Today we’d like to introduce you to Katy Tessman.
Hi Katy, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My story begins with a deep love for music and words. I started in the mid-90s, writing songs, releasing my first album in 2001, and touring the country. I paused my music career to raise my two sons. Then life threw me a major curveball—I was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer at the age of 39. I fought through it while parenting my two young sons, and that experience changed me forever. It gave me a new perspective on what really matters. That experience led me to write “Our Mama is a Beautiful Garden”—a children’s book to help families talk about cancer.
As my sons grew up, I found my way back to the stage. In 2023, I released “Fly,” my first album in over two decades. The response was overwhelming in the best way—it reminded me how powerful storytelling through song can be. That momentum carried into “Turnbuckles” in 2025. Along the way, I formed a band with my son, Louis—playing music together has been one of the greatest joys of my life.
My journey hasn’t been easy, but it’s been rich with purpose, and I wouldn’t change a thing.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Everyone who has a drive to express themselves faces challenges—it’s part of the creative path. For me, one of the biggest has been balancing my passion with responsibility. Finding time to write and perform while being a single parent isn’t easy. I’ve also had to get creative about how to fund my art, especially when I want to support the amazing people I collaborate with—my bandmates, photographers, and others who help bring my vision to life.
It’s a constant juggling act, but those struggles have shaped my songs. In “Write My Own Story,” I sing, “Not gonna live just a draft of myself. / Turn the page, no longer in that cage.” That lyric is my reminder to keep showing up for my art, even when the road is bumpy. Every challenge has helped me become more true to who I am—as a person and an artist.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I think what sets me apart is my ability to combine vulnerability with optimism. I’m not afraid to write about hard things, but I always try to leave listeners with a sense of hope.
A friend once coined the term Mama-Americana to describe my music genre—a blend of Americana and folk-rock shaped by motherhood and real-life resilience. I perform solo, as a mom-and-son duo, and with my band, Katy Tessman and The Turnbuckles, featuring my son “Sweet Lou” on lead guitar. Sharing the stage with him brings a special kind of energy and heart.
I’m also a children’s book author. My song “Hero Now Crowned”—which is also a lyric picture book—reminds listeners that they are the hero in their own story. Whether through music or stories, I’m proud to create work that uplifts and inspires.
What’s next?
My third album, “Turnbuckles” (released in May 2025), explores themes of resilience, connection, and strength. I’ve been touring the U.S.—including two solo tours of over 3,000 miles each—and I love sharing my songs with new audiences.
In addition to performing solo and with my band, I curate special shows like Leading Ladies of Americana, Mama Hellcats, and Under the Influence of Women, which celebrate and uplift women in music. I also perform with Heartland Souvenirs, a trio project with Nikki Lemire and Becky Schlegel.
I’m continuing to write and work on new recording projects. Looking ahead, I plan to keep creating, connecting, and collaborating—always staying open to whatever the next chapter brings.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.katytessman.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katytessmanmusic
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KatyTessmanAuthorSingerSongwriter
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@katytessman
