Kate Prendergast – Past Letters (2024)
At only 14 years of age, singer-songwriter Kate Prendergast is already putting older, more mature artists to shame. Despite her tender years, her songs have that deep profoundness of “an old soul” with delicate vulnerability guiding the soothing melodies. Inspired by various musicians from Niall Horan to Amy Winehouse and Eminem, it’s easy to say that Prendergast is open to diverse styles, and this is evident in her music as she explores sounds with an experimental ear. The latest addition to her discography is the single ‘Past Letters’.
One aspect I find intriguing about Kate Prendergast is the seeking of a particular sound with slips of pop, indie-pop and soul twirling about. Yet, a distinctive folk tone persists in each track from the toe-tapping ‘Red Ribbon’ to her new single ‘Past Letters’. Soft, soothing and filled with tender acoustic vibes, Prendergast proves that beauty exists in simplicity. Backed by an acoustic guitar, her smooth vocals are whimsical, wistful and charming; however, they also carry weight in a poignant theme.
Reflective and insightful, ‘Past Letters’ is “about the stories or letters we tell our future and past selves…” For me, the lyrics, “The letters I wrote to my future self/ I didn’t know this is all I’d amount to/ If I’d known it back then would I do what I do?” Soul-chilling, profound and filled with an intricate intensity that has you leaning back and wondering what those letters would say.
Sincere, sentimental and endearing, but with a slight chill of self-realisation, ‘Past Letters’ is our glimpse into something great to come. She might not be a household name just yet, but Kate Prendergast is set for stardom.
In addition to the single, Kate Prendergast released an official music video for ‘Past Letters’. You can view the video below or via her YouTube channel. Please note that this video uses lighting effects that can trigger migraines and/or seizures in people with photosensitive epilepsy. Viewer discretion is advised.
VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED
Find out more about Kate Prendergast on her official website, Instagram and Spotify.
Discover more folk-pop tunes on The Other Side Reviews Folk Pop playlist:
I feel Kate’s talent shines brightly in this beautifully written song, delivered with an old soul sound that belies her young age of 14. Her emotive vocals and mature songwriting style create a captivating listening experience that transcends generations. A true prodigy with a gift for touching hearts and evoking deep emotions through her music. Kate is undoubtedly a young rising star to watch in the music industry.