Biography
Kate Fagan emerged in the late 1970s after immersing herself in the punk and new wave scenes of London and New York dance floors, inspired by powerhouse frontwomen like Patti Smith and Debbie Harry. Moving to Chicago from New York, she critiqued the shallow 'hipster' disco culture in her self-released 1980 single 'I Don't Wanna Be Too Cool' on Disturbing Records, which she co-founded; it became the best-selling local single at Wax Trax! Records, embraced by DJs for its surf-inspired drum machine, plucky bass, and defiant lyrics.[1][2] As frontwoman of punk group BB Spin, she opened for The Ramones, and organized 'Rock Against Racism' concerts, diving headfirst into Chicago's authentic punk scene.[1][4]
In 1980, Fagan co-founded the ska band Heavy Manners, whose legendary dance parties and electrifying shows opened for The Clash, Grace Jones, Peter Tosh, The English Beat, and others at venues like Park West and Aragon Ballroom; she was voted Chicago's top female performer multiple times.[1][2][4] She composed tracks like 'Master Of Passion' and 'Come Over' for her rock opera 'The Kissing Concept,' a semi-autobiographical story of 70s/80s nightclub life, premiered at Park West and Limelight; the 2023 expanded reissue of 'I Don't Wanna Be Too Cool' by Captured Tracks includes unreleased songs from it, with 'Say It' featuring production by Peter Tosh and Bob Marley's guitarist Donald Kinsey.[1] Her style blends punk, new wave, ska, and minimalist bass-driven dance tracks with politically charged, rebellious lyrics.[2]
Now based in New Orleans, Fagan remains active, releasing singles like '2 Good 2 B True' (ska-baroque fusion), 'Ho Ho Ho Holiday Party' (2021), and 'Say It' B/W 'Cover it Up' (2023), while shaping new musicians through Girls Camp of Rock chapters; 2016 and 2023 reissues solidified her cult status as a trailblazing frontwoman.[1][2]
Fun Facts
- Her 1980 single 'I Don't Wanna Be Too Cool' was the best-selling release by a local artist at Chicago's legendary Wax Trax! Records.[1][2]
- 'Say It' features production from reggae legend Peter Tosh and Bob Marley's guitarist Donald Kinsey, who recorded after seeing Heavy Manners live.[1]
- She organized 'Rock Against Racism' concerts in Chicago and fronted BB Spin opening for The Ramones.[1][4]
- Heavy Manners' dance parties remain legendary, with gigs alongside The Clash, Grace Jones, and The English Beat.[2]
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Patti Smith - stylistic inspiration as powerhouse punk frontwoman (general influence on adopting bass and minimalist sound) [1970s]
- Debbie Harry - stylistic inspiration as new wave frontwoman (general influence on women setting rules in punk/new wave) [1970s]
Key Collaborators
- Peter Tosh - production on track ('Say It' for Heavy Manners/The Kissing Concept) [1980s]
- Donald Kinsey - guitar recording after live show ('Say It' for Heavy Manners/The Kissing Concept) [1980s]
- Heavy Manners band members - co-founder and frontwoman of ska band (various shows and recordings) [early 1980s onward]
- BB Spin band members - frontwoman of punk group (opened for The Ramones) [early 1980s]
Artists Influenced
- Girls Camp of Rock participants - shaped new generations of musicians through camp chapters (various local scenes) [2000s-present]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| I Don't Wanna Be Too Cool (Expanded Edition) | 2023-02-24 | Album |
| Ho Ho Ho Holiday Party | 2021-11-16 | Album |
Top Tracks
- I Don't Wanna Be Too Cool (I Don't Wanna Be Too Cool (Expanded Edition))
- I Don't Wanna Be Too Cool (I Don't Wanna Be Too Cool)
- Come Over (I Don't Wanna Be Too Cool (Expanded Edition))
- Waiting For The Crisis (I Don't Wanna Be Too Cool (Expanded Edition))
- Master Of Passion (I Don't Wanna Be Too Cool (Expanded Edition))
- Say It (I Don't Wanna Be Too Cool (Expanded Edition))
- Come Over (I Don't Wanna Be Too Cool)
- Cover It Up (I Don't Wanna Be Too Cool (Expanded Edition))
- Take Your Chances (I Don't Wanna Be Too Cool (Expanded Edition))
- Something's Wrong (I Don't Wanna Be Too Cool (Expanded Edition))
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
Kate Fagan has been played 1 time on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 22, 2025 | 20:24 | Champagne Champagne | Blues and R&Bw/ Gentilly Jr. |