After recording a 7-track demo in 1995, the band signed to Murmur Records, a subsidiary of Sony. In 1996, they released the 7-track EP The Answer to Both Your Questions, recorded and mixed by Greg Atkinson of Sydney band Big Heavy Stuff.
In November of 1996, the 3-track single "Dean Martin" was released. Early in 1997, the band released a 5-track EP titled Intermission as they recorded their first album, Elsewhere for Eight Minutes, in New Zealand and mixed and mastered it in New York with U.S. producer Brian Paulson. (Brian had previously produced albums for Wilco, Archers of Loaf, Superchunk and Slint, amongst others.) Something for Kate's first full-length album was released in July of 1997. Bass player Julian Carroll was then replaced by Toby Ralph, who toured with the band for the release of the album.
Four singles were released from Elsewhere for Eight Minutes: "Captain (Million miles an hour)", "Prick", "Working Against Me" and "Roll Credit". Bass player Toby Ralph was replaced by Stephanie Ashworth (of Melbourne outfit Sandpit) in March 1998. The band then wrote their second album, Beautiful Sharks, which was released in April of 1999. Beautiful Sharks was recorded in Melbourne, once again by producer Brian Paulson.
Four singles were released from Beautiful Sharks: "Electricity", "Hallways", "Whatever You Want" and "The Astronaut". When the band went on the road with this album they took on an extra touring musician, Wally Gunn, to play the incidental guitar and keyboard parts.
In 2000, as the band were writing for their third album, Murmur released Q & A With Dean Martin, a re-release of the sold-out first EP and single. Also released in 2000 was Big Screen Television, a video collection of 12 of the band's music videos along with some bonus footage.
In June of 2001, the third album, Echolalia, was released. Produced by the band and Trina Shoemaker (whose other recording credits include Queens of the Stone Age, REM, Whiskeytown and Sheryl Crow), Echolalia was recorded at INXS bass-player Garry Gary Beers' Mangrove studio in the Central Coast of NSW.
Four singles were released from Echolalia: "Monsters", "Three Dimensions", "Twenty Years" and "Say Something". When touring this album, the band took on two touring musicians, Pip Branson (ex Sydney band Sidewinder) and Simon Bourke, again, to play the increasing amount of keyboards and extra guitar parts featured on the album.
In 2002 the band released their first DVD, A Diversion, which is a document of the writing, recording and touring of the Echolalia album.
In 2003 the band recorded and released their fourth album, The Official Fiction. Produced once again by the band and Trina Shoemaker at Mangrove studios, it spawned the singles "Deja Vu", "Song for a Sleepwalker", "Best Weapon" and "Moving Right Along".
After supporting David Bowie on the Australian leg of his Reality Tour, the band toured Europe in 2004, taking in Germany, France, Denmark, Scotland, Ireland and the UK, before returned to Australia to release Phantom Limbs, a double album of the band members' and their fans' favourite b-side tracks from over the years.
On the 30th of June 2006, Something for Kate released their fifth album, Desert Lights. Since then, Something for Kate has released 2 singles, Cigarettes and Suitcases which was released on the 5th of May 2006, just under 2 months before the second EP, Oh Kamikaze which was released on the 1st of September 2006.
Survival Expert
Something for Kate Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
just keep blowing at that pretty blue flame that's burning you alive
it's time
it's just time
the shifting shoreline's hidden hands
might show you one black feathered wing sticking up from the sand
but you'll still fly
you'll still fly
so take a camera from the pile
and if it speaks less than a thousand words yeah if it tells a lie
you're right
you're always right
before new day arrives
we'll leave our buried shoeboxes, our capsules filled with time
and come alive
we'll come to life...
so take a camera from the pile
and if it speaks less than a thousand words yeah if it tells a lie
you're right
you're always right
before new day arrives
we'll leave our buried shoeboxes
our capsules filled with time
and come alive
we'll come to life...
the way you hold your head up
when you're not even sure where your next moment's coming from
it's you
it's just you
The lyrics of Something for Kate's song Survival Expert portray an admiration for someone's resilience in the face of adversity. The phrase "I like the way you survive" indicates that the person being addressed has a particular approach to life that impresses the singer. This approach is described as "blowing at that pretty blue flame that's burning you alive," suggesting that the person is able to maintain hope and optimism even when facing difficult challenges. The line "it's just time" acknowledges that there may not be an immediate solution to these challenges, but that time and patience will ultimately see the person through.
The reference to the "shifting shoreline's hidden hands" and the "black feathered wing sticking up from the sand" is somewhat ambiguous, but suggests that the person being addressed has faced significant setbacks and obstacles. However, the singer is still confident that this person will persevere, and will "still fly" despite any setbacks they encounter.
The final stanza continues this theme of resilience, with the singer encouraging the person to "take a camera from the pile," symbolizing the importance of remembering their struggles and successes. The line "before new day arrives we'll leave our buried shoeboxes, our capsules filled with time" suggests that the people involved are ready to move on from their past experiences and embrace new beginnings. The song ends with the affirmation that the person being addressed is strong and capable, able to hold their head up even when facing uncertainty.
Line by Line Meaning
I like the way you survive
I admire your ability to keep going despite your struggles
just keep blowing at that pretty blue flame that's burning you alive
Continue to nurture and sustain the things in your life that are causing you pain, but also keeping you going
it's time
It's time to move forward and embrace the next chapter of your life
the shifting shoreline's hidden hands
The unpredictable nature of life and how things can change in an instant
might show you one black feathered wing sticking up from the sand
Sometimes even in the face of darkness and despair, there is still a small glimmer of hope to hold onto
but you'll still fly
You will overcome your struggles and rise above your challenges
so take a camera from the pile
Capture the important moments in your life by taking a picture
and if it speaks less than a thousand words yeah if it tells a lie
If the picture doesn't accurately represent the true emotion or experience, it's not worth keeping
you're right
Trust your instincts and judgment because you often know what's best for you
you're always right
Your intuition and feelings are often the most valuable guideposts in life
before new day arrives
Take advantage of the current moment and don't wait for tomorrow to pursue your dreams
we'll leave our buried shoeboxes, our capsules filled with time
We will let go of the past and embrace the present moment, leaving the old memories and emotions behind
and come alive
Fully live and embrace the present moment without being haunted or held back by the past
the way you hold your head up
Your ability to keep your head high and stay positive despite your struggles
when you're not even sure where your next moment's coming from
Despite the uncertainty of the future, you still have the ability to stay strong and move forward
it's you
You are the source of your own strength and resilience
Contributed by Maria D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@aleruty
I love how it changes from the acoustic rendition from two years ago, with the addition of electric guitar, bass, piano and drums... I just can't wait to hear the rest of the album and see you guys live!!!!
@poorpremenstrualdarling
Wow. CLINT. THAT DRUM BEAT!
the double kick pattern on the off beat really throws me off.
Nice and effective 🙌
@TheDeadlyDelilah
The sound quality on this is the best!
@bobbyamin
Sheer unmitigated brilliance. This song is simply outstanding in every regard. Welcome back SFK.
@Karnivool09
Sooo glad that SFK are back with new music! love this single, can't wait to hear what the rest of the album brings!
@thejuggernaut991
can't stop listening
@cherybomber
Love it. The electro tinged intro was a bit off putting at first but now I can't stop playing this tune. Welcome back, SFK. Can't wait for the album.
@chaseyourdreams82
I like it! So much love for SFK and so pleased there is new music coming out.
@visionsofcrimson8145
Perfect timing, very well made
@CamField21
Been waiting so long for this!! Most underrated band in Australia!!