The music of Katie Kerkhover (follow her on twitter!) is a potent combination; infectious, and addictive. Her blistering blend of modern rock and throwback salutes to childhood influences, have caught our ear! Leaving her hometown of Rockwood, Illinois, at the rebellious age of 17, Katie was drawn to the stage lights of Nashville, Tennessee. There she quickly garnered the attention of Music City’s biggest bands. She spent three solid years as a touring musician, playing sold out shows on the nations largest stages. Katie was no usual sideman. Much to the dismay of the artist on tour, she often found herself thrown into the center stage spotlight by a chanting mob of spellbound fans. It was obvious to everyone that Katie’s star glistened well after the stage lights went dark. Now at the youthful age of 23, with eyes wide open, Katie looks to establish her own presence and rabid fan base.

Feed The Beat recently caught up with Katie and had the chance to ask her some questions. You can read the interview after the jump!

So you taught yourself how to play guitar? How did you do that? It’s a very hard instrument to play!

I started playing the violin at the age of 4, so I had a bit of a musical background when I picked up the guitar I got for Christmas.  I really had no idea what to do on it, or where to start.  So, I went to the store and bought a poster of guitar chords, hung it on the back of my bedroom door, and started to teach myself how to play the chords on the poster. Once I had a few down, I started writing songs and the ball kept rolling from there. J


How much did it mean to you winning best female vocalist at the Buzz awards?

I was completely honored and shocked when they announced my name. I felt honored to even be nominated and didn’t expect to win. I’ve never won anything before and I was completely shocked!  I know this may all sound cliché, but to have worked really hard at something, and then to finally have others recognize that effort is an amazing and energizing feeling. As a musician and songwriter, you’re always chasing that carrot of success and when you are recognized for your work, it gives you that little bit of validation your constantly searching for and it fuels the fire even more.


You are on tour now, sometimes performing in front of thousands. How do you handle that considering you grew up in a small town of less than one hundred?

I started performing at a very young age so it feels like I’ve always been in front of some sort of audience. It’s an adrenalin rush every time regardless of the crowd size. It’s just that now, I don’t recognize as many faces in the audience as I did when I played around my hometown.


What other artists are you currently listening too?

I listen to so many different artists all the time.  Most recently I’ve been checking out Lady Gaga, Hinder, Savior, Jay-Z, Britney Spears, P!nk, and Michael Jackson.


I read a quote that says that you are following in the footsteps of the greatest women in rock. Do you think that you can handle the pressure of this?

Yes, very gracefully.  It is a lot of pressure when I think about the women who have come before me, and the amazing talent and success they have had. Female fronted rock acts have always had a tough road to travel and to become a household name is no easy task!  I hope to humbly follow in their paths and to, one day, be lucky enough to achieve their level of success. Those are some pretty big shoes!


What do you do for fun when you are not making music?

I’m pretty laid back. I go shopping, play X-box or just hang with friends. I am totally addicted to True Blood, and can’t stop reading the Sookie Stackhouse novels.


Your music is a mixture of a bunch of different sounds. Do you think you are making your own genre?

You know, I’m not trying to make my own genre, it just that I’m inspired by a lot of styles of music. I think they each make their way to the surface at times when I’m writing. I’m just being me and if it sounds like a new genre, great!


When are you getting back in the studio for your next album?

Actually, I’m in the studio this week mixing a new song. I’m constantly writing and recording with my producer, trying out new songs and ideas, seeing what works and what doesn’t. I’m not really sure when the next album will be released since I just released my latest record “Blister”. We’ll see how it all plays out!