INTRODUCING: Phoebe Cate

Liverpool singer-songwriter Phoebe Cate is making her introduction with ‘Complicated’, a smooth, emotionally rich debut that blends the warmth of R&B with the immediacy of modern pop. Drawing inspiration from artists like Olivia Dean and Sombr, the 23-year-old artist brings a reflective honesty to her songwriting, pairing soulful melodies with introspective storytelling. Released in February and already picking up international streams and support from BBC Introducing Merseyside, ‘Complicated’ marks the first glimpse of an upcoming EP and signals the arrival of a promising new voice from Liverpool’s growing wave of emerging talent. In this interview, Phoebe Cate talks about the inspiration behind her debut, finding her sound, and what listeners can expect from the music still to come.

“Complicated” blends elements of R&B and pop. How did artists like Olivia Dean and sombr influence the sound and mood of the track?

Everything I’ve ever written has been influenced in some way by so many artists that I admire. I’ve always been someone who appreciates and listens to pretty much every genre of music there is, so when I first started writing songs at the age of fourteen, it was initially difficult to know where I fit as a musician. The curation of my own sound came from realising that music doesn’t have to fit into one distinct genre category, and some of my favourite artists are ones who have played around with their sound and have drawn inspiration from multiple places. 

I grew up listening to Jack Johnson and Mac Miller, and whilst they are so undeniably different, I think both artists have made such a big impression on me as neither have been scared to experiment and lead with creativity, and to me that’s what art should be about, having fun, pushing boundaries and trying to make something new. I never want to be someone who approaches songwriting in a clinical, constrained way, hence why Complicated blends elements of different styles of music and tows the line between R&B and pop. 

When I have to position myself and describe how I see the music I’m making right now, I think the space between Olivia Dean and Sombr’s sound is a helpful way to capture that. If I can make music that even loosely resembles what they’re putting out into the world right now, that would make me very happy. I really wanted to channel Olivia Dean’s authenticity, femininity and vulnerable joyous energy when making this track but I also wanted it to read as being honest, raw and relatable, much like a Sombr song, and I really hope people hear that when they listen to ‘Complicated’. 

As your debut single, what made “Complicated” the right song to introduce yourself and your music to listeners?

I wrote ‘Complicated’ when I was seventeen, and whilst I’ve written countless songs since, I always knew I wanted to lead with this song and incorporate it into my first EP. The song is a manifestation of how I felt about a situation I was in at the time, so the writing process was very easy, as it was just a case of me putting my emotions to paper, and that’s how I wanted to introduce myself as an artist; transparent, honest and true to myself.  

You recorded the track at Kempston Street Studio in Liverpool with producer Joe Sage. What was the recording process like and how did that collaboration shape the final sound?

I had so much fun recording the song, and I really hope people can tell that when they listen to it. ‘Complicated’ was written six years ago, so hearing it be brought to life after it existing as a demo voice note in my phone for all of that time was so special. The instrumental went through a few iterations before I decided on the final version, and I think I enjoyed the recording process so much because I believed in the song. 

Recording at Kempston Street Studios for my first EP installation was such a cool experience, so many artists I love have recorded their music there, so it felt monumental for me. Laying out my vocals next to one of Justin Bieber’s framed awards was a bit surreal, and it meant a lot to start my journey at a studio where so many iconic tracks have been recorded.  

The song has already been streamed in 78 countries and received radio play on BBC Introducing Merseyside and Amazing Radio. How has it felt seeing people connect with your very first release?

Putting my art out into the world for the first time was daunting and I really had no idea how it was going to be received, but I was so overwhelmed by the positive reception that the track got from the very start, and I’m so grateful for all of the love and support. 

Complicated got its first play on BBC Introducing Merseyside three days before the official release, and hearing my song on the radio for the first time was such a huge milestone for me. Being endorsed in that way from first release meant so much, and I think I’ll remember that moment forever.  

Since release, I’ve had messages from people around the world who have reached out to tell me they love the song and can’t wait to follow along with my journey, which means more than I can say.  

“Complicated” is the first glimpse of your upcoming EP. What themes or sounds can listeners expect from the rest of the project?

Right now, I’m working hard in the studio with great people to get my EP to where I want it to be. It is still very much a work in progress, but I would say expect vulnerability, experimentation, chill vibes and a lot of heavy basslines!