Under the watchful eye of Andy Sheridan, the writer and producer behind massive country artists like Parmalee and Avery Anna, Kat Velasco has put together a wonderful new single, 'Paper Boy.' We were lucky enough at Wide Open Country to get an exclusive interview with her ahead of its release.
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Despite being coached and guided by Sheridan, there is no mistaking the unique country sound of Kat Velasco. The swelling guitars and pounding drums do little to overwhelm her powerful vocals and excellent tone control.
Kat Velasco has already released several singles, showing off her range in the country music genre. Some, like 'Burning Man' sit comfortably on the more electronic side, while others, like 'Lifetime Lover' drip with true country twang. Her latest release, 'Paper Boy,' sits somewhere in the middle, as a poppy, but unmistakably country bop.
We have been given the chance to pick her brains before the upcoming release.
In Good Company
Working with someone like Andy Sheridan is quite a privilege. Along with numerous other artists, he has racked up tens of millions of plays as a writer. I asked Kat Velasco how it was working with such a talent.
"Every time I get to work with Andy Sheridan, I am not only beyond grateful, I am having the best time," she told us. "I can tell you this, he is one of the most genuine and hilarious people I have met here in Nashville.
Looking back, she tells us, "I remember being twenty-five years old, driving from Charleston to record in Nashville for the first time, I walked into Starbucks and met Andy and all the other incredible musicians. I was so unbelievably nervous, I was literally shaking while recording scratch vocals."
But, now she has worked with him, it's significantly less nerve-wracking. Kat and Sheridan have worked together on many of her bigger tracks. His input has been a constant inspiration for Kat Velasco, guiding her through the difficult jungle of producing and pressing a single.
"It's no secret that the music industry can be tough to navigate, especially for independent artists like myself," she says. "But his influence on me as an artist from the beginning has been everything. Any word of advice from him I apply to life because it means something."
Casting The Net Wide For Influence
I am always curious to know where an artist finds their influence. A muse can be anything from an idol to an event. Kat Velasco certainly brings her own style to the country music genre, and I wanted to know where she drew her inspiration.
Speaking about her beginnings as a singer, she said "I have been singing since I was five years old, whether it was musical theatre, singing in church, or pageants. I really have been in a lot of different settings vocally throughout my life."
"It was really when I started going to therapy in my early twenties, which led to journaling and songwriting that gave me the confidence to be where I am now. I try to pull from all the different experiences in my life." Her use of personal experience adds the soul that comes through in her vocals.
When it comes to finding that idol to look up to, there are a few for Kat Velasco. "Stevie Nicks. I've always had a good amount of rasp in my voice and she's inspired me to lean into that. Lately, I have been obsessed with Ella Langley. I think her sound, is just incredible. When it comes to writing, I just love authenticity. We all love music that relates to us and Kacey Musgraves has been one of my major influences from the very beginning."
So Where Can We Spot Kat Velasco This Year?
Along with the release of 'Paper Boy,' Kat Velasco has a big year ahead of her. There will be opportunities to catch her live, and even rumors of more music on the not-too-distant horizon. We asked what she's looking forward to in the coming year or so.
"This year is a really big one, I feel it and I am ready for it... I can tell you there's a lot more music with Andy Sheridan than this single." So, keep an eye out. All announcements for forthcoming music, tours, gigs, and appearances can be found on her socials.
Listen to 'Paper Boy' here on your favorite music streaming platform.
