We recently had the chance to connect with Kate Sykes and have shared our conversation below.
Kate, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
Playing around on my guitar, listening to an amazing record or being in nature. Preferably barefoot.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m a singer/ songwriter based in Nashville. I have been playing guitar and writing music since I was about 10 years old. Although originally from Louisiana, I lived on the west coast in Seattle and LA for a big chunk of my childhood. That being said, I grew up on a lot of 90’s grunge and Alternative as well as Outlaw country such as Hank Williams Jr and Waylon Jennings. I am in the process of recording a handful of songs right now that definitely push the boundaries of those two worlds. Lots of exciting stuff coming out in 2026!
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
Modeling for nearly a decade forced me to develop resilience and a thick skin early on. It taught me not to take things personally while navigating an industry built almost entirely on appearance. It’s easy to internalize rejection and assume you weren’t “good enough,” but the reality is that it’s a business like any other—and often simply a matter of fit, timing, or circumstance, not personal worth.
That perspective has translated seamlessly into my experience in the music industry. In a world where people don’t always call back and everyone is trying to outshine the next person, I’ve learned to let rejection roll off my shoulders and keep showing up.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
I think suffering builds resilience and resilience, and resilience is what ultimately leads to success. I think back to everything that I’ve gone through in my life and all the stuff I wish “didn’t happen to me”, but then I take a look at the bigger picture and realize its those things that gave me the edge needed to move forward. You are always going to have unfortunate things thrown your way, but being able to take it all as it comes is a super power.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
If there is anything I would say about myself, it is that I am authentic. Anything put online or in my music is derived 100% from my life and my experiences good or bad. I really can only write about what I know and sing about what I believe. Now that I’ve said that, please don’t judge my life choices or my taste in boys.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. When do you feel most at peace?
Honestly, it’s after simple things that hold weight to me like nailing a guitar part, booking a cool show, or writing a badass song. I feel that’s what I’m meant to do so anything moving the needle forward on that is a major dopamine hit.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katesyykes/?hl=en
