Katy B

Katy B is the performing name of Kathleen “Katie” Brien, a singer-songwriter from Peckham, South London, in the United Kingdom. Born in 1989, she works in dubstep, electronic music, UK funky and UK garage, and is also associated with R&B, house and related club styles. She performs under her own name and has also used the alias Baby Katy.

Education and early work

She is a graduate of the BRIT School and later completes a degree in Popular Music at Goldsmiths, University of London. Before her debut release under Katy B, she has major label offers in 2009, but first records for Rinse in 2010.

Under the name Baby Katy, she appears on DJ NG’s track “Tell Me”, which first circulates as a white label before later being signed to Ministry of Sound.

Collaborations and releases

Katy B works with Geeneus on a version of Kevin Saunderson’s “Good Life” and on the track “As I”. She also provides vocals on “Hold Me” from The Count & Sinden’s debut album Mega Mega Mega, and appears on Magnetic Man tracks “Perfect Stranger” and “Crossover”.

Her first single, “Katy on a Mission”, is produced by Benga and becomes a significant chart success, reaching number 5 on the UK Singles Chart and number 1 on the UK Indie Chart. Her second single, “Lights On”, features Ms. Dynamite and reaches number 4 in the UK. “Broken Record” follows and reaches number 8.

Debut album

Her debut studio album, On a Mission, is released in 2011 and enters the UK chart at number 2.

Live appearances

In 2009, Katy B performs at the London Jazz Festival with Ms. Dynamite. She also works with Ms. Dynamite on material for an album project.