Cat Burns: neurodiversity, identity and musical success
I've only recently discovered the brilliant artist Cat Burns, which is embarrassing considering she's been a pretty big name for quite a few years now. The 24-year-old from Streatham, London, grew up surrounded by music. Her sound, a blend of indie-pop infused with gospel, reflects her diverse influences, including artists like Kirk Franklin, Ed Sheeran, and Tracy Chapman.
Cat has particularly stayed in my mind because of the candid way in which she speaks about her neurodiversity. Last summer, when she was 23, she finally received an autism diagnosis.
This came two years after her diagnosis with ADHD, following a gut feeling that it didn't entirely explain the way her brain worked and felt.
"I knew I had ADHD but I still felt there was a difference in my brain that I wanted to understand and explore. So once I got my autism diagnosis that helped me understand myself and just how much I've had to do in order to get to where I am," Cat told the BBC.
Burns credits her neurodiversity as a positive part of her songwriting and creative process, and as an integral piece of her identity and story. She's mentioned that her ADHD helps her write songs more quickly, turning what for some might seem a challenge into a strength in her music career.
However, she doesn't hesitate to acknowledge the difficulties that growing up with undiagnosed autism and ADHD brought her. "It was non-stop, thinking about experiences in school like revising and studying and all the other things I struggled with daily," she told the BBC.
Also, when she speaks about her diagnosis, she acknowledges the huge disparity in diagnoses and delays that people of colour, particularly women, face when seeking them.
"I think it comes from the research that's out there and the idea lots believe women can't have autism, and then on top of that adults can't have autism. It [research] needs to be across the board, but especially with women and Black women." Burns told the BBC.
As a queer, Black, neurodivergent artist, Cat Burns has become an important voice for intersectionality in the music industry. She serves as an excellent point of reference for all artists. She's spoken openly about the challenges of reconciling different aspects of her identity and aims to create visibility for underrepresented groups in music.
Cat's debut album "Early Twenties" was released in July 2024, marking a significant milestone in her career. She's also been nominated for three Brit Awards, solidifying her status as a rising star in the UK music scene.
Cat Burns' story is one of talent, perseverance, and embracing one's unique identity. Her openness about her neurodiversity adds depth to her music and provides representation for neurodivergent individuals in the entertainment industry.