Today we’d like to introduce you to Katy Vernon.
Hi Katy, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I was born and raised in London, UK. I met an American guy when I was in college and moved to Minnesota to marry him.
I’ve always been a singer-songwriter and have been a part of the local music scene here for a couple of decades. It was only around a dozen years ago that I took up the ukulele and worked to become a solo artist. Since then, I formed a band, made three albums, and in addition to playing locally, I also started to tour the UK.
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
My life has been challenging in many ways. As a kid, I had to deal with the death of my mum when I was 12, and then my Dad when I was 17. This early loss was devastating but also led to me discovering the importance of music in my life. I have used songwriting to explore and express myself.
For many years, I was self-conscious that my songs were too sad, but I just try to be as open and honest with my writing and it has led to really meaningful connections with people. I have been involved with a mental health nonprofit (Dissonance.org) since getting sober several years ago and once I was finally diagnosed with depression I was able to start the work of getting well.
It is possible to be mentally stable and creative. Too often people think they need to suffer for their art. I have suffered and felt stuck in that space for too long. I’m grateful to have found a network of friends and support. Treating my depression has also made me a better wife and mother. It’s never too late to seek help.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am probably best known as a ukulele player. That’s become my focus in the last 12 years. I played guitar for many years but it never really clicked for me. When I picked up a ukulele, I found it complimented my voice so well and was instinctively easier for me to write with.
This instrument has such a diverse and interesting fan base and opened up new touring opportunities for me. I have done three tours of the UK playing ukulele festivals and look forward to going back soon.
I somewhat jokingly call myself a singer of sad songs on a happy instrument, that’s a nod to the serious lyrics and feelings that I convey but with the lightness of the ukulele sound. I always want to leave people feeling hopeful. Some people now also know me for my ABBA tribute band! AbbaSolutely Fab! I just love to sing!!
Risk-taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
Taking the plunge a few years back to do a solo 9-week tour of the UK felt risky! I was booked for two big festivals that were 9 weeks apart. I independently booked a bunch of shows at venues all over the country in between and planned to stay at strangers’ homes, a pub, and even a houseboat along the way.
It was a huge undertaking and even more importantly I was also newly sober. I had chosen to stop drinking less than a year prior and being on my own for that long was a huge test of sobriety. It felt empowering in every way to do that tour.
Contact Info:
- Website: Katyvernon.com
- Instagram: @katyvernonmusic
- Facebook: Katyvernonmusic
- Twitter: Katyvernonmusic
- Youtube: Katyvernon
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0ZwOXLAShi7CxYTEu791mc?si=TZp0xJg4SbK9N-4O2YXQZA
Image Credits
Randy Vanderwood
