Bio/News

THE GIST

Kat Mills is a radiant, class-act songwriter showcasing the raw energy of a single voice and acoustic guitar. A powerful range, vintage instruments, and inspiring soulful material combine to produce a clean honest sound that leaves audiences wanting more. Reminiscent of another time, commenting on today, Kat is currently based out of Blacksburg, VA and tours throughout the east and beyond.

Kat is a fully independent artist and releases top-quality recordings through her own label, Sweetcut Music, and with the help and guidance of Collective Works, a songwriter cooperative in the Hudson Valley of NY, founded by award-winning producer and musician Scott Petito.

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A WHOLE NEW START IN 2008

We did it!
Ida Lee Polys was born on Sept 26, 2007 100% naturally!
She is a beautiful, healhty baby girl, and she already loves music. Hope you can meet her this year.

Kat has taken a bit of a hiatus to get Ida off to a great start, but is currently booking her 2008 season. Please check out the GIGS page for the latest.

2008 will bring lots of outdoor shows regionally, including farmers markets, wineries and a 5th year at Floyd Fest. Plans are also in the works for some recording with friends in Charlottesville. Kat is getting back in the game slowly but surely, and with a whole new perspective. Catch it!!

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HIGHLIGHTS IN 2007

Kat released an exciting and all-new follow-up to Long Time. 'TWO' has 10 new original songs, as well as a couple of old folk classics. The recording again features the brilliant engineering/production of Scott Petito, as well as a great line-up of guest musicians: Marc Shulman (Suzanne Vega, Chris Botti), Larry Campbell (Bob Dylan, Phil Lesh) and Jerry Marotta (Peter Gabriel, Indigo Girls). The sound is rich and impressive, in a range of emotions.
Order your copy of 'TWO' today by clicking here.

Kat was voted 'Best Musician' by the readers of the Roanoke Times for the second year in a row, as part of their 'Best of the New River Valley' series.. With the amount of traveling she does, it feels good that the local audience is so supportive. Thanks to all who voted!

Kat was also featured in the April '07 issue of the New River Valley magazine, and had a great live spot in May '07 on WDBJ's News 7 Mornin' show to promote Roanoke's Festival in the Park. Click here to see a clip.

Kat spent the summer playing tons of outdoor shows, many featuring her husband, Nicholas Polys (The Time Wave Zero, The Jugbusters, GRASS) on banjo. Shows included a second year at the Clearwater Hudson River Revival Festival (NY), appearing in a writers' workshop with Pete Seeger, and her 4th appearance at the ever-popular Floyd Fest right here in SW VA.

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THE WHOLE STORY

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' is now ready. See above for details.

photo: Dane Risch