This promising singer’s career was almost cut short when, at the age of 16, she began to experience severe fatigue and shortness of breath. Katie was told she needed open-heart surgery to correct an undetected heart condition which she had lived with since birth. She faced an unthinkable choice. Without the surgery she was told she might not live to see age 30. If she underwent the surgery, she may never sing again, as the breathing tubes required could cause irreparable damage to her larynx. Without hesitation, Katie looked the doctor in the eye and said “I would rather sing for the next 13 years than to live and never sing again.” Seeing her resolve, the doctors agreed to use infant breathing tubes to minimize the risks to her beautiful voice and were successful in repairing her heart. This experience will forever shape her outlook on life, and give her the sense of purpose and passion which she brings to her stunning vocal performance.
With her renewed lease on life, Katie lets nothing stand in the way of her dreams. She has already recorded two studio albums, worked with GRAMMY award-winning engineer Joel Soyffer, and is a member of The Recording Academy, (host of The Grammy Awards). During her studies at Berklee College of Music she absorbed valuable information and performance technique, and has tutored under celebrity vocal coach J Chris Griffin (coach to the likes of Madonna, Janet Jackson, Kelly Clarkson, John Legend, and other industry greats). Katie has graced the stage at major venues in the New England area, including the Connecticut XL Center, The Big E! and Foxwoods Resort and Casino.
Katie Perkins is currently working on her third studio album with Producer/Engineer and Recording Academy voting member, Brian Sargent. The new single to be released in June titled “Take My Hand” is backed by the talent of drummer Ben Sesar (Brad Paisley), Andy Hall on dobro (Zac Brown, Dolly Parton,Infamous Stringdusters), and Brian Sargent on upright bass, mandolin, acoustic guitar and backing vocals.
Katie’s soulful, crystal-clear vocals have been compared to Alison Krauss, Carrie Underwood and Miranda Lambert. Her captivating voice has grabbed the attention of a rapidly growing fan-base. Katie Perkins is a passionate vocalist as well as an unstoppable and driven artist whose powerful live performance should not be missed.
In this interview, we chat with Katie about influences, her new single, and more.
Full Q&A as well as links and the video for Take My Hand are below.
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Let’s dive a little deeper into You, the artist and your music. What attracted you to this genre(s) or style(s)?
Country wasn’t always my favorite, until I actually took the time to listen to it. After I TRULY listened to a song I absolutely fell in love with the story telling. These artists were able to tell a story, and paint a picture in my head. I could see everything that was happening while listening to the song. And usually when I listen to song for the first time that is what I got to first; the lyrics. That’s what really helped shape some of my songwriting as well. I wanted to be able to paint a picture for my listeners, something they could attach themselves to, and relate to.
How long have you been creating and sharing your music with the public?
I have been creating music and sharing my music for a few years now. I didn’t a bunch of demo’s when I was younger of cover songs and I would post those online for people to listen to, but I didn’t release my own music until around 2011.
Who or what influences your playing and/or writing? Also, what motivates you to keep going?
I have a lot of influences that I look up to because of either their songwriting, and/or their vocal performance. Right now it’s mostly around Carrie Underwood, Miranda Lambert, Kasey Musgraves, and even though she’s not Country, Colbie Caillat. The pure drive that is in me is what keeps me going, along with my fans. But when I was 16 and found out that I had to have open heart surgery, or I could die in the next 13 years of a heart attack or a stroke was truly eye opening. Before I could even process what I heard my first response to the surgeon was that he needed to promise me I would wake up from surgery and be able to sing because “I would rather sing for the next 13 years, then to never be able to sing again.” And I meant every word, and I would mean it today as well. I was willing to give up my life for this, no questions asked. I did go through with the surgery, and I was able to still sing. So that made me believe more than ever that this is what I’m supposed to be doing, and I won’t ever give up. Sure I have my downfalls where things get rough, but that’s where I’m lucky. I have very supportive family, especially my mom, and she is always there to encourage me to never give up.
Talk about your most recent release, “Take My Hand”.
“Take My Hand” I feel is a very relatable song to all. Everyone goes through hard times, and this song is there to tell you that you’re strong and you can make it through anything. You just have to look deep inside of yourself. Sometimes it’s very easy for us to forget who we are as person when we get caught up in our everyday lives. But staying true to yourself is so important. The music video basically tells two different stories of people going through a hard time. The opening scene is with a woman who’s husband is in the hospital. And towards the second half of the music video you have a couple who’s daughter is moving away. I’m in the video as the person who is guiding them through their difficult time. It’s a very inspirational story, and I feel it can speak to everybody on some level.
Were you trying to accomplish anything specific on this new project? Creatively or otherwise?
Not necessarily. This song was written by a wonderful woman named Linda Pestana. I was approached to sing this song, and after I listened to it, I couldn’t say no. Like I said before this song is so relatable and can touch so many people’s lives. Everyone in this project, Linda Pestana, Brian Sargent, and myself, new this was a message that had to be delivered to the world.
What was the last song you listened to?
Goldmine – Colbie Caillat
Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?
CD’s. I grew up with CD’s, and even though I buy MP3’s I still have to purchase the CD. I love looking at all the artwork, and creativity that goes into it.
How about this one…. Do you prefer Spotify? Apple Music? Bandcamp? Or something else? Why?
I love all of those, but when I listen to music I usually listen to Pandora. A lot of the time I don’t know exactly what I want to listen to, so if I put on an artist of the kind of vibe of music I want to listen to then Pandora helps with the rest. Or if I really don’t know, I just put that thing on shuffle!
Other than the digital era overwhelming us with access to an abundance of music, what are one or two of the biggest challenges you face when trying to attract listeners to your music?
I would have to say that in my opinion, there are a lot more independent artists out there, which is awesome, but the Major Labels still have a lot of pull when it comes to putting music in front of a large audience. The problem that Independent artists have is that we don’t always have the funds to put our music in front of a large audience, so we pretty much rely on word of mouth and people spreading our music around to other music lovers.
Do you gig, tour or perform? Do you ever live stream? Where can music lovers see you live?
I do gig. As of right now, it’s mostly out of Connecticut but we’re working on expanding into different states. So hopefully a tour will be coming together in the near future. Hopefully we can add some shows in Nashville! 🙂 But, if anyone is in the Connecticut area and wants to come to a show they can head to my website www.katieperkinsmusic.net and check out the show schedule!
Where is the best place to connect with you online? Discover more of your music?
You can definitely head to my website, www.katieperkinsmusic.net and find all of my social media sites. But I am most active on my facebook page, and my instagram page or just @KatiePerkins
Any last thoughts? Shout outs? Words of wisdom?
I really just want to give a big thank you to all of my fans, and to everyone who listens to my music, and follows my journey. It’s all of you who are so inspirational to me, and I look forward to sharing more of my music with you in the future!
