BYRON Bay singer songwriter Garrett Kato should feel right at home when he plays Torquay tonight, with a similar seaside vibe between the two coastal icons.
The Canadian born musician is opening for local Byron mate Pete Murray on his 31 date regional tour, presenting songs from his recently-released album That Low and Lonesome Sound.
Kato is jumping straight on the road solo after just completing his first run of September shows with his full band.
“Playing solo with just my guitar is my most comfortable mode,” Kato declares. “I love breaking hearts if I can.”
His new single, Headlights, is an anthemic, toe-tapping folk rock anti-love song.
“I’ve always loved the idea of anti-love songs and having a large group of people sing along to something other than ‘I love you babe,’” says Kato.
The album was two years in the making with Kato recording most songs multiple times. “I just kept adjusting them and tending to them like my garden,” Kato explains.
The result is a dynamic album full of texture and warmth with Kato’s smooth, dreamy melodies and exquisite harmonies weaving a rich tapestry of storytelling folk gems.
Written about Kato’s relocation from Canada to Australia, the songs focus on the journey and personal battles of letting go of a past life, Kato says.
“Some songs have themes which stretch further into my past, but the majority are about my new life and love in Australia… it’s basically a personal diary of manhood and letting go.”
Kato plays Torquay Hotel tonight.
