Katye Hamlin is a talented singer, songwriter, and musician hailing from Texas. Her soulful vocals have been featured at rodeos across Texas, opening for Rascal Flatts, Blake Shelton, Florida Georgia Line, and Willie Nelson. She will join Tracy Lawrence on May 1st at Graham's to benefit Single Moms - Created4Change. Katye kindly joined Artist Spotlight to discuss her music and her support of worthy causes.
What inspires your music and songwriting?
Real
life events and true emotion related to these events. My music may
reflect a story about me, someone close to me, or something happening in
the world, but it is always true and genuine. Some may be fun, corny,
happy or sad, but always reflects something I really believe in. Even if
it was written by someone else, I choose to sing songs that are
authentic to who I am as an artist and person.
What message would you like your music to convey to the audience?
I've
written fun songs about nasty "Cheaterboys" to young love and even
serious songs about death. With every song I hope to convey that through
both the good and bad times: love, hope, God, family, and friends are
things to cling to and cherish. Some days you have to create your own
sunshine.
Which artists influenced you the most?
Bonnie Raitt, Dolly Parton, Faith Hill, Carrie Underwood, Miranda Lambert
Describe your music for new fans.
Heartfelt, soulful, rocking, country, true, authentic
Describe yourself and your personality.
Compassionate, positive, upbeat, determined, passionate, giving
Tell us more about your upcoming benefit concert with Tracy Lawrence.
A portion of the proceeds benefit the SingleMoms-Created4Change. The
organization was started 2 years ago by single moms, providing support
to moms and children raised, not only by single moms, but grandparents
as well as moms who are alone because the fathers are deployed. In
today's world, it's hard enough to make it as a single person, much less
supporting a child and doing it alone.
Tell us more about the causes and charities close to your heart.
In
college, I was a part of an organization that founded our own amazing
non-profit, Project Princess, which I'm so proud to be a part of. During
that time, I was also a Victoria's Secret PINK collegiate brand
ambassador in which we worked with two incredible organizations, Susan
G. Komen as well as SafePlace Austin. This weekend, I'll be
participating in the Southern Jewlz "If The Crown Fits" Fashion Show, in
which the proceeds all benefit the Boys and Girls Club in my hometown
community. I think it's especially important to give kids an environment
where they can learn, grow, thrive in a positive uplifting atmosphere.
Thursday's concert goes hand in hand with this belief. Benefiting single
moms and their children, SingleMoms-Created4Change provides support
moms need to give their children the best home life possible.
What projects will you be working on in the future?
I'm always looking to get involved with great causes and give back to
the community, so I'm excited for the potential opportunities!
KATYE'S ADVICE FOR ASPIRING YOUNG ARTISTS:
Be
unique. Be yourself. Work hard. Give back. Give it everything you've
got. Chase your dream. Be incredibly fearless. If you never try, you'll
never know. And last...if you're doing what you love, you'll never work
a day in your life.
For more information about Single Moms - Created4Change, please visit: http://www.singlemoms-created4change.com/aboutus.htm
For more information about Susan G. Komen, please visit: http://ww5.komen.org/
For more information about SafePlace Austin, please visit: http://safeplace.org/
For more information about Project Princess, please visit: http://uttexaslonestars.com/project-princess
For more information about the Boys and Girls Club, please visit: http://bgcbv.org/
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