The Story Behind the Music,
KateCate
The music began with Kate singing traditional Croatian songs. Accompanied by her guitar, the melodies gradually came to life through her personal interpretation. René created a harmonic context on the vibraphone, sometimes in unexpected and distinctive ways. This collaboration became the foundation of the KateCate sound.
Once the basic form of voice and vibraphone was established, René added bass, keyboards, and drums to some pieces. Not every song required this; in several cases, the fragile beauty of the original setting—just voice and vibraphone—was so compelling that it remained the final version.
Kate learned traditional Dalmatian songs from an early age, when her father sang them to her as a child. Her love for traditional music and songs became part of her very being. Today, she performs these songs in her own interpretations and arrangements.
The old Dalmatian songs describe life in Dalmatia and on the islands in earlier times—how people once lived, how love was expressed and relationships began, the longings and desires people felt, the kinds of work they did, how they spent their days, what the villages and fields looked like, and the important role the sea played in their lives.
The new compositions on the album were created by Kate, inspired by poetry written in the Dalmatian island dialect by local poets. Through this music, we hope to keep the spirit of these traditions alive and share them with new audiences.
Enjoy the selection of songs we have recorded for you.
“Tu pak tam” (Here and There) is an album that takes listeners on a journey across time and place—where traditional melodies meet modern beats, and stories are told anew.
Whether you’re a lover of folk traditions, curious about Croatian music, or simply seeking fresh and meaningful sounds, KateCate invites you to step into a world where “here” and “there” meet in harmony.
