1.     Hello Kate, can you tell me a little bit about yourself before you became musician? I’m from a small artist town on the Delaware River called Frenchtown, in New Jersey. Frenchtown is in the countryside, and I grew up on a horse farm. The horses were and continue to be an important part of my life. I pursued goals as a competitive equestrian for most of my life and saddle time is something I still enjoy. Being on the farm, surrounded by nature, allowed for much time spent in my imagination as a child. So I was outside, exploring the farm (forest, creeks, fields, etc.) as often as possible. In school, I pursued mainly arts in courses, and was accepted into advanced courses in drawing and sculpture. I almost went to art school but opted to pursue music. As a child, I was known to memorize songs my parents played, or whatever I could hear on the radio. Consequently they signed me up for piano lessons around the age of 7, which became my initial foundation, instrumentally. In middle school I began taking voice lessons as well as sang in as many choirs as possible.  I later went on to study music formally, in college. In college (in Nashville) I started working in the music business, through internships and part time employment.  Meanwhile, I started singing backup vocals for bands/friends in town, played in a duo band, and started playing guitar/songwriting, more seriously.

2.     How did you know you wanted a career in music? Music has always been a part of me. I’ve related to songs, and have gotten lost in the storytelling, for as long as I can remember. At some point in high school, I had this feeling that it was necessary to pursue songwriting, because of the impact music had/was having on me. I wanted to create a connection with people and their experiences, through music.

3.     Who are some of your musical icons? Patsy Cline, Emmylou Harris, Loretta Lynn, Ryan Adams, Neko Case, Willie Nelson, Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan, Stevie Nicks

4.     What is story behind your latest single “Whistle Cry,” on your new album “Heroine?” The ‘Whistle Cry’ story began while I was living in London a few years back. I had been traveling all of the U.K. by train, solo, and was inspired by the solace and freedom the train offered. A series of imaginative poems and stories began on this journey. When I returned to Nashville I was nostalgic for the life I had lived, loved and left abroad. I found steady comfort in the soothing sounds of the train outside my Nashville apartment. It’s whistle cry brought memories back to life while encouraging the prospect of new ones. I often imagined following that freeing feeling…just climbing on board to somewhere new.

5.     How did you come up with the name of your album and was there any other names that you were maybe going to pick instead?  Heroine was inspired by a quote by author, Nora Ephron:  “Above all, be the heroine of your life, not the victim.” This song was written after a transformative time in my life as an artist, where I left New York city and headed to France with my guitar. While there, Heroine was completed. Heroine reflects my journey toward independence, which I think is very relatable. Heroine is meant to be an inspiration and anthem to all who have experienced, or who are now experiencing changes in life.

6.     Where do you see yourself in the next 5 to 10 years with your music? I can’t help but continue to create more music as the years go on. Even though the record was recently released, I still find myself writing music. I hope to share another collection of songs in the next 5-10 years, if not before!

7.     What is one accomplishment that you are most proud so far that happened in your music career?  I feel the most accomplished as an artist when an individual approaches me after a show, and tells me they resonated with a particular song(s). This is always the goal, to provide a safe place for listeners to feel something, through your song(s). This has happened a few times over the past year of performing more frequently, and it keeps me inspired.

8.     What is one of your favorite quotes? “Milkshakes” from the film “Before Sunrise”. 

9.     Is there anything else coming up with your music for the rest of 2017? In the near future, ’m looking forward to opening up for Heather Nova in May, for several shows. Also am thrilled to be releasing my first music video, this coming Friday, for the song “Whistle Cry”.