Haunting and beautiful, the voice of Katy Carmichael will echo through your subconscious. Teetering between the poppy optimism of Sarah Bareilles and the darkness of Brandi Carlisle, this Nashville songwriter is a must have on your radar.
Current Single: “Seams”
How did you get your start in music?
I started taking piano and voice lessons when I was eight and then got into writing very simple, very melodramatic songs once I hit middle school. I turned to songwriting as a greater means of expression throughout high school, but have been singing for as long as I can remember. When I was little, my dad would sing showtunes when we were in the car together and I’d sing each phrase back to him, trying my best to match his rhythms and inflections. “Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin” was our go-to.
What would you like to see your group accomplish within the next three years?
Playing SXSW, recording and releasing a full-length, touring on touring on touring. Having a song on Girls before it’s over is a highly specific (and also crazy-shooting-for-the-stars-
Talk to us about your writing process and environment: what are some of the factors and influences behind your instrumental and lyrical content?
I’m very much influenced by personal experiences and emotions. There’s such a catharsis in being able to coherently (fingers crossed) express the crazy things you’ve been feeling and channel them into a song, ultimately realizing that you’re not so crazy after all. Nora Ephron is a hero of mine and her “everything is copy” mantra is so applicable to music as well. I also take a lot of inspiration from other art, be it film, television, or literature, and from my friends and family – their experiences and our conversations and relationships. As for environment, because I’m still in college, I mostly write in my dorm room, which I feel like is a little cool / sexy?
If you could collaborate with any artist or group, living or dead, who would it be and why?
This is an answer that changes moment-to-moment, but in this particular moment, I feel compelled to say From Indian Lakes. Our music is very different, but they craft their songs at a level I absolutely aspire to. Also, I really want to harmonize with Joey Vannucchi. I’ve been playing “The Bad Parts” nonstop lately and have my part worked out just fyi.
Tell us about your day-to-day lives, discuss the role of music either as a full time job or the time it shares with your other obligations in life.
I’m a full-time college student, work as an RA on my campus, and intern part-time so, unfortunately, music is not my full-time job yet. But I’m so grateful to still feel constantly surrounded by music, whether it be in class (music major 4 life) or in bands with friends (pressure kids 4 life).
What has been the Highlight of your musical journey so far?
I want to get *misty* and talk about all of the beautiful people I’ve met through loving and being involved with music (which is extremely true and something I try my best not to take for granted), but I won’t lie, I cried and called my mom when I found out that Nylon wanted to premiere my first single. A small step in the grand scheme of my career, but a really humbling and important vote of confidence. And also actually a really big step for me and my career.
Tell us what artists/bands you’re listening to at this moment in time and why they appeal to you.
The boys of Pinegrove are absolutely brilliant and I saw them put on one of the best live shows I’ve ever seen a couple weeks back. For me, their songs say everything you’ve been thinking but have either been too afraid or simply unable to put into words. I also recently discovered Behaving’s self-titled debut record from last fall. It’s a side project of Keaton Henson’s and is just stupid good. The production is lush, but still minimalistic, which is a vibe I’ve really been inspired by recently. “Confessional” is one of the most honest songs I’ve ever heard. Also, have to mention Låpsley’s new record that just came out. Her brand of electronic indie pop jams make my world go round. And, of course, Daughter. Always Daughter. Not to Disappear has been in my car since it came out in January and I have no intention of taking it out anytime soon, if ever.
