Katie Ray

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Interview with Minnesota's own Miss Katie Ray

Published on 5/4/2007

By Artistopia

ARTICLE TEXT: Q. At what age did you realize you wanted to become a music artist and why? At age 3, I just really loved to sing all the time and when I finally sang in front of an audience (that wasn't family) ....I really loved it!!! When I sing it's like nothing else in the world matters at that time. It's the most amazing experience! Q. Most music artists have that special someone or thing that influenced their decision to do music. Did anyone or something in your life play a major role in influencing you to go into the music business? My Gma used to sit and watch me sing and dance whenever we were together. No one else was allowed to watch me! She always cheered me on and told me that I belonged up on the stage. Before she died, she came to all my performances and supported me. It's sad to sing or dance without seeing her there, but I know she is watching me from above and is proud of me. Q. In terms of the music, which major artist(s) influenced your style and why? I found my moms Martina Mcbride CD one day when I was about 7and I would listen to it over and over....her voice was so strong and beautiful, I really wanted to sing that good! So that is what I keep working toward. Q. With so many independent artists trying to make it, what makes you stand out from the competition? hmmm.....well, I am told that my voice is powerful for a girl my age and alot of people comment on that...but I just try to always do my best and have fun. I love to sing and I think I show that when I perform. Q. Music industry professionals are quick to say that being an artist means to gracefully fit a marketable niche in the industry. If you were offered an opportunity that asked you to be something you are not, would you do it to get your foot in the door? It would depend on what it was, but I am still learning who I am so, I am open to suggestions on what I should do to make me a better performer. My mom always tells me to be who I am and not try to be like anyone else. I don't want to be a bad influence for other people, though. Because I am only 11 (almost 12) she takes care of those kinds of decisions for me and she wouldn't make me do something I wasn't really comfortable with. Q. Making music is one thing, selling it is another. What types of strategies do you use in promoting your artistic work and getting it heard by the proper professionals? Gosh, I perform EVERYWHERE I get a chance to. I don't really think about the 'proper professionals' hearing it (my parents probably do), I just love to sing and I am lucky to have awesome parents who will do what they can to find places for me to perform at. Its what I want to do, if I get 'discovered' GREAT! but if I don't, you will still see me singing at the Elks Lodge every month because I just love to do it! Q. In regards to wheeling and dealing, how important do you feel business knowledge is to making it in an industry filled with much heartache? I hope to learn more about how the business works as I get older. I know that I will need to learn about it to handle my own career someday. For now, I'm still learning. Q. Let's fast forward to 5 years from now. What advice would you offer to struggling independent artists? Enjoy it, it may take a long time or you may never get 'discovered' by huge producers, so make sure that its the performing that you love and not the 'fame'. When you get up to perform, don't think about that. Just perform and have fun. Q. Most successful artists are involved in charitable organizations that stand for a cause that hits close to home. In that regard, once you reach success, what charitable cause(s) would you like to be involved in and why? I would like to help schools get the money they need to make sure that kids are getting a good education. So many schools are overcrowded and don't have enough teachers or supplies they need for kids to get a good education. Also, everyone should live peacefully in a well structured home. I'd like to help as many people live in a comfortable home as possible. Well, we thank you for taking the time to interview with us and certainly wish you the best in your music career endeavors. There you have it ladies and gentlemen, an inside look into the mind of an independent artist struggling to bring their hard work to fruition in an industry where perseverance and thick skin means survival. No one said it would be easy.



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Interview with Minnesota's own Miss Katie Ray