From Street Performances to Chart-Topping Success: Cat Burns Reflects on Her Career Path

Long before Cat became a staple on your For You page, she began her journey as a street performer. However, busking was far from simple—it involved more than just picking a spot and singing to passersby. At Southbank, where Cat performed, there was a formal audition process. “Every year, they host auditions. You show up, and it’s open to everyone,” she explains.

Once accepted, there are strict rules: spots are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, with each performer limited to one hour. The competition is fierce, but Cat approached every session as if it were a professional concert. “On a good day, especially during summer, I could earn between £150 and £200,” she recalls. Her strategy? Performing covers of artists like Ed Sheeran and iconic songs such as “Imagine.”

Busking wasn’t just a way to make ends meet; it was a crucial stepping stone. It built her confidence, sharpened her performance skills, and provided the financial flexibility she needed to pursue her music career.

In 2020, Cat’s debut major single, “Go,” surpassed a million streams—a remarkable achievement for any artist, especially a newcomer. However, for Cat, this was just the start. “I was thrilled with the success, but it didn’t instantly transform my life,” she shares.

Unbeknownst to her, the song would experience an unexpected revival nearly two years later, thanks to TikTok’s unpredictable magic. “No one really understands how it happens, but that’s the beauty of TikTok,” she explains. The platform’s ability to revive older tracks propelled “Go” back into the limelight, elevating her career to unprecedented heights.

This sudden resurgence taught Cat an inspiring lesson: never underestimate the impact of sharing your art with the world. “You never know when your work will be discovered,” Cat reflects, a sentiment that resonates deeply with aspiring creators everywhere.

During the lockdown, Cat, like many others, found solace in TikTok. “I was just posting for fun,” she recalls. However, she soon recognized the platform’s potential for building a genuine connection with her audience. “At one point, I was posting three times a day,” she says. From covers to trending challenges and original compositions, Cat tried it all.

Her consistent presence and authentic, soulful voice helped her gather a loyal following. “I made a deal with myself: if I didn’t reach 10K followers by September 2020, I’d go to university and explore other paths,” she reveals. (Spoiler: she never needed that backup plan.)

In 2022, “Go” captured the hearts of music enthusiasts worldwide, including Sam Smith. The two quickly bonded over their shared humor and passion for pop culture. When Sam invited Cat to join their tour, it was a dream realized.

“Sam’s concert remains one of the most incredible experiences I’ve ever had,” Cat admits. From heartfelt ballads to energetic anthems, the tour was transformative. Collaborating with a global icon like Sam Smith not only cemented Cat’s position in the music industry but also expanded her reach, allowing her to connect with diverse audiences across the globe.

Cat’s journey to stardom highlights her exceptional talent, relentless work ethic, and adaptability in one of the toughest industries. Her unique sound, heartfelt lyrics, and dedicated fanbase are clear indicators that her future is incredibly promising.