Following the release of her new single “Radio,” rising pop artist Cate Tomlinson spoke with The Knockturnal about embracing authenticity and evolving her sound.
“I’m going full pop mode,” Cate Tomlinson told The Knockturnal when asked where her music career is headed. On her newest single “Radio,” released Dec. 12, the Los Angeles-based artist embraces a glittery, synth-infused sound. Centering a failed love who can now only hear her through the radio, the song’s tongue-in-cheek metaphor represents Tomlinson’s growing self-assurance as an artist.
“Radio” marks a stylistic departure from Tomlinson’s previous work, which blends singer-songwriter lyricism with alt-pop textures across EPs The Side Effects of You and Blueberry Season. Still, her discography has a distinct personal style, defined by clever songwriting, sharp humor and an infectious attitude.
Since releasing her debut single “notes app apology” in 2022, Tomlinson hasn’t shied away from being bratty or dramatic in her music, a persona she says she’s embodied since childhood, where she assertively told her family she was going to be a singer. Beyond her discography, Tomlinson showcases her larger-than-life personality on TikTok. She’s gone viral for everything from comedy skits to never having tried McDonald’s before, earning her the nickname “Almond Cate,” a playful reference to the “almond mom” lifestyle trend.
Speaking with The Knockturnal hours after “Radio” dropped, Tomlinson opens up about balancing her social media presence with her music career, and the influences shaping her incoming unapologetically pop era.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
The Knockturnal: Happy “Radio” release day! How does it feel to have the song out in the world?
Tomlinson: It feels great. I feel like I took a bit of a hiatus. My most recent EP released almost exactly a year ago, and I put out [“He’s Not You“] in May, but this was definitely a period of transition. I took a step backwards almost, and recalibrated, which included building my new team and manager that I have now. This is definitely marking the beginning of my best era.
The Knockturnal: Do you have a specific vision in mind for this new period of music?
Tomlinson: Definitely. As I’m getting more mature and older — I’m not that old, I’m 24 — the gap between how I act as a person and the persona I portray in my music is rapidly shrinking. I’m really becoming more authentically myself, and in line with my personality. I think that is going to be really apparent in the songs.
The Knockturnal: Can you walk me through the process of creating “Radio”?
Tomlinson: This song came out of the first session that my new manager put me in, and I was nervous because this was my first time collaborating with other writers. I had never met the producer (Mosaic) or co-writer (Ella Collier), but it was so fun and totally expanded my toolbox. I went into the studio and we all hung out and talked for an hour. Ella and I immediately hit it off.
As for the story behind it, I would say as I’ve dated around in LA — well, dating is a strong word — I’ve experienced this phenomenon where I’ll be really into someone, and the vibe is great, but the crushes never align. And then, I’ll get over it and be on to the next person and that’s the second they start liking you. It’s unfortunate. Once I move on, I’m never going back.
The Knockturnal: Both “He’s Not You” and “Radio” lean into a pure pop sound different than your previous work. Is this the direction you’re heading in the future with your music?
Tomlinson: Yes, it’s gonna be crazy. I’m writing all the time. When I go into a session lately, I am on a mission to make a pop song. Also, my goal is to make music that my friends will naturally put on at the pregame. I’ve accomplished that multiple times this year, which has been really big for me. So, I am going full pop girl. I’m adding things to the menu, but there are exceptions. I still write all the time at my piano, so there are songs that are more singer-songwriter and storytelling-heavy. You’re getting both sides of the coin.
The Knockturnal: In the hook of your new single, you tell an ex-lover that they’ll only be able to hear you on the radio now. What are some artists that you heard on the radio growing up that have shaped your taste?
Tomlinson: I have this vivid memory I associate with this song for some reason. When I was six years old, my older cousins would let me ride in the car with them. We would have the windows down, and they’d let me chew bubblegum, which, for some reason, my mom didn’t. We would play Gwen Stefani, Britney Spears and Lady Gaga. Those, I would say, are the main pop women I channel.
The Knockturnal: Is there a specific moment in your childhood where you knew you wanted to pursue music?
Tomlinson: I knew from the beginning that I wanted to be a singer and an actress. The actress part didn’t come back until later. But for music, I put a band together when I was in third grade. It was called “Solemn.” None of us knew what the word meant, but it felt right. I would write songs for that, and continued writing throughout high school. I never talked about it — it was just something I did, like drawing.
When I was in my senior year of high school, I suddenly had a realization that nobody’s ever going to magically discover I write songs. It has to come from me. I found a producer in Berkeley, California and got my first songs produced. My parents wondered where it all came from, and I had to tell them I had been writing for 12 years.
The Knockturnal: You’re very active on social media, especially TikTok. Do you feel like the social media personality and musician personality are two different bubbles?
Tomlinson: No, I don’t. I think what’s cool about me is that I’m able to do the whole skit thing, the weird cooking video content and also have the hot, pop girl side. I wouldn’t be able to do any of this if I wasn’t so secure and confident in who I am. My music is the common thread between it all.
The Knockturnal: Now that 2025 is nearly over, what’s an important lesson you learned this year?
Tomlinson: This applies to both my life and business career, but surrounding yourself with people that fill your cup and make you feel emotionally satiated is so important. I feel like I have built a quality, amazing group of people, and we’re all very aligned with common goals. It makes everything so much more fun when you’re working with your friends.
Also, as an artist, I am now writing every day, no matter what. Even if I’m tired or whatever I write is shitty, maybe it’s a seed for something that will come the next week. It keeps my brain unblocked. I think that’s my biggest takeaway of the year.
Feature Photo by Sean Behr.
