Emerging, London based, singer-songwriter Kitty Montague, fuses savvy pop sensibilities and powerful, soul-drenched vocals. Her honest, open and provocative writing draws on an empathetic understanding of the human condition – universally relatable situations, emotions and complexities, poetically exposed.
Her new release “I Kissed You Politely” voices the feelings shared by many women who have felt pressured into an uncomfortable situation. Written for those who resonate with giving in to men, and their advances, to avoid the backlash that often comes with saying no. This song is the opposing perspective to her previous single “Kiss Chase”; a liberating song about being able to exert your sexuality as a woman.
A seemingly innocent title, the concept digs deeper into a song that confronts the blurred lines between consent and coercion. Inspired by Montague’s personal experiences, she sings, “I wish I knew then what I know now, I wish I knew how, I could’ve chosen myself, forgotten everyone else”. The songwriter shares, “This is about knowing that you shouldn’t have to do anything that you’re not comfortable with, and you certainly don’t have to have a reason or a justification as to why”.
Tell us about the story of your act
I’m Kitty Montague, a singer-songwriter based in London. I sing in soul, write in pop, and preach about feminism.
What is the message behind your art?
I try to keep feminism at the centre of my writing, whether that is in an underlying message of empowerment or voicing a matter that I feel strongly about. Ultimately, I want people to be reminded of their worth, and hope that the takeaway from my music is a feeling of
empowerment. Music can help people articulate their own emotions and to me there is nothing better than listening to a song that lifts your mood, or makes you feel like you can handle anything. I hope my songs are a comfort to anyone who has ever resonated with any of the topics I sing about.
Tell us about your latest release and how it came about.
I Kissed You Politely is a track that confronts the blurred lines between consent and coercion. I originally wrote the song in 2019, forming around the concept of “kissing someone politely”, a seemingly innocent concept that holds a lot more weight for women who have been pushed into uncomfortable situations. I wanted to voice the experiences shared by so many women; having to politely give in to men, and their advances, to avoid the backlash that often comes with saying no.
Was it the record or artist that changed your life?
Growing up I was in awe of Lily Allen and Kate Nash, they were the first artists that I remember notably impacting me. I loved their attitudes; they rebelled against the sexism that women face, and everything that women are expected to be, which I found extremely powerful!
Was there ever a moment when you felt like giving up?
I think every musician has moments of wanting to give up, but I have never genuinely thought about seeing it through. I love writing and performing my music, in whatever capacity that comes in. I just try and ride out the bad days now.
What are some sources of inspiration for your lyrics and storytelling?
I love the intricate word play from other songwriters; however, I am also hugely inspired poets and feminist activists too. People that aren’t afraid to speak out and use their voice.
What inspires your style?
My younger (and much cooler) sister’s wardrobe. Everything gets approved by her.
What is the best advice you’ve ever gotten?
“If you don’t ask, you don’t get”. My mum always encouraged me to put myself out there, reminding me that the worst thing that can happen is someone says “no” and then you simply move forward. You have to be your own biggest fan, and never doubt your ability to succeed.
Who is an artist that you look up to more than others today?
I am currently incredibly inspired by Lizzo, an artist who constantly advocates for self-love and being unapologetically yourself. Through her music she has the ability to inspire confidence and empowerment, while also advocating for a multitude of incredibly important causes outside of her music. She has such a powerful presence within the industry, and affirms the importance in speaking out and using your voice.
You seem to be fusing several musical genres. What inspires your sound?
My music generally falls withing the varying genres around soulful pop, however, I try not to limit myself to fitting in to a certain category. I really enjoy working with different producers, listening to a variety of genres, and exploring new directions to take my own music.
