Rider Essentials: Katelann Maree

Katelann Maree is an up-and-coming country singer-songwriter based in Miles on the Western Downs in Queensland. Growing up in a musical family, she discovered her own passion for writing and performing music from a young age when she was handed down her grandad’s guitar after he sadly passed away. In her younger years, she won the Telstra Road to Tamworth which gave her the determination to want to further her career and become even more recognised for her talents.

In 2020, she attended the CMAA Academy of County Music Australia in Tamworth and opened for Catherine Britt on selected dates on her Bush Pubs Tour. Britt also produced her recently released four-track EP, Different Kind of High, which features her debut single, Grandad’s Guitar as well as co-writes with Britt and Melody Moko. The EP peaked at No. 2 on the iTunes Country Albums Chart behind Darlinghurst’s self-titled debut album.

With vocals reminiscent to that of Emmylou Harris, Dolly Parton and Kasey Chambers and a unique essence from her pop influence Christina Aguilera, Maree’s smooth flowing melodic hooks blended with her genius wordplay, produces music that remarkably appeals to a wide range of listeners.

We caught up with Katelann Maree to find out the things she always takes on the road with her for this week’s Rider Essentials.

1. My sense of adventure

I love new places, new people, and new adventures. I always scout out the area I’m traveling to and look around for exciting new things to try and things to do. I love to speak with locals and ask around about what places are best to see in the area while I’m there or where the best food is in town etc. There is so much inspiration to find for songs and this is just a part of what I love to do while I’m on the road.

2. My Mascara, lip balm and brow colour

First things first, I have the blondest eyelashes someone has ever seen lol so I cannot leave the house without mascara. It’s one of the first things I do in my morning routine. ALWAYS. I take it with me wherever I go and cannot start my day without it. If I don’t put them on, I feel something is missing so it’s a must have for me and one of the first things I write on my to-do list of essentials to take with me.

3. My phone

I know you might think this is bad, but I use it for absolutely everything ... I need it for music to listen to while traveling or working out. I simply cannot drive in silence anywhere or I get so tired! So, I use my favourite tunes to keep me pumped for the drive and to also keep me motivated for a good workout. I also need it for work tasks like emails and socials as well as phone calls etc. It’s my hand-held laptop pretty much. I also love to have it with me, so when I have a melody or song idea that pops in my head, I can simply memo record it and work on it later without forgetting what I thought of. I would also hate it if I couldn’t facetime my kids to say goodnight on the nights they aren’t with me!

4. My workout clothes!

These are a must for me! Not a day goes by that I don’t do some form of exercise to either start or finish my day. It sets me up for everything. I love a good HIIT workout with some form of weights and cardio. If I don’t have room to take a few workout items along, I usually scope out the local gym or go for a run and look around at the scenery. If I don’t work out, I feel so unaccomplished for the day and simply don’t function to my full capacity. It does wonders for my mental clarity in life and on stage that’s for sure.

5. Good ol' Throat Coat and other herbal teas

I absolutely love herbal teas for so many reasons. They are amazing for so many things like the immune system, digestions, pick me ups along with general health and well-being. I always pack my herbals teas and flask so I can make one to have before I go on stage. This helps warm up the remainder of my throat and vocals before I sing. If it’s going to be a long one, I take it on stage with me, especially the good old Throat Coat. LOVE IT!

Keep up to date with Katelann Maree on her Facebook page here.

For more of our Rider Essentials series, go here.

Image: via Facebook