St.Catherine’s Child Biography

Introducing St. Catherine’s Child: A Transatlantic Journey in Music

St. Catherine’s Child—a project spearheaded by the transatlantic singer-songwriter Ilana Zsigmond.

Originally born into a musical family in England, she was raised amidst the vibrant Americana scene of New Haven, Connecticut. Ilana’s music is shaped by her upbringing, looping between continents as her parents toured.

Returning to the UK in 2015, Ilana embarked on a musical journey, culminating in forming St. Catherine’s Child. This project effortlessly marries the Americana ethos of her upbringing with the nuanced wit of her British roots.

Named after the patron saint of eloquent women, St. Catherine’s Child is a testament to Ilana’s vocal prowess and lyrical finesse. Ilana explains:  “St. Catherine of Alexandria is the patron saint of debate and young women, and I fell madly in love with her story of speaking her mind, whatever the cost.”  The popular Catherine Wheel firework draws its name from the wheel associated with the saint’s martyrdom. 

A Journey Through Releases

 St. Catherine’s Child’s musical journey unfolds through a series of compelling releases.

 2020 Single: Burden

 The debut single, “Burden,” resonated deeply with audiences, amassing over 3 million streams on Spotify alone. The relatable song is about asking for help when things get tough, how we feel hesitant to admit we need support, and how it might make us seem weak. Ilana helps us to understand that everyone goes through tough times and that asking for help is okay.  Achieving three million streams on Spotify for an artist’s debut single is truly remarkable.

2021 Single: Connecticut River 

“In many ways, Connecticut River is much more than a break-up song; it is a song about being in a great big rush. The impatient jitteriness that accompanies large personalities in small towns is the same thing that pushes us to grow, spread wings, and meet new people.”

“Now, from across an ocean, Connecticut and its hazy glow of nostalgia is a constant reminder of the things that make me who I am, of formative experiences that took place in sprawling suburbs, of making silly movies with my best friend, and of trialling lots of different haircuts and questionable shoe choices. It is a reminder that, no matter how urgent the need to move on to bigger and better things might be, everybody, once in a while, really needs just to slow down. Take some video, feel all the emotions, and marvel at the beautiful places we inhabit; after all, what’s the hurry?”

2023 EP: Every Generation 

Released under the Ki An Projects label in May 2023, St. Catherine’s Child’s four-song EP “Every Generation” is a testament to their evolving sound. Recorded at The Cabin Studio in Liverpool and mastered at Abbey Road Studios, London, the EP showcases the band’s musical dexterity and Ilana’s poignant songwriting. 

With tracks like the eponymous “Every Generation,” Ilana weaves autobiographical narratives with a deft touch, exploring themes of love, loss, and resilience. From the poignant “Holy” to the introspective “I Know Nothing,” the EP showcases a lyrical prowess.

Illana says: “I Know Nothing’ is an ode to the unexpected freedom that comes with having the rug pulled out from underneath you. It’s an Indie Rock-Americana bop from the intersection of fear, joy and heartbreak, reminiscent of early Sheryl Crow and those great movie montages of post-breakup haircuts and bedroom makeovers. Falling in love for the first time felt like being handed keys to a strange new world, and building that furnished home for two inside my heart felt like having it all figured out. But in the shock of its breakdown came a strange sense of calm. If we’re never able to know what’s coming, we’re free from the stress of anticipation. The tides will always rise; we’ll roll with the punches. We’ll dust ourselves off and redecorate the houses inside our hearts, and it’ll sound something like this.”

With each track on the EP, St. Catherine’s Child offers a glimpse into their multi-faceted musical universe. In this realm, folk-inspired British storytelling meets rock arrangements and country-tinged Americana.

St. Catherine’s Child gears up for their debut full-length album, slated for release in 2024.  Teaming up with acclaimed producer David Glover, known for his work with Mercury-nominated acts such as Self Esteem, Slow Club, and Tiny Dancers.

Live Performances: Captivating Audiences

Beyond the studio, St. Catherine’s Child captivates audiences with electrifying live performances. Building a fervent following across the UK, the band has graced sold-out shows in cities like York, Newcastle, and Liverpool. 

Supported by the Performing Rights Society International Showcase Fund and recognised with official showcases at Americana Fest and Folk Alliance, St. Catherine’s Child continues to push musical boundaries on the global stage. Recently, Ilana shared the stage touring with acclaimed Americana Memphis artist Drew Holcomb.

A Future Full of Promise

 St. Catherine’s Child, inspired by the story of a girl speaking her mind whatever the cost, gives the old country adage of “three chords and the truth” a contemporary indie twist. One thing remains abundantly clear: the project is brimming with promise.

Ilana embarks on the next phase of her musical journey, with an upcoming album on the horizon and her performance in Blackpool with St Catherine’s Child. The talented trio will perform on the Arena Stage of The British Country Music Festival on Saturday, August 31^st 2024. There will be fireworks.