Meet Katie James | Singer-songwriter
We had the good fortune of connecting with Katie James and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Katie, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
I think that risk taking is truly any action that causes fear for whatever reason. That being said, I personally don’t think that risk has to be associated with irresponsible actions. For me, risk is stepping outside of my comfort zone. I remember when I moved to Nashville and was gearing up to play my first writers round. I was anxious. Up until the performance, I thought of the impending round, counting down days and hours, that was a risk for me. That being said, as soon as the show started I was so excited I couldn’t even remember the fear that had consumed me the week prior. In my head, this was a risk because there was a potential I could crash and burn, people wouldn’t like my songs, or the vibes would be off since I was an amateur at that point. However, in the end this started a snowball effect for me. I was addicted to playing shows and writers round, so that risk payed off! In the same sense, releasing a song independently was chilling at the thought. However, after hard work I created a piece with a wonderful team that I am proud of have put out. All of this to say, as a singer, when I’m trying new things there is always a risk involved, but these risks are the things that allow me to grow as a songwriter, performer, singer, and person. These risks are the reason I get to take one step up the ladder of where I’m trying to go.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As a pop-country singer-songwriter, I write songs about my experiences. With that said, nobody else can tell the same story because they didn’t experience in the way that I did, which is special and what makes all songwriters unique! Honestly, I’m just excited about the future! There’s so many things I have yet to do and the works are all in progress! I’m currently constructing an EP, which I’m thrilled about, and am playing a lot of shows! Needless to say, I don’t think hard work is ever easy, but it is certainly always worth the time, energy, and wait. There’s two mottos I live by. The first being, the answer’s always no unless you ask. I truly believe that reaching out and asking won’t do you any harm, whether that’s booking a show or asking someone to cowrite. The worst they could say it no and that will get you right back to where you started. The second motto is one I made up, which is “See the good.” There’s truly a bright side in every situation if you look hard enough, I promise. The last thing I wanted to say is that throughout this whole process, I think it’s always important to look back and see where you came from to understand how far you’ve gone. It’s easy to get caught up in the moment and feel like things are not moving, but they are. So don’t give up and keep trying.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend was visiting, I would probably start by going to 12 South. There we could walk around, window show, get some food like a donut the 5 Daughters Bakery! I think that would be such a fun way to start the day! Next I would want to take her to see Broadway. Even if Broadway is not your scene, walking down it is always really fun with all the Honky Tonks and music playing! After getting a sense of what that scene is like, we’d probably head up to the assembly food hall to get steam boys, because their dumplings are just too good! After that I would want to take her to the parthenon to walk around outside, since it’s so beautiful and just a fun place to visit. To end the night, I would definitely have take her to a show! Whether that’s a writers round (I recommend The Listening Room), a smaller band venue, or to the Ryman/Bridgestone, we’ve got to end the day with music!
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would love to give a shout out to my family and my closest friends!! They have supported me every step of the way and have continued to encourage me! I wouldn’t be where I am without them and I am eternally grateful for each and every one of them!
Website: https://www.musickatiejames.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katie_james_music/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/katiejamesmusic6
Other: Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@katie_james_music Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2xLhfUNsulDc0NhLvSkaJH Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/katie-james/947502537
Image Credits
Sean Worth Annie Duda
Nominate Someone: ShoutoutTennessee is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
