A few weeks ago Erik, Sheryl and I were downtown Santa Rosa looking for a place to grab dinner. Erik likes La Rosa Tequileria and Grill, so we grabbed some chips and salsa before walking across the street to Belly Left Coast Kitchen & Tap Room. They do live music at Belly, but the artist was done for the night. Before I know it, Erik is talking to the artist that had performed that evening and we all become quick friends. Her name is Kerry Kathleen, and while we didn’t get to see her performance that night, she gave me a free download and I looked her up when we got home. I was impressed by her sound and wanted to learn more. I reached out for an interview and she was excited to talk. I still haven’t seen her live, but looking at her tour schedule, she will be back at Belly before long. This was a fun interview and it is my pleasure to introduce you to Kerry Kathleen.
We were out at Belly Left Coast Kitchen & Tap Room last week. We missed your performance, but it sounds like you play there a lot. How did you get connected with them?
I love playing at Belly. It’s a great spot. I just emailed them a while back and have played there about 5 times now. It’s one of my favorite places to play!
Tell me more about your new single “Homegirl.”
“Homegirl” is a song I wrote about my current roommate/best friend Katie. When it came time to move out, we realized we were more like family than friends and we had such a good home so we shouldn’t give it up. That is the unconditional love that is worth fighting for and now she is like a sister to me and she inspires freestyles/poetry for a few of my songs.
Where can people hear your music?
Besides hearing my single “Homegirl” on Spotify, iTunes, YouTube, ReverbNation and Deezer, you can see my live band videos and a few covers on my YouTube channel. I’m working on my first EP now!
You played there recently with Charley Peach. How did that go?
Charley Peach and I have always loved performing together, as their guitarist Justyn actually doubles as my bass player. They have been super supportive and we have been booking tons of shows that way. They are talented and similar to Paramore so I always love playing with them.
You sometimes play cover songs during a live performance. What are some of your favorite songs to cover?
My favorite songs to cover are “Love On The Brain” by Rihanna and any of the Billie Eilish songs like “wish you were gay” or “when the party’s over.”
What is your songwriting process like? Do you sit down to write a song or do they just come to you? I can see a masterpiece starting on a cocktail napkin!
I usually just mess around on piano until a song comes to me and then I start writing a melody. Then I will play around with the lyrics. Melodies come so naturally to me, but the lyrics are definitely the hardest. I write songs mostly about how I feel or about relationships.
Are you planning a tour this summer or just playing gigs locally?
This summer I will be focusing mostly on recording my EP, and I have recording dates set in July! My next gig is at The Reel Fish Shop & Grill on June 29th at 4:00 pm.
I’m new to Santa Rosa. What are some of the best places to see live music in town?
Fern Bar, Whiskey Tip, Ricardo’s Bar & Grill, Elephant in the Room, The Big Easy, and Jaded Toad BBQ & Grill.
Do you ever make a mistake while on stage?
Of course, every singer is going to make a mistake once in a while. The key is just to keep your composure, move on and remember that you are not singing for you, but the audience.
What is the best concert you’ve been to?
Recently I saw Broods in San Francisco, and they were one of the best I have ever seen/heard! I have been fans of them for a while and was so exciting when they came to my area.
Sonoma County is wine country, but I prefer craft beer. What are some of your favorite wineries and breweries in the area?
My favorites are MacRostie Winery & Vineyards, Arista Winery, and Unti Vineyards for wines. I’m a wino and may or may not work for one of those wineries. (Laughs.) For beer, I would say Lagunitas Brewing Company or Russian River Brewing Company.
“Homegirl” is on Spotify. What is the process like getting your content on Spotify?
The process is pretty simple, actually. The hardest part is remembering to also get the song copyrighted and promoted.
Are you planning to release another single anytime soon? Your fans want more!
My EP will be coming out late this summer!!! Stay tuned and subscribe on my website to get email updates.
What’s next for Kerry Kathleen?
EP!
Thank you for doing this. Was random meeting you but it was fun learning more about you and your music. In all of the interview I do, I always give the artist the last word. Go.
Thank you for interviewing me and supporting artists! Hope to see you again soon!
Connect with Kerry Kathleen:
Website: https://kerrykathleen.net
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kerrykathleen
Twitter: https://twitter.com/kerrykathleenn
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/kerrykathleen
