Katie Linendoll – Renaissance Lady

By starrymag | April 6, 2022

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

 

A) I had fun reading this question but, I flipped it over to someone who knows my voice all too well, my vocal coach and vocal producer, Dan Spencer, as I genuinely wanted to hear his answer (also because I couldn’t wait to see what he said [laughs]).

Katie sounds like Katie. She has a completely unique way of bringing in so many different elements to complete her sound/vision for each song (yes, she has a vision for each song before a single note is recorded). The sound is always trendy but with a firm anchor in evergreen songwriting and ideas that everyone can relate to. I am always so impressed and sometimes at a loss for words at the immense and precise creativity she brings to every project.

 

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

 

A) My biggest musical influences are Jessica Andrews, Lari White, Lorrie Morgan, Bryan White and The Wilkinsons.

 

Q) Talk about the story behind your new song, “Renaissance Lady.”

 

A) “Renaissance Lady” came about late one night when I decided to do an annual Google search of myself – never a wise idea! I stumbled upon one of those websites stating who you are dating, how old you are, net worth, etc. I’m paraphrasing, but it said something along the lines of, “Katie is accomplished in her work life but seems behind in her personal life. Katie has passed her 30s and is yet to be married…She considers her work to be a metaphorical husband.” It later went on to quote a comedic tweet of mine where I said, “I’m not willing to get married at the expense of half my stuff.” I think you could read that and feel a little sad …On the flip side, I laughed out loud and was like, “Thank you for this. This is great!” I stayed up and had a blast writing “Renaissance Lady” about a girl who loves her independence and never has to give up half her stuff.

 

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

 

A) No doubt we love our guys, but I also think that we as ladies are in such an amazing time right now with so many opportunities to be exactly what we are looking for in life. I am all about relationships, but also God made some of us to be extraordinary independent ladies, fun aunts, and solo gals, and I am here for it!

 

Q) The video was directed by Seth Kupersmith. How did his vision for the video for the track play into your message behind it?

 

A) Seth’s vision was nothing like I had in my mind – but I was so happy with the result! I’m at a stage in my life where I let people do their thing. He has so much talent and success; how could I not trust his vision? When he decided to bring in mannequins to play past exes, I had to laugh. And it was so random that, of course, I was in. We went back and forth on scenes and my best friend, hair and makeup artist Alicia Oliveri put together mood boards and looks that brought it all to life!

 

Q) The proceeds from the song are being donated to K9 Hurricane’s Heroes. Why is this cause so close to your heart?

 

A) Every song I publish is tied to a non-profit close to my heart and K9 Hurricane’s Heroes has become an organization I am so beyond passionate about. I met Hurricane and the team a year ago and am absolutely amazed by the work they are doing to provide subsidized veterinary care to K9s in both military and law enforcement. Hurricane is a highly decorated secret service dog who stopped a White House intruder in 2014. When he was awarded healthcare for life, from heroic efforts at the White House, the team realized it was important to offer that same kindness to other retired K9s. Retired K9s are often taken in by their handlers and, typically, their handlers are left to support the medical bills if the dog needs future care, which is quite often. We hope this track can help support this effort.

 

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

 

A) Lyrics always come to me first, but they typically come with the melody. I lead a pretty crazy life and situations just lend themselves to song lyrics that swirl around in my head.

 

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

 

A) In my work in TV, I am best known for my role in front of the camera, but many don’t know I also have my own production company and can shoot and edit! I am equally as engaged and interested in my music production as much as I can be from start to finish. As a techie, I try to be as hands-on as possible. I track my own vocals and engineer my own sessions and love finding reference sounds and unique samples to incorporate into my music. Writing is my favorite part of the entire process, but I’m truly all about defining the entire vision of the song from the jump. It is important for me to articulate the feeling and direction of the track. The unique part of the process is being open to how the song changes with others coming in, helping to flesh out my vision how they see it. I’ve had songs taken in completely different directions by amazing producers, and I’m here for it!

 

Q) Will there be a full album or EP coming in the near future?

 

A) I already have a ton of songs in the catalog, and many are radio ready. As an indie artist, one of the biggest challenges is picking and choosing which songs to push out and put effort behind.

 

Q) Where are some of your favorite places to perform, and what makes those locations so significant to you?

 

A) I’m gearing up for my first tours this summer and I so excited to share my music live.

 

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

 

A) Chris Young!

 

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

 

A) Right now, I’m on a throwback Lari White kick. Then again, I’m not sure if I’ve ever got off a Lari White kick. Stepping Stone is one of my favorite albums of all time and is always on repeat.

 

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

 

A) Social media gives me a way to share more behind the scenes across the board and share the random quirky side of my personality! I’ve connected with so many awesome people on social and, while I limit my time there, it can be a neat place to connect with great people!

 

Q) We love when we get to see you on our TV screens! Do you have any upcoming projects you have been busy working on?

 

A) Thank you! TV has been such a big part of my career now for fifteen plus years, and I just love it! I am blessed to be continually on some of the top networks sharing gadget feature stories and segments and I have my biggest project coming soon (Sh! I can’t say more than that!)

 

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

 

A) I feel so blessed to have such a great fan base. – Thank you, thank you to the fans – I could not do this without their support, and I also love that their support helps each non-profit my songs are connected to. I consider my fans part of my team and we as a team are doing some GREAT things! I pray to always be a positive light and inspiration to anyone who gives my music a listen. [smiles]