Katherine “Kat” Cabula began writing songs as a teen, composing her tune “It Rains in California” while still a high school senior at Ribét Academy in Los Angeles.
When she was looking to continue her education, she wanted a university that had an open-minded approach but also provided a traditional music conservatory setting. She found what she was searching for with Cal Poly Pomona’s music composition program. Now, the sophomore is winning awards, recently earning Best Pop Song honors in the 2017 Hollywood Songwriting Contest for “It Rains in California.”
Cabula sees the recognition as another stepping stone in her journey as a musician.
“It has motivated me even more to continue creating music and expanding my experiences,” she said, “to collaborate with good people, learn more skills, and to show up to class on time.”
Inspired by a Ted Talks video called “Do Schools Kill Creativity” by Sir Ken Robinson, Cabula wanted to write an anthem for artists, musicians, and other minority groups. Her song challenges the push to conform and deny one’s originality because those are the same pressures that destroy potential.
Believing in her song she wanted to submit it to as many music competitions as possible. She learned that there are different music scenes everywhere and each one judges music differently. She believes it is important for composers to examine all the feedback they receive for their music.
Currently creating music arrangements and score notation for a debut EP, Cabula is experimenting with new and retro sounds and is interested in collaborating on her upcoming project with other musicians on campus whose work ethic she admires.
After her first year at Cal Poly Pomona, she sees herself as a better equipped musician because of the inspiring faculty in the music department and how well the music curriculum shapes young composers like herself. Cabula also recognizes how important her family and friends have been to her journey.
“I want to thank them all for their endless support of my music,” she said.
Watch the debut music video for “It Rains in California.”