theaussieword.com special interview with New York City’s Kate Usher & The Sturdy Souls
Give us an introduction. How did it all begin? What had you first interested in music? Since childhood my favorite thing to do was sing, both behind closed doors (aka the shower) or in front of whomever wanted to listen. My sister and I used to sing to the soundtrack of “A Walk To Remember” and my brother would be the judge. In my tween years, I fell in love with the infamous Hannah Montana thus sparking my love for pop music. As I got older I developed a deeper love for music and its many genres. In college I became the lead singer of a 34 piece Jazz band. Although college became rather lifeless to me; I knew I wanted more. Fortunately, I met Kevin (lead guitarist) on the beach playing his harmonica. After that the rest became history. I left college, moved out to Montauk, and began pursuing my career as a full time musician. I haven’t looked back since.
What motivates or influences you in your quest to make great music? Music has been my outlet for as long as I can remember. If I had a penny for every time I sang a John Mayer song at the top of my lungs crying my eyes out, I’d be rich. I hope to help people explore their emotions through my music, both happy and sad. That has always been the driving force behind my writing.
What are your biggest goals you hope to accomplish as an artist? Truthfully, since pursuing my musical career, I feel as though I am accomplishing my goals with every day that passes. I live a happy, stress free life, filled with music and amazing people. Looking towards the future, I hope to expand my musical reach across the globe.
What can we expect from you in the coming months? We look forward to a spring of writing and producing original music and performing shows throughout New York. On May 18th, we will be releasing our debut EP, Circles and this summer we will be performing six times per week in the Hamptons, NY with a weekly residency at renowned music venue, the Surf Lodge. You can expect a full length album to be released within the next year!
Any plans to tour? We just got back from a tour throughout the East & West coast of the US, playing shows in New York, Georgia, Florida & California. We are lining up another tour for January 2019 and we hope to make it to Australia for a few shows !!
Tell us a bit about your latest album and how would you best describe your music?Our debut EP, “Circles” is a warm mix of R&B, pop & acoustic tracks that will remind you of summer. The album builds through each song, beginning calm and finishing strong. It starts with the title track “Circles,” a relaxing, melodic tune with pop undertones and catchy phrasing. Next the album showcases our love for acoustic music with “Keep on Walking,” followed by “Halfway” a funky, rock blend of saxophonic R&B and jazz. The fourth song on the EP is “Life is Beautiful,” an uplifting pop rock anthem meant to inspire others to do what they love. The album wraps up nicely with “Tiny Boat” a pop – rock – love song that will keep you dancing while singing unforgettable lyrics.
Success, what is the secret to it? Hmm. Success. Everyone has their own definition of this word. For me, its relatively simple. Achieving happiness within yourself. Meaning, relying on no other person to feel happy or successful. Often people forget that their own two feet can support them. True success is being able to sit in a room alone and still be smiling.
What has been your biggest career highlight? Originally I thought opening up for Matisyahu and Naughty by Nature was high up on this list. Although recently on our 2018 California tour as we were playing I noticed a handful of people throughout our shows singing along to our originals. Truthfully, I have never felt such a warmth fill my body whilst on stage. The thought of having an entire crowd singing along to my music gives me chills…one day.
Which stars of the music industry do you find inspiring? This list could go on forever… John Mayer melts my heart between his lyricism, his tone and his voice. I’ve followed, and loved, Miley Cyrus since she was Hannah Montana. Her fearlessness within the industry and her talent continues to amaze me. FKJ is one of my go-to morning playlists. Others include Tash Sultana, Sylvan Esso, Paul McCartney, French Kiwi Juice, John Mayer, Jack Johnson.
Any new projects in the pipeline? We will be releasing two singles throughout this upcoming summer with plans to release a full length album by December of this year!!
The music industry is huge, where do you see yourself a few years from now? In a few years I see myself touring the world and packing out popular venues across the globe, hopefully inspiring others to do what they love.
Name a few of your favourite Aussie artists. Tash Sultana, Vance Joy, Natalie Imbruglia, Empire of the Sun.
The shape of the music industry has changed significantly over the years, including the use of social media, how do you feel about the industry as a whole and what does it mean to you in getting your records out into the public eye? Social media is such a double edged sword to me. While is makes reaching the masses a thousand times easier, it can easily become all consuming. It’s important to not lose oneself within social media, and continue living life outside of a screen.
Thanks for the interview! What final message do you have for us today? Do what you love for you and only you. Life is too short to die trying to please others. Go for your dreams because you never know what might happen !! And check out www.thesturdysouls.com for info on shows, new music and more!!
WEBSITE – www.thesturdysouls.com
FACEBOOK – www.facebook.com/thesturdysouls
INSTAGRAM – www.instagram.com/kateushermusic/
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