“Different Kind Of High” may be Katelann Maree’s debut EP but she was born into a country music loving family. Growing up in Miles, in the Western Downs region of Queensland she was surrounded by music from both sides of the family. Her mum Sharon Grealy is also a singer/songwriter and was a member of the band Skin The Cat – regulars of the Tamworth Country Music Festival. And of course, her grandfather (on her dad’s side) was the inspiration behind the EP’s first single, ‘Grandad’s Guitar’ – Jimmy Grealy aka ‘Chinchilla Slim’ is remembered for his finger picking playing style. The single peaked at #2 on the iTunes Australia Singer Songwriter Chart.
From the age of seven, when Jimmy’s guitar was handed down to Katelann, she’s been singing and performing at festivals across QLD and NSW. As a teen, solo performances took a back seat as she was a backing vocalist in her aunty and uncle’s rock band, Band Camp.
In 2015 after being asked by a town local if she would teach her daughter to sing and play guitar, Katelann once again thought about her own solo career. In no time, Katelann was inspiring the next generation of singers and performers and at her mum’s insistence finally applied and was accepted into the CMAA Academy Of Country Music in 2020.
In addition to teaching basic guitar and singing to local children, the singer-songwriter also runs Katelann Maree Health and Fitness - personal/group training sessions and rehabilitation programs with the help of physiotherapists’ guidance for different clients. One of the reasons she became qualified in this area was to help with her brother’s recovery after he was injured by his horse in a feedlot accident. Sustaining multiple injuries including a broken pelvis, ribs, collar bone and brain damage, he spent months in a coma. Cody Grealy is now in a wheelchair and Katelann is assisting in his slow but steady rehabilitation.
Three of the four tracks on “Different Kind Of High” were partly written before attending the academy but with the expert guidance of mentors Catherine Britt and Melody Moko the songs truly came to life. When asked about her academy experience, Katelann says, “Before I attended, I never thought I was good enough. Not only did I learn more about singing, songwriting and performing, it’s where I realised you truly can make a career out of your dream.”
“Different Kind Of High” track by track:
1. Grandad’s Guitar: This was my debut single release co-written with both Catherine and Melody. The song talks of how I was gifted my grandad’s guitar and how I took on his legacy and learnt to play. It describes how I literally played it until my fingers bled hoping one day I could play just like him and how I know grandad would be singing along to my songs if he were still with us.
2. Troubled Man: Co-written with Melody at the academy, it was then called ‘They Don’t Even Ask’, but I felt a name change was needed to truly reflect what the song was about. The real-life tale of how after I separated from my ex-partner he decided to forfeit his duties as a parent and not help or contribute to our children’s upbringing. I could see not only he, but the children were missing out on so much. Eventually the kids stopped asking about him, but in the end it will be ok because I won’t fail them, I will pick up the pieces and fill the holes he had left in their hearts. Hopefully one day he will become the role model they need, and I will always encourage this.
3. Different Kind Of High: Co-written with Catherine, this song is based on the toxic relationship I had with the children’s father which was full of domestic violence, alcohol and drug abuse. It tells the story of how I had to remove myself and the kids from such a bad situation and relationship even though I loved the man I was leaving. In the end I knew it was for the best.
4. Be That Man: Another co-write with both Melody and Catherine – this track reflects on finding a new love and questioning whether he will be the man for me and live by his word. Ultimately a song of hope that he continues to treat me the way he does and if so, he will be the man I keep.
“Different Kind Of High” will be available on all digital/streaming platforms from Sept 24th, 2021
IMMEDIATE AIRPLAY/EDITORIALS WELCOMED & APPRECIATED
