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Conversations with Kathryn Shipley

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kathryn Shipley. 

Hi Kathryn, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Wow, thanks for taking the time out to want to even interview me! I am always blown away when I get these type of opportunities. I am a columnist myself now for Lazie Indie Magazine, and it’s fun to interview so many amazing Indie artists and hear their story, but it’s also fun for me to sit on this side of the desk and answer questions! So, really, it’s been a journey, a Blessed journey. I never even imagined about 7 years ago, I started out just thinking, singing would be something cool to do, then a year after that I was like, I really want to pursue this on a serious level. And like many, it started for me singing in church, it was the most humbling experience that God laid in my life and I didn’t even see the Blessing in the beginning. I truly believe he lays out this beautiful road map for us all to be a part of. When I won my first music award in 2017 (The Josie Music Awards) I have only looked back to smile and thank, everyone who has rallied around me showing me so much love and support. I have had some disappointments but with those, I grew, I learned… I honestly would not change anything. The networking has paid off over the years. Never sleep on your dreams no matter how big or small they are… 

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
In the beginning? No! A lot of shut doors, because me being an African-American singing country music was and still is as you read and see, a hard thing to be a part of. Society just does not want it as much as we believe in it! My age, I was 49 and trying to start a career with no fan base, no big catalog of music. But things came, someone gave me a chance and I grabbed it and learned, networked and soaked it all in. I am very Transparent about many things in my life, I am now raising my almost 2-year-old granddaughter Kadis Marie, because of some addiction issues my daughter has been dealing with, and it has not been a challenge like many would think at me being 56 years old, and trying to have a full-time job and a music career. This little gem has inspired me to work the best and be the best and get the most out of life. If I had to stop doing music tomorrow, I am very satisfied what I have done in a very short amount of time. Music truly is one of the best treasures in the world… I have been Blessed with some amazing songwriters to share their amazing lyrics through my voice. 

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a singer/songwriter, of modern country and I also do Christian Music. Sometimes I have been categorized as only doing Christian or Gospel but my love is Modern Country as much as Christian. I want to be known as a country singer. I think I have a very unique voice in the fact that I am a tenor singer. Some have compared me to Tracy Chapman voice wise but also some say they can hear Reba in me as well. Heck yeah, I will take that! then I have another side of me… creative! I love music videos… It is kind of what I am known for when I do a song, everyone is waiting for my music video and what the storyline is going to be like. the last 2 years my music videos, have won a “Josie” and I have had one on CMT and several on the TCN Network, Global Music Video Hits, Red Rocket TV Productions and a few others! truly thankful to all who help me share my passion. I pretty much write my own, Treatment/Storylines for my videos, and then let the videographers I work with take off with their creative energy! I have truly been “gifted” with some amazing filmmakers to bring my visions to life! I am really going full throttle in 2022 stay tune for even more creative fun! 

I truly want to thank every radio station that has played my music.. people say oh well “that was just an internet station” please! people dont realize internet radio, is the new wave of getting heard just as much or more in some instances, these male and female DJs in my eyes are “pioneeers” for us Indie Artists! And my record label at Cavalla Records we are truly a family, we have 2 artists signed to our label, but as you know size doesnt matter it is the passion you throw into something, and boy have we had a big year one! God has truly aligned me with incredible people to keep my seasons going…

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Do your research before committing to anything, and if something costs a fee? question it and research it even more. Don’t let others get rich off of what you love to do. As an Indie Artist, I feel we put in that extra work to be “seen”. Networking is key and one simple word… Patience… Being patient has helped me grow, just because 50 doors get shut in your face does not mean that is not the end… I almost gave up after over 200 inquiries trying to be heard, then it happened.  

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