Reviews

“At only 14 years of age, singer-songwriter Kate Prendergast is already putting older, more mature artists to shame. Despite her tender years, her songs have that deep profoundness of “an old soul” with delicate vulnerability guiding the soothing melodies. Inspired by various musicians from Niall Horan to Amy Winehouse and Eminem, it’s easy to say that Prendergast is open to diverse styles, and this is evident in her music as she explores sounds with an experimental ear. The latest addition to her discography is the single ‘Past Letters’.

One aspect I find intriguing about Kate Prendergast is the seeking of a particular sound with slips of pop, indie-pop and soul twirling about. Yet, a distinctive folk tone persists in each track from the toe-tapping ‘Red Ribbon’ to her new single ‘Past Letters’. Soft, soothing and filled with tender acoustic vibes, Prendergast proves that beauty exists in simplicity. Backed by an acoustic guitar, her smooth vocals are whimsical, wistful and charming; however, they also carry weight in a poignant theme.

Reflective and insightful, ‘Past Letters’ is “about the stories or letters we tell our future and past selves…” For me, the lyrics, “The letters I wrote to my future self/ I didn’t know this is all I’d amount to/ If I’d known it back then would I do what I do?” Soul-chilling, profound and filled with an intricate intensity that has you leaning back and wondering what those letters would say.

Sincere, sentimental and endearing, but with a slight chill of self-realisation, ‘Past Letters’ is our glimpse into something great to come. She might not be a household name just yet, but Kate Prendergast is set for stardom.”

— Nicole Mendes, The Other Side Reviews

“Coming all the way from Meath in Ireland is the precocious talent of 14 year old Kate Prendergast and her new single 'Past Letters'. Instantly, immediately in fact, you find yourself drawn into Prendergast's world where she is wise beyond her tender years. A rich and warm vocal is matched with a simple but effective acoustic strum and carefully placed bass notes to create a sound that is the very definition of less being more. Fans of Laura Marling and Beth Orton will absolutely love this and I, for one, can't wait to see how this burgeoning career develops over the coming years.“

— Listen with Monger

“The simple arrangement lets the vocal take center stage and let the young artist showcase her talent. You wouldn't even believe her age when you hear her sing. It sounds like there's quite a life already lived in her vocal. Full of all the emotions brought to the humans during lifetime. Nostalgia, sorrow, regrets, acceptance and moving on. A little bit of "what if" thrown in the mix. Mature, sincere and captivating, this song raises the bar and shows the potential of this old soul in the body of a teenager.”

"Got used to the voices 

But now they’re all gone

I’ve had my shot

But blew it for fun"

— Jana Vondrusova, Music from the Heart