While the pandemic has had all us staying at home, I had a chance to think about the things that truly make me happy. I desperately missed live music, the atmosphere, and the interactions that the events bring. I was thrilled to find out that one of my favorite musicians, Katie Lyon, is releasing new music! For me, Katie is one of those voices that you can listen to for hours and get lost in the moment.
Katie is a native of Southwest Florida, but currently resides in Chattanooga, TN. She is influenced by the sounds of Brandi Carlile, Miranda Lambert, and Kacey Musgraves, as well as George Strait, Chris Stapleton, Jason Isbell and other local acts (yes, her friends). Katie’s music resembles the easy listening side of country where you can kick back with a drink on your back porch and let your mind drift into a song.
Katie is releasing her 5 song EP “Some Things Take Time” on Tuesday July 21st, 2020. This album was recorded and produced by Caleb Neff at Juniper Recordings and rides on the coattails of three released singles by the singer-songwriter.
“Some Things Take Time” begins with a traditional country ballad layered with a duo of harmonies and steel guitar instrumentation. Soft drums and piano solos turn into an alternative take on heartbreak in the albums second song and title track. Lyrics like “now I hold a drink instead of you” paint a picture of how hard unrequited love can be. The last three tracks tell tales of staying true to yourself, finding happiness in places people don’t expect, and learning that it’s okay to appreciate the “still” in a fast-moving world. The albums closer “That’s Alright” is quite different from Katie’s previous song “Tumbleweed”, a song about drifting your way around, but this time rather she (and seemingly a crowd full of bar flies) express that its okay to slow it down because we can’t get our time back. Life is short, appreciate what you’ve got, and don’t miss a beat of this newly released album.
Our virtual Q & A presented a great opportunity for everyone else to get to know her too…
How did you get into singing and songwriting?
- My mom always played country music growing up. We’d pop on the radio and do yard work just singing and working for hours. After some growing up, I became increasingly more interested in how the music industry worked. I moved to Nashville to work for Showdog Universal, Toby Keith’s record label, as an intern. I was so terrible at that job, but it got me out on the Nashville scene. I learned guitar, I tried to soak up every piece of knowledge that I could. I am the only one in my family who can play music, but we all can appreciate a beautiful song and belting it at the top of our lungs.
How did this EP develop and how do you feel it represents you?
- If you listen to my discography consecutively, you’ll hear an obvious turn of the tides from being willingly lost to learning how to appreciate every little moment. My music is not steadfastly any one thing. It grows as I do. My first album “No Matter Where You Roam” speaks to the fact that you can travel and roam but it doesn’t matter that much if you’re not surrounded by the people that you love most. It’s not where, it’s who. This album “Some Things Take Time” takes that sentiment a step further. It starts with a story of heartbreak, then it moves on to finding yourself, and then in the final track “That’s Alright” it explains how it’s okay to stay in one place. The grass isn’t always greener and that’s alright by me.
What is the best advice you’ve been given during your career as an artist?
- When I first moved to Nashville, I was sitting at this bar called “The Row” awaiting my turn to play the open mic that they had there. I was sitting next to this older man that I didn’t know from Adam, but that was very nice and very willing to strike up a good conversation. He told me he was a songwriter and that he was going to play that night. Well, after about 30 mins of talking they called his name to play. He was the featured songwriter of the night and wrote Tim Mcgraw’s hit “Indian Outlaw”. After recovering from shock, I remembered a few things that he said that night. It is important to pay attention to what other people are doing, but don’t consider that your path. Understand how the industry works, but don’t be afraid to challenge it. Be your own person and own it. I told him I’d give that my best go!
What is something people would be surprised to know about you?
- I am not a full-time musician. I currently work as a digital performance consultant for a tech company. I use this to support my music habit, but most importantly to support my wife through medical school.
What is the best way for fans to follow you?
- Follow me on social media! Instagram will give you the most personal updates, but if you’re looking for show dates you can find those on my website – www.KatieLyonMusic.com. Instagram handle = @katielyonmusic.
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