Kate Nash
A fiercely independent songwriter who turned a viral Myspace hit into a career defined by raw, confessional punk-pop and DIY spirit.
Born 1987 (age 39)·British musician·Birthday: July 6·Millennials
Biography
Kate Nash erupted from London's suburbs with a voice that was all sharp elbows and bruised heart, capturing the messy specifics of young womanhood in the late 2000s. Her breakthrough single 'Foundations,' a witty and caustic dissection of a failing relationship, shot to number two in the UK, making her a sudden star. Her debut album 'Made of Bricks' topped the charts, its piano-driven indie pop belying a lyrical bite. Resisting being pigeonholed, Nash aggressively shifted gears on her second album, embracing a rawer, riot grrrl-inspired sound that led to her being dropped by her major label. Unfazed, she doubled down on independence, founding her own label and releasing the brash, guitar-heavy 'Girl Talk.' Her career has since woven through acting, activism, and a steadfast commitment to artistic control, making her a model for self-determination in a fickle industry.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Kate was born in 1987, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Kate Was Born
The biggest hits of 1987
#1 Movie
Three Men and a Baby
Best Picture
The Last Emperor
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Kate's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1987Born
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1992Started school
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
2000Became a teenager
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2003Could drive
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2005Could vote
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2008Turned 21
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2017Turned 30
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Age 39 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Her debut album 'Made of Bricks' entered the UK Albums Chart at number one in 2007.
- The single 'Foundations' reached number two on the UK Singles Chart and became a global sleeper hit.
- Founded her own record label, Have 10p Records, to release her music independently after leaving a major label.
- Starred as Rhonda in the Netflix series 'GLOW,' earning critical praise for her performance.
Did You Know?
She originally trained to be an actor at the BRIT School before focusing on music.
Her early demos gained traction on Myspace, leading to her record deal.
Nash is a vocal advocate for feminism and music education in schools.
She published a book of lyrics, drawings, and personal thoughts titled 'My Best Friend Is You.'
She holds both English and Irish citizenship.
“I'm not waiting for a major label to give me permission to make an album.”
