Feb 202020
Artist Name: Katie Garibaldi
Hometown: San Francisco, CA
What project(s) are you currently working on?
I’m currently in pre-production for a new music video, which I’m planning on filming in March, so that’s right around the corner! We’ll be filming it in LA and most likely that will be released some time early this summer. I’m also working on getting the plans together to record my new album. My acoustic demos are finished, but I’m still playing around with some production ideas. I’m hoping to start transitioning from planning into recording and producing the album this summertime. I can’t wait to share my new music and videos with everyone!
What inspired you to pursue a career in music and when did you know?
I started writing songs when I was a kid, when I learned the guitar around 11 years old, and then started performing live in high school at around 16 years old. I was really into music and knew from a young age that my path was to be an artist. I discovered and attended a conference for independent artists when I was in high school. I think was 17 at the time. They had panels on the music business and how to be a successful indie artist in the industry. That was a big turning point for me because I got really excited about the industry as a business and saw that I could manage my own career, which was something that I always wanted to do.
If you weren’t pursuing a career in music, what would you be doing for a living?
If I wasn’t a songwriter/artist, I think I would still be involved in the music industry, just from the other side—maybe a manager, publicist, or producer (but I am doing those things now too for my career!) I am also very much inspired by the world of film and I love the creative connection of music and film, so I’ve always been interested in things like music supervision—placing music in TV and film.
What is your favorite downtime activity?
I absolutely love reading! I used to read all the time. In school, I’d pretty much walk around with my nose stuck in a book. Then life got busy and I only read here and there. Recently, I got back into it more and my goal this year has been reading one book a week. So far, so good! I love thrillers, spiritual books, and just feel-good stories too. The perfect day off for me would be maybe a hike at the beach and then reading all day long.
Who is your biggest celebrity crush?
Can I say an author? I’m a big fan of Dean Koontz. I’ve read a ton of his books, and recently found a bunch of old ones I had from years ago so I’m planning on reading them all again! He writes suspense thrillers, but there are aspects of horror and science fiction too. His writing keeps you on the edge of your seat. I’d love to sit down with him and pick his brain like, “How do you come up with these bizarre stories?!”
Who is your favorite sports team(s)?
The San Francisco Giants. Baseball has always been my favorite sport to watch. I’ll admit, I used to follow the Giants a lot more closely, but have been a bit out of the loop the past couple years. But I still “root, root, root for the home team!”
What is the last movie that you watched?
A Hallmark movie on their “Winterfest” program. The characters went on vacation in Iceland. Even though the storyline was predictable, it was cool seeing the different sights in Iceland! It looks like a beautiful place.
What is the last album you listened to?
I’ve had music on Shuffle the past few days, but the last full album I listened to from start to finish was the new album from Jeff Lynne’s ELO, From Out Of Nowhere last week.
If you could only listen to one album for the rest of your life, what would it be?
So many great ones to choose from! I’ll pick Rubber Soul by the Beatles.
What is the greatest country song of all time?
There are so many great classic country songs. That’s why I love country music so much—so many epic song-stories came out of that genre that have stood the test of time, and will continue to do so. A big one for me is “Gentle On My Mind” by John Hartford and also recorded by Glen Campbell and others. It may be considered more of a folk song but I think of it as country too. I’ve always loved that song. It’s got a way of putting the listener at instant peace and also go into deeper contemplation.
What has been your favorite city/town that you’ve visited out on the road?
I’ve visited lots of great cities, but I’d have to say that one of my favorites is Nashville. It has such a spirited charm to it and you can feel the deep history of music there. Whenever I’m there I always wonder what it must have been like for the young artists getting discovered in the streets and playing at the Grand Ole Opry. I love how Nashville holds the history of its past dearly, but also has opened its arms to the present and the future, with so many cool things to do and embracing the culturally eclectic music scene that’s ever-expanding there now.
What is your favorite meal?
I love seafood so I’m a big fan of fish, crab, and shrimp. Maybe a salmon or shrimp salad would be at the top of my favorites. I also love sushi.
Who is your dream duet partner?
I’ll go all the way and say Paul McCartney! If I ever had the chance to write and sing a song with him, that is the ultimate definition of a dream come true.
Who would you like to go on tour with?
There are so many artists I can think of, but I’ll say Brad Paisley because I’m a big fan, and if I were to go on tour with him maybe I could persuade him to give me guitar lessons on the road. He’s my guitar hero!
What is your ultimate career goal(s)?
I’d love to be able to write and record music for the rest of my life! Music is such a big part of who I am and my creative self-expression. It’s a portal to my spirituality and I love connecting with other people through the magic of music. I am also interested in studying music supervision and I’d love to get to a point where I can practice that and become a bridge for songwriters to find the appropriate directors/producers, and vise versa. Music can make or break a scene in a film. I’d love to be a part of that creative process, as well as continue to produce my own music. The ultimate goal would be to do all of this full-time, to be able to fully support myself via the music industry. That way I’d be able to create the art I want to create and also get to a place where I can give back to the music community in other ways.