Kat and the Hurricane on Perseverance and the Power of Pride

Kat and the Hurricane is in the midst of a momentum-building year. And thanks to their perseverance, they recently earned some big triumphs, too. The group — made up of Kat Rhapsody (vocals, guitar), Benjamin Rose (vocals, keyboard), and Alex Nelson (drums), is often joined on-stage by friend and singer Candace Griffin.

Together, they’ve spent more than a decade working on original music — performing and touring as an indie synth rock group.

The Madison-based band also happens to be queer and trans.

And as Kat and the Hurricane finds power in the Pride events they play throughout the country every year, they’re also keeping up with the changes in legislation that could impact themselves and others. 

It’s a dangerous time. Recently passed laws in some states can directly impact our ability to perform or simply exist safely.

Kat and the Hurricane

Kat and the Hurricane recently returned from a road trip which included stops at June Pride events in Appleton and Stevens Point. We talked with them by phone during our Max Ink Radio music show. You can hear our complete conversation here.

They’re scheduled for a show at Sheboygan’s Pride Picnic and set to headline Oshkosh Pride this weekend. It’s the perfect example of how they want to blend their high-energy live show with a mission rooted in community and representation. For this band, being visible as queer and trans artists is intentional and deeply personal. 

“We want to be the representation we needed when we were younger,” Rose says. “Existing and performing as we are can itself be a powerful statement.”

Indeed, as the band just made a strong statement, earning five Madison Area Music Association (MAMA) Awards! The win includes Rock Performer of the Year, Pop Album of the Year for Got It Out, Pop Song of the Year for Caffeine and Alcohol, and two of the big ones: Overall Song of the Year for Caffeine and Alcohol, and Overall Performer of the Year.  

But even with the success, touring as an openly queer and trans band comes with challenges. Every stop requires careful planning, including an assessment of the venue’s safety, and consideration of where they should eat or sleep

“It’s a dangerous time,” Rhapsody explains. “Recently passed laws in some states can directly impact our ability to perform or simply exist safely.” 

Yet, things like venues ensuring gender-neutral bathrooms or simply asking trans artists what they need could make a big difference.

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Listen to a short Q and A for this story here:

The band’s ethos revolves around building community through kindness and mutual support. Whether it’s swapping gigs with friends in other cities or offering touring bands a place to crash, Kat and the Hurricane is cultivating a vibrant network of fellow independent musicians. 

“The energy you give comes back to you,” Nelson shares. “Surround yourself with the right people and you’ll be amazed at what can happen.”

One amazing thing happening is the national momentum for the song, Caffeine and Alcohol. It recently surpassed 250,000 streams. The song, as Rose describes it, is about “learning to find your people” and serves as a reminder that even in difficult times, hope and belonging are possible.

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Listen to the award-winning song Caffeine and Alcohol here:

And as Pride Month continues, Kat and the Hurricane is an inspiring example of what can happen when music, community, and authenticity come together.

There are new summer shows scheduled for Kat and the Hurricane in Chicago, Beloit, Madison, Sun Prairie, Minneapolis, Eau Claire, and more. Check the band’s website and find ways to be connected here.