Kate Alexa Biography
Even though it was released the year I was born, Ive always been a massive fan of the song, Kate explains. Its a song that gets you on the dancefloor.
The original was produced by Chris Blackwell the founder of Island Records who signed U2. Kates version of Teardrops was produced by Ian Molly Meldrum, who 20 years ago created Melodian Records garnering acts that shot to international stardom including Indecent Obsession, Roxus and Peter Andre.
So how does Kate describe Molly as a producer? Oh, hes very eccentric, Kate laughs. But hes really fun to work with, and very open to ideas. Hes very hands-on, but he lets
everyone have an opinion. He did an amazing job.
It was Molly who suggested that Kate cover the song. I was looking to do a single between albums, and Molly came up with the idea of doing 'Teardrops'. At first, I was a little sceptical because the original is such a classic and I love it so much. But then Molly and I spoke about how we could do it and how we could update the song.
Kate and Molly have given 'Teardrops' a striking 2008 makeover with the addition of a rap, courtesy of Baby Bash, who recently had a US Top 10 smash with 'Cyclone'. Also included in the production was a string section, provided by the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and arranged by Peter Sullivan. Peter and Molly have worked together previously on Cheetah, The Ferrets, Peter Andre, and Indecent Obsession.
I definitely studied the original version of 'Teardrops', Kate says. Its got such an incredible feel and groove and we wanted to keep that vibe. But we also wanted to do something different, and the rap takes the track to a whole new place.
Kate was a fan of Baby Bashs breakthrough hit, 'Suga Suga', and the American rapper heard what Kate was doing with the song through a friend of Kates manager. Hes a very cool guy, Kate says. He came in and did the rap in one take, and it fitted perfectly. The result is a remarkable remake.
'Teardrops' is the latest chapter in Kates career, which started in 2004 with her debut single, 'Always There'. Still a teenager, Kate has already had four Top 40 hits 'Always There', 'My Day Will Come', 'All I Hear' and 'Somebody Out There'.
In 2006, Kate released her debut album, 'Broken & Beautiful'. And in 2007, she did the soundtrack to the hit Australian TV series, 'H2O Just Add Water'.
'Teardrops' is the first taste of Kates second album, which will be released in 2008. Its a song packed with pop hooks, a summer smash if ever youve heard one!
