Katie Fee’s Latest, “Haven’t Even Poured the Whiskey”
Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Listening to Shania Twain, Deana Carter, Faith Hill growing up and being inspired to play guitar and write songs. A favorite childhood musical memory?
I remember singing and dancing to Shania Twain’s records Up! and The Woman in Me in my living room. I’d just have a full on concert to an invisible audience. I had gotten grounded from TV and the computer (I don’t remember what for) and so music was my source of entertainment.
“For music, you can take whatever path and if it doesn’t work you can try a different one. There are a lot of ways of doing it and it’s just a matter of finding one that works.” Roosevelt High School to Belmont University, degree in Music Business. Interned with a publishing company, a small label’s marketing department — learning firsthand how to do things. What was the best advice you received during your time at Belmont?
Always say “yes” to opportunities, because those opportunities could open the door to even more opportunities.
“I’ve been taking my Viola out and relearning how to play it after not having played it since June of 2017.” What other instruments do you want to learn to play?
I’d love to get an electric guitar to learn to play in addition to my acoustic. It would also be fun to learn banjo or mandolin…really any and all string instruments.
Debut EP, Sunsets and Fireworks. What inspired the title track?
I was at my uncle’s house for the 4th of July back in high school, and I saw fireworks going off with the sunset behind them. I thought that was a pretty image and would be a fun title for a song, so I wrote it in my note app. I didn’t get around to writing it until years later when I brought it to a co-write with my friend, Sammy Kay.
New Music Fridays. One of your favorite songs is “Springsteen.” What makes this song so special for you?
I just love Eric Church and I could seriously write a book on the genius that is his songwriting and artistry. I often find myself turning to his songs when looking for ways to write songs myself. “Springsteen” is what Sammy Kay and I used as a reference track when writing “Sunsets and Fireworks”, so that’s what makes it special on top of it just being a great song in and of itself.
To your latest, “Haven’t Even Poured The Whiskey.” What is the backstory to the new song?
The idea actually came from something that Sammy Kay’s mom had said. It was the end of Sammy’s birthday party, and everyone was saying goodbye. Her mom, Amanda, looked over at this whiskey bottle and was like “Oh, we never opened the whiskey.” My songwriter brain lit up and thought, “OK, that’s getting written down.”
I then brought it to a co-write with Sammy and Paige King Johnson the following Monday, and the song was born!
Pink Lily, “I’m so glad I get to be an ambassador for a company that inspires all women to achieve their best.” How does it make you feel when you put on a new outfit from Pink Lily?
I’m always excited to get new outfits from Pink Lily. I’ve been trying new styles that I previously hadn’t tried before and have found a lot of fun new looks to wear both in everyday life and for playing shows. It makes me feel confident and happy.
Ginger Molasses Cookies. What are some of your favorite comfort foods?
I eat popcorn several times a week. I also have a sweet tooth though, which is why I love baking. Ginger molasses cookies are great around Christmas time. I love trying different cookie recipes, but you also can’t go wrong with the classic chocolate chip!
Traveling. Dream trips?
I honestly just wanna travel anywhere and everywhere. I love exploring and finding the beauty in new places. I definitely would love to make a trip to Europe and visit a bunch of places over there, including Ireland, England, France, Italy… I could keep going but you probably get the idea.
Within the US, I’d love to visit Salem, Massachusetts. I love history and also Halloween is my favorite holiday, so it’s definitely a place on my bucket list!