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Her StoryKat Mills Born and raised in Alexandria VA, down the street from the high lonesome sounds of the famous Birchmere, and a stone's throw from the urban soul and world beats of Washington D.C. Exposed at an early age to the wide variety of musical styles that can co-exist in one community. Her father's bluegrass guitar...folk songs and classic rock from summers spent in the Blue Ridge...her older brother's extensive record collection...church choir...all early training grounds and major influences. Singing as long as she can remember, Kat picked up a guitar and began writing songs at age 13. Educated, in more ways than one, at Vassar College, just north of NYC. Began developing the mind and the solo acoustic material that would be her trademarks. Also paid dues in two college bands: an improv-jam rock unit and a funky disco soul act, adding spice to the mix. Traveled and lived in Austin TX, Ft. Collins CO, State College PA and back to the Hudson Valley of NY with guitar in hand and a crop of new songs. Helped develop and was a key member of bluegrass band, GRASS, from 1996-2001. This Ulster County-based foursome enjoyed great regional success, released a popular CD entitled Guns and Money (1999) and appeared at such notable venues as the World Famous Station Inn in Nashville, and the Hampton Film Festival (as the featured act for the world premiere of the critically-acclaimed film Songcatcher). By the dawn of Y2K, Kat was ready to go it alone full time. Quit her day job to pursue her solo acoustic act around the clock. Gained a large and loyal following in the Hudson Valley and tri-state area, wowing audiences with her powerful vocals, friendly approach and sparkling stage presence. Relocated to SW Virginia in 2002, expanding her
touring area, material and reach. She released her debut solo CD, Long
Time, in June 2003 through Sweetcut Music, and was on the road to
promote it. Long Time was recorded and co-produced by
well-respected Scott Petito of NRS Recording Studio in Catskill, NY.
Scott works with such legends as Livingston Taylor, The Band, Jay Ungar
& Molly Mason, and now Kat Mills. The second album, TWO , was released in the fall of
2006, with an impressive lineup of backing musicians that includes
Larry Campbell (Bob Dylan, Phil Lesh), Jerry Marotta (Peter Gabriel,
Indigo Girls) and Mark Shulman (Suzanne Vega, Chris Botti). Retreated briefly
from the limelight in 2007/2008 to have a baby. Ida is now a
fixture at Kat's festival appearances, and is working on backing vocal
parts. Kat still managed to play gigs like Floyd Fest and to
record new songs with the innovative team of Stuart Gunter and Mark
Goldstein out of Charlottesville. The result, Townie, is a fresh take on
traditional sounds. Kat's signature vocals and personal lyrics
shine through on this warm set, recorded live in Stuart's house in
Schuyler, VA. Plans to continue
writing, recording and touring as long as the old Martin holds out.
Has shared
stages with: Current radio
airplay includes:
The Roanoke City
Magazine did a feature article on Kat for their
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