Katie set to be rising star in Japan

A FUN-LOVING Moray youngster has landed a spot in an international pop group.

Katie Malcolm, of Fochabers, has been hand-picked to be part of all-girl band Cruel Angels due to be launched in Japan later this year.

Today her dad Gordon, of Fochabers, said: “I was shocked and proud. It’s not every day you get approached to have your daughter become a member of a pop band in Japan.”

The 41-year-old added: “She’s had a Japanese dictionary for years. She just likes the Japanese culture, the dress and the cartoons.”

Katie took an interest in Japan when she was 12-years-old, according to her contract manager dad.

A talent scout spotted the Fochaber 15-year-old’s YouTube videos, which showcased her speaking and singing in Japanese.

And he contacted the Moray teenager to sign a three-year recording deal with the band Cruel Angels.

The fourth-year pupil, who goes to Fochabers Academy pupil cited singing sensation Gwen Stefani as one of her idols.

She said: “I was in total shock I had no idea that I was going to be approached by them.” Katie, who was also picked because of her physical similarity to characters in anime – Japanese cartoons – added: “I started teaching myself Japanese two years ago. What got me interested was the anime and comics.”

Katie, whose band name is Kimi Cruel, is due to fly to Japan during her summer holidays to start recording with Cruel Angels.

rbrown@ajl.co.uk