Introducing Katie Klein: A New Voice in Indie Music and Songwriting

By: Annah Marcelle, Singer-Songwriter
June 13, 2024

Introducing Singer/Songwriter Katie Klein

Hi everyone, let me introduce you all to Katie Klein. I first ran across Katie's music in a Facebook group last month when I was working on curating a playlist of talented independent female songwriters and singers. We ended up adding her single "Raining in Toronto" to the Indie Girls 2024 playlist on Spotify.

It turns out, Katie and I have a lot in common! Not only are we both passionate about singing and songwriting, we're also both college students and our biggest musical influence is Taylor Swift. So it seems fitting that we're doing this interview today, on June 13, 2024, which happens to be the date of the 100th show of The Eras Tour as well as Taylor's half birthday. If you know, you know! So let's get to know Katie Klein!

Hi Katie, can you tell us about your journey into music? What inspired you to start making music?

I have loved music and singing for as long as I can remember. I think I was singing before I could even really talk. It was always just a way of expressing myself and I wanted to make people feel the same way that I felt when listening to my own favorite artists.

Who are your biggest musical influences, and how have they shaped your sound?

Taylor Swift is definitely my biggest musical influence. Her songwriting and storytelling are something so incredibly special and something I try to mirror in my own music.

What was the first song you ever wrote, and what inspired it?

I have been writing lyrics and pieces of songs for as long as I can remember. I have a piano bench full of songs written in crayon on construction paper, but I think the earliest song I can remember writing was when I was nine years old, and it was called “revenge”. It is actually super funny looking back but it was basically about the boy in school I liked not liking me back.

Can you walk us through your creative process when writing a new song?

When writing a song, the idea often has to come to me organically. I often start with lyrics rather than melodies, and I will just be going about my day when a random lyric or hook pops into my head. I will immediately write it down in my notes app on my phone and then record it on my voice memos if I have an idea for a melody. Other than that, I will just sit down at the piano and find some chords that I like and go from there.

Where do you find inspiration for your music? Are there particular themes or stories you like to explore?

A lot of the songs that I write are just figments of my imagination. I imagine different scenarios, often in relationships, and write about the feelings that I would experience if I were in that person's shoes.

What has been the most challenging part of your musical journey so far, and how did you overcome it?

Confidence has always been something that I have struggled with. I am a pretty quiet and reserved person and don’t always give myself credit where it is due, so I often find myself doubting if some of the songs that I write are any good. As I have grown in my songwriting abilities though, I think I have learned to trust my gut more. It has honestly just taken time and is something that I still struggle with but am getting better at every day.

What do you enjoy most about making music?

The songwriting is definitely my favorite part. I love getting to immerse myself in worlds both real and imagined. I am able to put myself in other people's shoes and write about things and experiences that are completely foreign to me. It is also extremely therapeutic to write about things that are close and personal to my own heart. I think that music is extremely healing not only for the people who listen to it but also for the people who write it.

How do you stay motivated and passionate about your music, especially during tough times?

I think the biggest thing is always coming back to the reminder that I do it because it is something I truly love. It is a safe outlet where I am able to air out all my thoughts and even during difficult times, this fact is unchanging.

Can you share a memorable moment from one of your performances?

The most memorable moment I have had when performing was at my college's songwriting showcase around two years ago. I was in a songwriting masterclass and had very last minute thrown together a song called “are you okay.” Stage fright is something that I have always struggled with, and singing in front of your peers really adds to the pressure and anxiety. Needless to say, I was really nervous. However, during this performance it truly felt like the room went still and I had my audience in the palm of my hand, holding onto every word I was singing. It was something I had never experienced before, and I didn’t want the song to end.

What message do you hope to convey through your music?

The biggest message that I hope to convey is that people who are listening are not alone. There is not a single thought or emotion they are experiencing that hasn’t been experienced by someone else before.

How do you handle the challenges of being an independent artist in today's music industry?

I have really supportive friends and family as well as an incredible producer, Jean Dominique, who knows me as both a person and an artist extremely well. The people that you surround yourself with mean everything!

What do you think is the most important quality for an artist to have in order to succeed?

I would say resilience. You have to be able to pick yourself back up and persevere even when faced with obstacles.

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not making music?

When I am not making music I really enjoy spending time with my family and friends as well as my dog, Louie. I am also typically pretty busy with schoolwork because I am a college student.

Are there any non-musical inspirations or hobbies that influence your music?

I am currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in psychology, so I would say that my understanding of mental health and relationships definitely influences my songwriting.

What can fans expect from you in the next year?

They can expect more singles as well as a duet that I co-wrote with my producer Jean Dominique.

Are there any new directions or styles you’re looking to explore in your music?

Ballads will always have a special place in my heart, but I have also been experimenting with some more up-tempo songs recently that I think are really fun!

How do you hope your music will impact your listeners?

I hope that if anything it makes them feel heard, even if it was just through one lyric. I hope to be able to put to words some of the feelings that they have that they may struggle verbalizing.

What role do you think music plays in bringing people together?

I think that music is extremely universal and is a common language we are all able to speak. It reminds people that they are not alone in their experiences and can be used to celebrate as well as mourn.