Katie Knipp – The Well

By starrymag | April 20, 2021

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?  

A) Blues Americana with touch of Mardi Gras

 

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?  

A) Nina Simone, Lucinda Williams, Son House

 

Q) Talk about the story behind recent single “Chamomile and Cocaine.”  

A) It’s basically a “here I am world” song in that I am having fun describing the different sides of me and letting you know I’ll make ya feel all the things.

 

Q) What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?  

A) The fact that we all have many sides to us, and you can hear the band and I having a blast on the recording, so it’s hard NOT to join in on the fun with us!

 

Q) How does the video for the track play into the message behind it?  

A) We just made a video that is a collection of photographs from various live shows taken by Phil Kampel.

 

Q) What is your song writing process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics?  

A) I like to write the lyrics separately and then come back to them to see when a musical motif and progression is ready for a match.

 

Q) How much of hand do you have in the production of your music?  

A) I would say about half in that although I am the writer and have ideas in mind of vibe, I don’t write every bass note, drum groove, etc.  My band consists of Neil Campisano on drums, Zack Proteau on bass, Chris Martinez on electric guitar, Otis on Sax and clarinet, Justin and special guests Brandon Au on trumpet and trombone, Mick Martin on harmonica and Keith Cotton on hammond.  These guys are all so good that I trust them with whatever parts they come up with.  I also had Zack co-produce The Well with me, as well as Dustin Shapiro our engineer.

 

Q) What are some themes you explore on your new EP The Well?  

A) Domestic abuse, forbidden love, who I am as an artist, falling for the wrong person to the point of literally and metaphorically drowning and also “manning up” by not playing the victim card.  There comes a time when a person needs to take responsibility, own up and work a little harder with a grateful heart if they want to succeed in life.

 

Q) What songs challenged you the most to arrange?  

A) “The Gospel of Good Intentions” because my guitarist and I performed a duet before we recorded, so I had this gorgeous part of his in my head. But then when the horns were added in the studio, his original part did not fit like I hoped it would on the record.  A lot of arranging sometimes means we have to subtract some things, no matter how brilliant they sound on their own.

 

Q) What tracks hold a special place in your heart off this EP?  

A) “Sad Eyed Lover” holds a special place in that it always makes me want to jump up and down and do cartwheels while laughing. “The Gospel of Good Intentions” exposes a very intimate side of me and I let the emotions really rip.

 

Q) With concerts currently on hold, do you have any plans on livestreaming events to promote The Well?  

A) Not at the moment, just waiting for real stages at this point.

 

Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?  

A) Jon Batiste sure would be dreamy.

 

Q) What album/band are you currently listening to and why do you dig them?  

A) I am revisiting Bruce Springsteen’s Nebraska.  He is a master storyteller.

 

Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that such an important way for you to connect with your fans?  

A) It’s the closest I can get to them if they are too far away!  I love messaging with folks whenever I can spare the time. It means a lot to hear from them. Also, I would say 70% of my success as far as music networking, CD sales and radio DJ friendships are all due to Facebook.

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?  

A) Thank you!  YOU are the reason for my success!