Hi Katie, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve told my story in many ways, but I suppose it’s all starts with music, my mum & sister and growing up in Melbourne Australia. After playing in bands, solo and whatever paid the bills… I traveled back and forth to Los Angeles to work with producer Howard Willing (Counting Crows, Ok Go, Glen Campbell, Chris Janson).

Soon after that, I up and moved to LA. I started working on new music immediately. And it wasn’t long before I heard about Nashville. Aka Music City. I started traveling out there every few months to write songs and establish myself in that community of songwriters and music-makers. It was in 2015 when I started to tour with the band The Smashing Pumpkins, and my career became one of duality and a lot of traveling.

Apparently, I’m good at juggling. I currently make my own records, contribute to the Smashing Pumpkins albums with background vocals and arrangements, and take on whatever instrument they want during touring. Currently, I’m singing background vocals and playing acoustic guitar.

Fast-forward to today. I’m currently traveling in Europe with the band, playing enormous shows and festivals. We then travel back to America to do a stadium tour with Green Day. There is much more to my story, but these are some cliffnotes!

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story. Has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what challenges have you had to overcome?
I think most creative people endure struggles, and they are often directly reflected in their work. I learned early on from my mother that life is what you make it. Growing up, we didn’t have much. I have a new single about those early struggles called “Growing Up” It’s out July 26th. https://linktr.ee/katiecoleofficial

But to my sister and I, it never really seemed that way. There was always loud music playing in a room somewhere, and dinner was always on the table. It’s only as an adult that I see that we didn’t have much. That is really how I know that optimism and gratitude are such important characteristics. These things, when taught young, carry through to adulthood in such an important way.

I know I’m lucky to tour the world. I know I’m in a position few people get to be in, and I embrace each moment. With help from my fans I do regularly crowd-funding to be able to make albums. That way, I can continue to make music I really put my heart into. I will launch a new Kickstarter this Summer to showcase these new important songs!!!

Meanwhile, I’m on tour and giving 100% to The Smashing Pumpkins night after night. This tour has been a personal battle while grieving, but I’m so thankful I get to step out on that stage each night and give everything I have!!

Thanks. What else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I personally write more Americana/singer-songwriter-style songs. Think Elton or Dusty, but with a bit more personal story-telling. There are fewer songs about rockets. Haha.

I think my fans know me as being authentic in my career, songs, and anything I share on social media. Being authentic in how I share my story is really important. There’s nothing more valuable to me than knowing my story is my truth. My integrity is paramount every step of the way. What I share in my music is my life and experience of life at that point in time.

My next batch of songs covers grief, struggle, love, anxiety, inspiration, and more. I have really gone through a lot since I released my last EP, Rivers & Roads. So these songs will cut a lot deeper and are musically really rich. I can’t wait to share these songs I’ve written, so stay tuned for the details on Kickstarter.

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I think many years ago, I tried to study the careers of others and copy elements or tactics they employed. But a few years ago, I sort of threw my own rule book out the window. I was doing everything via my own unique route anyway. So, I built the window and then threw the rule book I wrote out.

Some careers are very obvious with trajectory. If I do this and work hard at this, then in 3-5 years I will be here doing this and with this salary.

Music is not that. It’s the polar opposite of that. The trajectory is based on talent, focus, work, and… yep… luck. So, in 3-5 years, I could still be traveling the world performing or not. Honestly, if I’m happy in my journey and able to keep making music, I think that makes me successful. There is no correct way to succeed as an artist. But if you’re unhappy or your integrity is being squashed… then that’s not the type of success I would ever want.

Being authentic in your experience with life, people or any work or art you make… is all there is to me.