identity?

It’s hard to say exactly how they’ve shaped my sound or if any of it directly translates into what I do now, but I think the biggest influence has been a deep appreciation for the art of songwriting and for crafting the emotional journey of a song, which they both do so brilliantly. I’m always inspired to keep refining my craft because of that.

“Like the Eagle” speaks to cultivating inner freedom. What does that concept mean to you right now in this chapter of your life and artistry?

To me, it means getting clear on the inner agency we all have to follow our own path, regardless of what others may think, and without relying on external measures of success. Right now, that means taking the time to truly focus on my music and cultivate a sound that feels honest and authentic, without getting caught up in the idea that my career needs to look a certain way or be at a specific stage to be considered successful.

Your debut EP, Once You Were a Mountain, felt very intimate and grounded. What lessons did you take from that project that you’re carrying into the next one?

'Once You Were a Mountain' was my first experience in a recording studio, so I didn’t really know how the whole process worked or what kind of sound I was aiming for, it was all pretty experimental. Thankfully, my producer Benjy Pocock is incredible at what he does, and I think he captured my vibe beautifully. One big lesson I’m taking into the next project is to spend more time upfront figuring out the sound, feel, and overall direction I want. That way, the whole process can be smoother and more focused

You’ve opened for some major names, Busby Marou, Harry Manx, The Whitlams. Is there a particular moment from those shows that’s stuck with you as an artist?

I think my favourite moment would have to be singing on stage with Busby Marou for their song ‘Everything Is Beautiful’. It’s such a powerful, uplifting song, and the energy of the crowd singing the words back to us, along with the joy in the air made it an unforgettable experience.

Central Queensland has such a unique energy. How has the environment or community there influenced your creative process?

There’s a really great, supportive creative community here in Central Queensland and it’s definitely been the springboard for me taking my music further afield. It all started with small, intimate community gigs, and those are still the kinds of spaces I love performing in most. I think living so close to so many beautiful places, the beach, the bush, and wide open landscapes, has really shaped my writing and deepened the way I connect with my music.

“Changeling” was based on a true story from Ireland, do you often find inspiration in historical or real-life stories, or was that a one-off?

Changeling is a bit of a one-off at this point. I often write about true stories, but usually from a personal perspective. For some reason, the story of Bridget Cleary -who Changeling is based on- really captivated me. So I guess it could be any kind of story, as long as I feel that emotional pull to write about it. 

When crafting a song, what usually comes first for you, the lyric, the melody, or the emotion?

Usually, it starts with an emotion- I’ll pick up my guitar and play around with a melody. The lyrics almost always come after. Sometimes I’ll have a title or a general idea of what I want the song to be about, but 99% of the time, the chords come first.

You’re known for your captivating live performances. What do you love most about playing live, and how do you hope people feel walking away from one of your shows?

I love playing live because every show is a completely new experience-it changes depending on the venue, the crowd, and the energy in the room. Sharing music in real time with an audience is something really special; it’s so present and alive and once it’s done it's just a memory and feeling left over. I guess I hope people walk away from my shows feeling a little more connected: to themselves, to their own stories, and to something deeper.

LISTEN HERE