Katie Knipp
- Genre
- Blues
- Websites
- Awards and Nominations
- SAMMIES 2020 Winner★ Blues ★1st Place
- SAMMIES 2020 Nominee★ Blues ★
- SAMMIES 2019 Winner★ Blues ★
- SAMMIES 2019 Nominee★ Artist of the Year ★
- SAMMIES 2019 Nominee★ Blues ★
- Musicians
- Chris Martinez — guitar
- Katie Knipp — guitar, harmonica, keys, slide dobro, vocals
- Neil Campisano — drums, percussion
- Otis Mourning — clarinet, percussion, sax
- Zack Proteau — bass, tuba
- Share
- Contact
- management@katieknipp.com
Q & A
All-time favorite song?
01.30.20
I really can’t pick just one.
As a child growing up, music surrounds us. What type of music did you hear the most back then? How does it differ from what you listen to now?
01.30.20
Growing up, my Dad always had on The Beatles, Beach Boys and some Gershwin. I listen to everything now.
Can you describe a moment in your musical career, where you felt like you truly reached somebody or made a difference?
01.30.20
Seeing a few tears from folks during sappy numbers at various points.
Describe your show visually and musically.
01.30.20
Just being a dork, switching from piano to dobro, stomping on a tambourine, headbanging some, standing there in awe at how amazing my band is: Neil Campisano, Zack Proteau, Otis Mourning and Chris Martinez, and forgetting that I should still be playing too so I take a deep breath and join back in on the song with these lovely Gents.
Do you have regular gigs around town?
01.30.20
Yep. Super excited to have my band play at the new Solomon’s Russ Room March 14.
Favorite colors?
01.30.20
Orange.
Favorite guitar player?
01.30.20
SRV, Son House, Eric Gales, Milk Carton Kids’s Kenneth Pattengale and David Rawlings.
Favorite SAMMIES story?
01.30.20
The first year I was nominated was very unexpected because I was still in breastfeeding mode with my second child and wasn’t gigging much.
How did it first start?
01.30.20
It, being music, probably clarinet in the fourth grade and being a hammy singer since I was born.
How do you describe your interviews to people?
01.30.20
Real.
How do you describe your music to people?
01.30.20
Raw.
How do you feel about musical award competitions?
01.30.20
I don’t see them as competitions, I see them as recognition of where someone is currently at in their career. It’s very temporary and the train moves on pretty quickly.
If you were stranded on a deserted island, what animal would you be?
01.30.20
A monkey!
Is there a central theme to your band's music?
01.30.20
Nope, just being me. A little raw and psycho.
Name a pet peeve.
01.30.20
People that are not grateful. We are lucky for every single thing. Thank your waiter. Thank your sound guy. Thank that person that posted a pic of your gig that they attended when they could have been home Netflixing on the couch. Also thank your God.
Name a recent personal food trend.
01.30.20
Poke.
Tell us about how you first started gigging.
01.30.20
Opening for metal bands as a solo act in Concord where I grew up.
Tell us about this creative project. What is it?
01.30.20
My sixth album is being recorded in chunks right now. So far, two songs are completed down to the mastering. This thing is going to be fierce. Should be out in the fall.
Tell us about your best gig in Sac.
01.30.20
I would say every gig at The Sofia. I have had the pleasure of playing there eight times and the venue is just perfect.
Tell us about your worst gig.
01.30.20
Playing outside of a coffee shop when the automatic sprinklers turned on me and all my gear.
Tell us about yourself.
01.30.20
I am fiercely driven and work very hard.
What are your musical goals?
01.30.20
Forward progression on all elements- writing, musicianship, fanbase growth.
What artist or band are you a little embarrassed to love, and why?
01.30.20
Fergie’s old solo record “oh the flouncy flouncy” ha ha.
What did you want to be when you were 7?
01.30.20
A famous singer.
What do you sing in the shower? (Be honest.)
01.30.20
That’s when I do some hard core vocal warm ups. (Closet opera singer.)
What drives you to keep interviewing even though the music industry can be so harsh?
01.30.20
Gratitude.
What drives you to keep playing even though the music industry can be so harsh?
01.30.20
I can’t live without music, and, gratitude.
What message do you hope to give with your music?
01.30.20
Be original. Be yourself.
What question would you like to ask your fellow bandmates?
01.30.20
You guys still happy? Need anything?
What was the first song you learned to play?
01.30.20
"I Can’t Make You Love Me" by Bonnie Raitt (piano/vocal).
What's a big media inspiration that would most surprise your fans?
01.30.20
Howard Stern.
What's a big musical inspiration that would most surprise your fans?
01.30.20
Father John Misty, although I doubt it’s a huge surprise. That guy is a genius.
What's next for you?
01.30.20
Album No. 6.
What's something most of your friends don't know about you?
01.30.20
Brown belt in martial arts.
What's the best part of this experience?
01.30.20
Seeing other folks I love get recognized too.
What's the story behind your stage name?
01.30.20
It’s my maiden name.
What's your favorite jam from the '90s?
01.30.20
Pearl Jam’s Ten. The whole record is just perfect.
What's your favorite local artist/group?
01.30.20
The Freebadge Serenaders.
What’s your favorite song to perform live right now?
01.30.20
My latest tune called "Sad Eyed Lover," which will debut on my sixth album this fall.
When did you play your first gig in Sac?
01.30.20
Luna’s Café, 2010ish.
Where do you see yourself in ten years?
01.30.20
Kicking serious ass and taking names in all aspects of life—and having as much success as I can handle.
Who are your biggest influences?
01.30.20
Allen Toussaint for piano (RIP), Father John Misty for writing and production, Son House for that slide blues I love so much.
Who first inspired you to play music?
01.30.20
As far as becoming a gigging artist, I would say Bonnie Raitt and Wynona Judd because they were the first concerts I went to where I could see firsthand—a real woman in charge.
Who is your secret star crush?
01.30.20
Oh it’s no secret: JAMES FRANCO. I’d cut my right arm off for you too, baby.
Words to live by?
01.30.20
Be thankful.
You're given a magic wand. What do you do with it?
01.30.20
Feed the hungry.
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