Today we’d like to introduce you to Katy Michelle.
Katy Michelle, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
I’ve always been drawn to the arts. At a young age, I began taking art lessons at a studio learning to draw, paint, and sculpt under a local artist in my hometown, Bakersfield, CA. When I was 12 I got my first guitar and at 15 I started writing my own songs. At that time in my life, as an adolescent, I was plagued with extreme feelings of depression and constant thoughts of suicide. Writing music and creating became a way for me to express and release how I was feeling in a positive way. I wrote for me; I had never even thought about performing my songs for others. Honestly the thought of performing my music in front of other people made me extremely nervous. I eventually decided one day to get over my fears. Music and art of any kind has the power to heal. I’ve been given a gift to create, and I had a desire to want to share my gift. We can’t let fear hold us back. I was 20 and living in Fresno, CA, when I started playing open mic’s, gaining confidence each time. Three years later, it’s January of 2014 and I’m finally living in LA. I booked my first music showcase that May. Since then I’ve continued to evolve. I’m no longer fearful when I get up on stage, I feel joy. It’s my catharsis.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
I go by K M E, aka, Katy Michelle Experience. I wanted something to incorporate all the things I do, the music and art. When I perform I’ve got different musicians jamming with me; they heIp create the experience and bring my songs to life. Each show has its own feel and energy. I do acoustic and full band shows. I design my own stickers and t-shirts to sell at my shows. I’m inspired by people and the different experiences we go through in life, the good and the bad. If you really listen to my lyrics, a lot of my songs are about overcoming hardships, coming together, and spreading love and light
Artists rarely, if ever pursue art for the money. Nonetheless, we all have bills and responsibilities and many aspiring artists are discouraged from pursuing art due to financial reasons. Any advice or thoughts you’d like to share with prospective artists?
Many musicians and artists I know have day jobs to help pay the bills. I currently work as a behavioral interventionist to fulfill my financial needs. But whatever the day job is, it’s crucial to make sure it’s something you at least enjoy doing, happiness is key.
It’s also important to be diligent in your craft, and making goals for yourself can help. I constantly set goals for myself: shows I want to book, music videos I want to make, songs to finish and record, stickers to design, etc.
But I’ve been there, where you’re so tired after a long day of work, driving home, making dinner, etc., you just want to sleep or zone out on Netflix. But there’s only so much time in a day. You’ve got to be on top of your time management. I’ve drastically reduced my Netflix time in order to do work on my craft. If you want to get better at something or your trying to accomplish a goal you’ve set, you’ve got to put in the work to make it happen. Set aside time each day to be creative in your space. Set goals, short term and long-term ones. It can be as simple as 30 minutes a day working on your art with no distractions, put the phone away, turn the tv off, and just be. Get into the habit of doing something daily that really makes you feel good. For me it’s playing my songs. What will it be for you?
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
Starting September 30th, I have a monthly residency playing the last Sunday each month at 4th Street Market in Santa Ana, CA. It’s the Sunday Brunch show from 12-4PM. It’s one of many events hosted by Orange County Music League, OCML, an amazing organization bringing musicians together to just play. They’ve pretty much ended the whole pay to play scene in Orange County, and have expanded to San Diego & Inland Empire.
I released an EP last year, K M E – EP. It’s available on iTunes, Spotify, and if you come to a show I’ve got CD’s. If you check out my You-Tube channel, I’ve got multiple music videos out, and I’m getting ready to release another one in the coming month for my single “Hospital Blues” off the EP. Add my socials, Instagram and Facebook, and stay up to date on the KME shows, and music video release.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katymichelleexperience/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/katymichelleexperience
- Other: https://www.youtube.com/user/katymichelleart
Image Credit:
Jasmine Goldarreh and Chris Rosa
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