 Blues Americana artist Katie Knipp has been on a passionate musical journey her entire life. Always in choir, she was drawn to the piano at the age of 15., but since there was no piano at home, she began teaching herself at every lunch break during high school. Beginning college, Katie believed it would be practical to major in medicine, but singing in a choir rendition of Mozart’s Requiem changed her future path. In order to follow her heart, she would dedicate herself to music. To date, Katie has released four studio albums, a DVD, and played hundreds of venues throughout California with Sacramento News and Review nominating her for Best Blues Artist in Sacramento in 2017. On November 7th, she released her new album, Take It With You, and here she answered her Essential 8 where she spoke about her musical mentor, Joe Barnett, shared the story behind "Metro in Paris" and much more. Did you have a musical mentor? If so, who was it and how did they influence you? Most definitely. Joe Barnett was my piano and voice teacher for a good 8 years. He helped me find my voice. His teaching style always included humor, discipline, and passion. Although he tragically passed at the young age of 46, he is part of my everyday life. I still warm up with our previously recorded vocal warm-ups to keep in tip-top shape, and his Yamaha grand piano was purchased by me a few years ago. Not only do I love playing it, but I also get to teach my own students piano lessons on it. I hope to carry on his legacy and inspire as many people as possible. Doesn't it ALL start with a mentor? Please choose one song and tell the story behind it. The song "Metro in Paris", although very flirty sounding, actually comes from feeling extremely claustrophobic on the metro in Paris during their rush hour. I was quite shocked how nobody seemed to mind being completely pressed up against each other. We were packed in like sardines! I began to feel queasy and found out after the trip it was because I was pregnant at the time! I decided to turn the story into a sexy dance about wanting to take someone home and romance them. Do you write about personal experience, the experience of others, observations, made-up stories, something else or a combination? A combination, for sure! Personal experience is a must because it has always been very healing to write about pain, love, loss, etc. The song "I Will Stick Around" is about a friend of mine who experienced so much tragedy that I didn't know how to process it except to write. I finally admitted to him yesterday that it was about him and wanting to be there as much as possible for comfort. I love the adventure of a made up story and get a lot of inspiration from movies. The song "Come Back" has a bit of inspiration from the movie "Fatal Attraction". "Another Round" is my tribute to New Orleans and how the city is a constant inspiration to me. My heart belongs there! "Santa Cruz" blues is a true story.  What’s the best advice to give to a musician just starting out?
Never stop learning, and never give up! What’s your favorite/”go-to” food on the road? I eat for energy, so I will nibble on a peanut butter and honey sandwich on whole wheat bread if I am super busy and need to be on my A-game. I also love golden delicious apples and string cheese. What’s your favorite venue and why? My favorite venues that I've played so far are probably tied with The Crest Theatre in Sacramento and The Fox Theatre in Redwood City where I opened for solo both times for Robert Cray this past year. I also adore The Mountain Winery in Saratoga where I opened for The Doobie Brothers. There's something special about watching the sun go down at a winery while playing. What’s your dream venue and why? The Ryman Auditorium in Nashville TN is tied with The Fillmore in San Francisco. I love the history of both places and the beautiful souls that graced those stages." Is there a professional "bucket list" item you would love to check off? Yes! To be on Austin City Limits. Website/Facebook
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