Katherine Aly shares captivating third single “Edinburgh [for the narcissist]”

Martin Bone - Editor-In Chief 18 October 2024

1,747 3 minutes read

Edinburgh-based singer-songwriter Katherine Aly confronts modern dating archetypes with fun and flirtatious new alt-pop EP 222 – and shares captivating third single “Edinburgh [for the narcissist]”

Out 1st November, the standout four-track collection speaks to a generation of singletons, exploring themes of womanhood and romance (or lack thereof) through clever lyrics and a bold unmistakable sound

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Edinburgh-based musician Katherine Aly is set to release her stunning new alternative pop EP 222 on 1st November 2024 – a fun and flirtatious collection of tracks that reflects on the ups and downs of modern dating while confronting everyone from mama’s boys to narcissists through relatable whip-smart lyrics.

The dazzling EP explores relationships, situationships, first dates, and everything in between through the eyes of women, with each of the record’s four tracks inspired by Katherine’s own dating experiences or anecdotes shared by friends and social media followers. Filled with clever one-liners and catchy choruses, Katherine’s impeccable songwriting is amplified by a genre-defying sound that borrows from electronic dance, R&B, indie electronica, funk and soul, and pop – resulting in a unique, diverse, and epic EP that’s sure to win the talented musician a legion of new fans.

Following the electro-pop track FREUD [for the mama’s boy], and mid-2000s-inspired WHATYAGONDOBOUTIT [for the friendzoned], the third single EDINBURGH [for the narcissist], is out now. Exploring the complexities of being involved with someone who thrives on self-obsession, offering yet another clever commentary on modern dating, the song’s atmospheric sound is both reflective and assertive, capturing the emotional rollercoaster of such a relationship.

Katherine explained: “The third track, EDINBURGH [for the narcissist], is a particularly personal one as it examines how narcissism can impact a relationship. Lyrically, it’s the heaviest track of the EP and it has a strong, hopeful and feminist message – in the middle eight there’s a loud statement that ‘his story won’t be history this time’.

“And musically it’s the most experimental song, with a blend of choral singing and traditional percussion, heavy arpeggios and toms in the chorus, and an alt R&B vibe in the verses. We actually wrote this as a spare song to have just in case, but we ended up liking it so much it made it to the final four unanimously!”

Known for her genre-defying sound, the forthcoming EP 222 comes after a stellar few years for Katherine, who has been championed by the likes of Vogue Italia, Canal+, Clash Magazine, The Scotsman, and Amazing Radio. Funded by Creative Scotland, her debut album, Shadows Are Made Of Light Too, was released in 2022 and received a nomination for Album of the Year at The Weekender Magazine Awards. In 2022, Katherine was also part of the Wide Days Talent Development programme.

“The tracks are all essentially short stories which reflect on specific experiences with four different types of men: the mama’s boy, the friend-zoned, the narcissist, and the almost one,” explained Greece-born Katherine, who describes her music as a soundtrack of womanhood. “The title of the EP comes from the duration of the tracks, which all run to two minutes and 22 seconds. It started as a total coincidence after writing the first two songs, but I decided to continue the theme as a creative challenge for the final two tracks – plus 222 is also considered the number for trust and patience, so it’s a bit of a comical message connected to the modern dating scene. It really fits with the EP’s playful and confrontational character.”

Heavily influenced by the likes of Billie Eilish, Self-Esteem, Bjork, and Chappell Roan, Katherine wrote, recorded, and mixed 222 at home studios in Glasgow and Edinburgh – something that was made possible thanks to Creative Scotland’s Open Fund programme. She worked alongside friends and fellow musicians to bring the EP to life, co-writing with Joe Djaelani, recording and arranging vocals with Becca Shearing (SHEARS), mixing with Edwin McLachlan, and mastering with Izzy McPhee of Weird Jungle.

Katherine added: “All four songs were written with strong emphasis on rhythmic parts, which came before any melodic and lyric writing. I used to write songs on keys or guitar with full structures and words and then take them to the studio, but this time I wanted rhythm to dictate what my vocals and the music should do. It was a very fun experiment that helped me diversify as a songwriter.”

Katherine Aly is set to launch her exciting new EP 222 with a standout club night in Edinburgh on November 1st, curated in collaboration with Charli Morachnick. Featuring electrifying DJ sets from KINTRA, Salam Kitty, and Toni McVey, and hosted by the surrealist drag queen Mystika Glamoor, Echo Disko will celebrate womanhood, friendship, creativity, inclusivity, and glamour at Coco Boho on George Street. Tickets: https://www.universe.com/events/echo-disko-tickets-QCJ5R1.