How would you describe your music to any person who may have never heard it?
Katie: My music is definitely a reflection of me and how I see the world. I'd say the base sound is definitely pop. It's upbeat, moody, and even emotional. I'd like to think I have a song for everyone.
What is your musical moniker mean to you? K: My moniker is really just my first and middle name. I wanted to keep my brand as an artist as authentic as possible. I always loved the name my parents gave me and feel like it's true to who I am, so I just use that.
Who would you say are your biggest musical influences? K: I have so many. I'm inspired by artists like Dolly Parton and Stevie Knicks to Prince and Taylor Swift, but also artists like Dua Lipa and Julia Michaels. All for various reasons such as performance, branding, and songwriting. I feel there's something to be inspired by, from everyone.
If given the chance, who would you collaborate with? K: I would love to work with Lennon Stella or Flume. Two completely opposite artists, yet two artists I listen to regularly and feel so much even when I hear a song I've already heard 100 times. I love Lennon's kind of new-age vintage style. Her presence on Instagram makes me feel like she's so laid back and in real life, we would be friends. And Flume's next-level production with his intentional movements have always made me dance and feel alive. I think we'd be a good fit because a lot of his featured female vocalists have similar vocal ranges as me.
What's your brand new single "Next Ex" about? K: My single "Next Ex" was released on September 2nd, and this song is kind of about playing the field, being on the dating scene, and maybe coming across someone who's a little too clingy or trying to take things too fast. Realizing you don't owe any man anything and if he's not what you want, it's time to find a new one.
What's something you hope people take away from the new single? K: I hope they take away the confidence to not settle. You owe it to yourself to cut someone off or not waste time on something that isn't serving you. Life is short, we aren't young forever. You deserve to only surround yourself with people who set your soul on fire.
Do you have any favourite songs to perform live? K: I love performing one of my newer original songs "Don't!" It's so beautiful in an acoustic version -I feel like I even connect with it more. I actually love it so much I've been thinking about recording an official acoustic version!
If you could perform a show right now, where would it be? K: I've always wanted to perform at the Grammys, I feel like that's a huge milestone in any artist's career, kind of like the "I know I've made it" moment. But I've of course always wanted to do my own headlining tour, selling out any venue in my hometown of Atlanta would be a dream. I've seen shows at all of them. I'd also really love to sell out Madison Square Garden or the 02 Arena in the UK. I dream big as you can tell [Laughs]. What do you have going for the rest of the year? K: Doing a lot more live shows which I feel so blessed to say after COVID. I'll be on an American Idol and The Voice alumni tour in October, hitting some cities on the east coast and then wrapping things up in LA, which I'm super excited for. I have some new music coming out and new content, still have lots to look forward to before the year is over! Thanks for taking the time today, Katie! K: Thank you so much for having me, it was a pleasure! Don't forget to follow me on Spotify and check out my new single "Next Ex" wherever you stream music!