Americana/Country Singer/Songwriter Kathryn Caine packs a powerhouse set of vocal ranges that easily sets her apart from most artists in the music industry. Caine sings beautiful and meaningful songs that one can relate to without over singing and killing perfectly crafted written lyrics. It is the purity of Caine's music that is her biggest appeal. Our Webzine recently spoke to the artist about her music and she shares some wonderful stories that our readers will find fun to read. Check out what Caine had to say.
Isaac: I just listened to one of your songs titled, "Wheels". What was the inspiration for making this song and your new album?
Kathryn: The inspiration behind the song "Wheels" was simply freedom. Free to be who, what, and where and not to be caged or have to answer to anyone. I made it upbeat because that is the way I want to live . There is nothing worse than feeling you can't be who you are because someone won't approve. When we recorded it, there is an energy to Andy's playing that captured what I was trying to express and I think it worked...I hope it did....
Isaac: Who were your influences?
Kathryn: I have been influenced by a vast array of Artists...I love Dolly Parton not only because of her voice but her songwriting...I love Lyle Lovett for the same reasons and Loretta Lynn...I also Love Nina Simone for her piano skills and her voice can set a mood like no one else ..I like singers who don't overkill and their voices get better with time...right now...I would say that Nina Simone is my favorite, but my favorites rotate. I love the Pogues I also like Exile on Main Street by The Rolling Stones, AC/DC, The Country Gentlemen and The Lewis Family....got to have some gospel in there, Laura Lee and the Allman Brothers...I could go on forever!!
Isaac: What do you consider to have been the highlight(s) and lowpoint(s) of your career to date?
Kathryn: The High point of my "career" ...(I hope there are many!) was recording this CD Down Home Girl. I love the talent of all the players on it and truly got inspired....this will probably make them laugh at me but they inspired me....there I said it!..
The low points have been many...ha! When I don't get the chance to play live or get a good show...that is always a bit of a downer...but...comes with the territory and worth every second.
Isaac: Brief history about your background plus the style of music you play.
Kathryn: My background as far as music goes is......I am from 7 children…everyone can play an instrument, and we are all singers... My younger sister is an accomplished opera singer....Bluegrass and folk as well as high church music was pretty much all we ever heard. My father is a banjo player...he was taught by Little Roy of The Lewis Family and was good friends with him. Then, my older siblings exposed me to everything from Nazareth to Glenn Campbell... and Tanya Tucker...It has all stuck! I have released three previous CD's...Whiteville, the Kathryn Caine Band, and Better...They are all under Americana/rock genre...Down Home Girl is country/Bluegrass....I think it is what I do best.
Isaac: How easy is it to gets gigs for you as an artist? What is the live music scene like in your area?
Kathryn: The music scene in Charlottesville is fantastic...there are so many amazingly talented people and fantastic bands....great songwriters and great musicians...Being part of the Charlottesville music scene keeps you on your creative game...that is for sure.
I have been lucky to get to play in some fantastic venues and I hope it only gets better....I could probably do better if I had an agent...I am always scared I am going to drive people crazy or that they get sick of me...but so far the gig thing has been ok..
Isaac: What do you think of the state of Americana/Bluegrass music at the moment? Do you listen to radio much at all? Has the Internet helped music grow or hindered it in your opinion?
Kathryn: Well, back when I released Whiteville...Americana was sort of a new thing...now it seems to be huge and I am glad I fall under the genre...Bluegrass has seemed to become huge as well and everyone seems to love it....of course I am partial to it ...I love the purity of seeing and hearing someone tear up an instrument with no pretence and hearing someone sing effortlessly....I love going to festivals and seeing people come out of the woodwork that can play their instruments and sing and they blow you away.
And right at the moment when you think you might suck, they turn and ask you to sing or play with them... I have always loved bluegrass for that "come on over here darlin and let me hear you sing!" vibe... Plus...It feels like home to me.....While bluegrass is very unique and exciting...the masses would rather spend their money on what is on the radio....the beauty of Americana is that you can throw some bluegrass and a little rock n' roll in the mix and in turn reach a larger audience and maybe even get on the Radio....I really don't listen to the radio that much... I think the Internet has been great for music...you can reach a mass audience for free and I think people are always looking for something new and original....It has worked great for me...the only hindrance is I spend a lot more time at the computer when I should be practicing!!
Isaac: If you could create a fantasy band - what would be the line-up and why?
Kathryn: My fantasy band would be Jerry Douglas, Tony Rice, Dickie Betts , and me and Alice Cooper....and Slash with Andy Thacker, Darrell Muller, and James McLaughlin...that might be kind of fun ......oh...and Keith Richards and Stuart Holmes...and Shane McGowan of the Pogues...I love him.
Isaac: What CD's do you currently have available and where can they be purchased from? Where can fans access your music, videos, blogs, and anything else about you online?
