Hog the Stage winners Kitty The Lion introduce themselves

Kitty the Lion began as me, Anna, playing small solo gigs around Glasgow. Last year, I recruited a band of guys who I had met through gigging and such like: Nick Roan on drums, Joe Rattray on lovely upright bass, Sorren Maclean on guitar and Callum Wiseman on mandolin. We play chirpy folk-pop. Our influences are of course varied but I have a particular penchant for female vocalists such as Regina Spektor, and people who sing in their own accents like Australian Ben Lee. Local acts have also been a big inspiration to me, in particular the likes of Frightened Rabbit. I dislike singers who whine about their troubles but are clearly from a nice affluent family in the suburbs, so have always tried to steer clear of whiny, worthy kind of songwriting and keep our songs upbeat and dance-able!

In the last year we've had the pleasure of playing at some amazing events, GoNorth and T in the Park being amongst the highlights. We've also collaborated with Scottish fashion designer Iona Crawford, who I originally met whilst modelling (although I use the word 'modelling' very loosely!) a dress she made out of discarded tents for a T in the Park campaign. She then made a beautiful dress for me to wear just in time for our single launch and first ever telly appearance in October.

In the last year we've also had many vehicular mishaps including breaking down at a gorge in minus temperatures and a near death experience of having to leap from a burning van somewhere on the A9.

Our reaction when they announced us as the winners of Hog the Stage was to burst out laughing and stare at each other incredulously. We are thrilled to be playing on Hogmanay, although I will no doubt be ridiculously nervous. Virtually every time before I go onstage I hate myself for agreeing to play the stupid nerve-wracking gig, but it all feels worth it when people enjoy the tunes, and hopefully the punters will on Hogmanay. Plus, the last time I went to the street party in Edinburgh I smashed up my dad's car so this year can only be an improvement on that!