Cat Burns: The Intimate Voice of UK Indie Pop

Cat Burns is a British singer-songwriter crafting confessional indie pop and soul. Hailing from South London, her career reached a new level with the viral success of her 2020 single go, which later achieved double-platinum certification in the UK.

Early career

Cat Burns began sharing her music online as a teenager, building an early following through platforms like YouTube with acoustic covers and original songs. Her first official EP, Naive, was released independently in 2016, showcasing her raw vocal talent and candid songwriting style from the outset.

Breakthrough

The turning point arrived in 2020 with the release of the heartfelt breakup anthem go. Initially gaining traction on social media, the song's popularity exploded on TikTok, leading to a major label re-release with Since 93/RCA Records in 2022. go peaked at number two on the UK Singles Chart and spent weeks in the Top 10, transforming Burns from a cult online artist into a chart mainstay.

Key tracks

go - This viral smash became her signature song, earning double-platinum status and defining her emotionally direct style.

free - A later single that continued her chart success, reaching the UK Top 20 and exploring themes of self-liberation.

People Pleaser - A standout track from her 2022 EP emotionally unavailable that resonated for its relatable lyrics about setting boundaries.

Sleep At Night - This earlier release highlighted her skill in crafting poignant, stripped-back acoustic narratives.

You Don't Love Me - A collaboration with Sam Smith that brought her songwriting to a broader audience, appearing on Smith's 2023 album Gloria.

Following the success of go, Burns released the EP emotionally unavailable in 2022, which debuted at number five on the UK Albums Chart. Her music often explores themes of queer relationships, mental health, and personal growth, connecting deeply with a generation seeking authenticity. As an openly queer artist, her work provides important representation within the modern pop landscape.

Fans of Cat Burns's brand of heartfelt, diary-entry indie pop might also enjoy the work of Sam Smith, who shares a collaborative history and a talent for soul-baring balladry. The conversational style of Holly Humberstone also finds parallels in Burns's detailed storytelling. For listeners drawn to UK-based, emotionally resonant songwriting, Mabel offers a more polished pop take on similar themes, while the early work of James Bay captures a comparable acoustic-driven sincerity.

Her music is frequently featured on a variety of online radio streams and independent music stations that champion contemporary singer-songwriters.

The music of Cat Burns can be discovered and enjoyed through the radio stations featured on our platform, offering listeners a direct connection to her evolving indie pop sound.