Single reviewsThe Other Side Reviews

Tabi Kate – Empty Pillow (2022)

Inspired by artists like The 1975 and Paramore, singer-songwriter Tabi Kate found the delicate balance between synth-driven indie-pop and raw pop-rock. This is my introduction to Tabi Kate; however, over the past few years, she has captivated audiences on an international level with coverage from BBC Introducing, TJPL News, Sinusoidal Music and various other publications. A collective project with guitarist and producer Taegan Venner, Tabi Kate uses the natural talent of Venner, William Baker (bass), Johannes Eftring (guitar), and Edward Cole (drums) to take her music “to the next level”. The latest addition to her discography is the single ‘Empty Pillow’.



Recorded and produced with Taegan Venner at Brighton’s Pirate Studios, ‘Empty Pillow’ is a melodic blend of pounding drums, powerful guitars and Kate’s charming vocals. While there is a strong contemporary pop sound to ‘Empty Pillow’, I feel (or rather hear) a nostalgic tinge to the arrangement, particularly with the hard-hitting guitar solo. Following her single ‘Sour’, ‘Empty Pillow’ is bolder and more upbeat; however, it retains the dreamy haziness of a whimsical pop song.

In an interview with Lost In The Manor, Tabi Kate explains that ‘Empty Pillow’ is “about a relationship between two people, somebody dreaming of this perfect person/perfect relationship, however, they realise that it wasn’t so good after all and they would rather have their own company than be with the wrong person…” To me, it is this relatable content that pushes the vulnerable intimacy of the song. A connection, perhaps, to that fragile, delicate side of being and the empowering acceptance of being on your own. Wistful and whimsical, Tabi Kate’s angelic vocals send haunting shivers down your spine while the melody sets you off on a sonic cloud.

For more from Tabi Kate check out her Instagram and Spotify.

This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator