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Katya Mansell is a Glasgow based singer/songwriter, an exciting indie pop artist playing catchy melodies entwined with bright chords and experimental rhythms. Influenced by Phoebe Bridgers, Bon Iver and Death Cab for Cutie, Katya creates heart wrenchingly beautiful songs with clever musicality. Katya has spent a year and a half studying the craft with songwriters such as Rob Wells (Arianna Grande/Justin Bieber), Charlie Grant (Ed Sheeran/Melanie C) and Luc Floreani (Sam Smith/Amy Winehouse) and is releasing new music in 2023 as a solo artist, just after being announced as a semi-finalist for the prestigious International Songwriting Competition.
Katya Mansell’s debut single received critical acclaim from Umong Shah (Fortitude Music), Susan Hansen (CLASH Magazine), Malte Tabeling (Humming Records) and Mikey Rishwain (M for Montreal). It has been played on Amazing Radio and BBC Radio Scotland. You Belong Here was also included in the podcast Everybody Wants to Play the Hits by Ravechild and Snack Magazine. It was included in the Scottish Alternative Music Awards (SAMA) Official Playlist and BBC Introducing.
Katya has written songs since they were a kid growing up in the Scottish country side. When they first asked their mum if they could have a drum kit (with no as the response), Katya went to their room and made one out of cardboard boxes. They did eventually get their own drum kit. And a guitar or two. And a keyboard. Katya’s career has weaved in and out of music (like a true gemini), from working in supported accommodation with young asylum seekers and care leavers to supporting survivors of gender based violence and teaching pupils about consent in schools. Katya brings a unique skillset to songwriting, showcasing her ability to connect with others through captivating story-telling and songs about social justice.
Katya kicked up a storm in the music industry with her writing for band The Violet Kind. They released their debut EP entitled OXTR (released 2018), recorded at Post Electric Studio by Rod Jones of Idlewild, mixed and mastered by Rob Thomas at LongWave Studios (Twin Atlantic/Funeral for a Friend). Speakeasy, the first single from the EP was played on Amazing Radio with Jim Gellatly and received critical acclaim by the likes of The Skinny, Tenement TV and Team Rock, and was included in the Best of British Unsigned podcast. The Violet Kind were named as ‘UK Artist of the Week’ by The Vinyl District and “a standout among today’s music” by Guitar Girl Magazine. The band were featured in the Richer Unsigned guide in association with Q magazine, and were chosen to perform at the o2 ABC Glasgow for the regional heats of A Shot at Discovery, a competition run in association with The Pogues and Academy Events. Following this, Katya was selected to attend the Girls I Rate Get Heard A&R listening event held by songwriter Carla-Marie Williams in association with PRS for Music and Island Records. This was televised by the BBC, hosted by Lily Allen and showcased a private performance from Stormzy. Katya was then invited to sing and share some thoughts covered in her writing at the Festival of Politics at The Scottish Parliament. Involved in fundraising, they performed at All In For Rohingya, an event hosted by BBC’s Sanjeev Kohli and Kawser Quamer. They also won a day recording at the iconic Gorbals Sound studio in Glasgow, a competition held in association with Resonate; Scotland’s newest music industry event.
“Mesmerising” - Roddy Hart, BBC Radio Scotland
“You Belong Here is a beautiful blend of hushed chords and moving sentiments.” - SAMA