Kat Parsons Interview              Coffee East February 2nd, 2008

Usually I write a little introduction before the interview, but I think this time I will leave it to my friend Rik Ferrell, music editor at What's Up Eastern Shore. This is a piece he wrote about Kat for the Record Observer that I think sums her up. The interview follows:

"Kat Parsons is on the fast-track to superstardom. Blessed with great looks, strong, hook-filled songwriting, and one of the most stunningly beautiful voices you’ll hear anywhere, Kat could very well be a household name this time next year. So here is the opportunity to see her in a cool, intimate setting, before she’s selling out the Verizon Center. Think about the bragging rights you’ll have at neighborhood cookouts! Kat’s sound is a tasty blend of Carole King, Sarah McLachlan, and Aimee Mann, and wraps around you like warm flannel sheets on a winter night.  - Rik Ferrell, Record Observer"

MM: How old are you? Where are you from? Where are you living now?

KP: I was born in Vienna, Austria....both of my parents were American musicians in Austria....my mom, a singer-songwriter, and my dad, an opera singer at the Vienna Opera House. I am paying rent in Los Angeles, but will spend 9 months of this year out of the country performing.

MM: You have played several shows in Easton, and have become a local favorite here. What do you like about playing in Easton? Have you gotten to spend much time here? If so, what else do you like about the town?

KP: I've had some really neat experiences here...from playing at the Chez Lafitte and enjoying their yummy quiche and intimacy.... to aiding a fan in a marriage proposal at a show at the Avalon. I've gotten to play a couple of house concerts in the area as well....Easton is beautiful. The support for the art community seems to be alive and well here, and it feels like everyone knows each other and I love that!

MM: What do you like about living in L.A? Could you see yourself staying there for an extended period of time?

KP: The geography is incredible- I love to be near the ocean and mountains. I also have to admit that I am a sucker for the warm weather. I have no idea what the future holds!

MM: How do you feel you are progressing as a songwriter at this point in your career? Are you writing now? How is it going?

KP: As a human being, I am always learning and always growing....at least always trying....and I hope that informs my life and songwriting.

MM: You just played a bunch of dates in Japan I saw on your MySpace. How did that come about, and what was the experience like?

KP: I love to travel and am very interested in people's stories....the Japanese culture is very different from the American culture I have experienced. It was an incredible experience to get to see how other
people tick....what makes other cultures work, and in what ways.

MM: The career of a singer-songwriter/musician is difficult, and requires a tremendous amount of focus and "workaholic" type mentality. How do you try to balance your career and personal life? Do you feel it is any different or more difficult to do so for a female than for a male?

KP: Still working on this! As for the gender difference....I don't know....I think we all have our struggles...they are all individual and all the same too....

MM: Did I read somewhere about you that you were a theater major in  college? What made you leave that stage for this one?

KP: Playing music live and theater are definitely related. I felt more comfortable with my own words....I still love theater.....it takes a lot of time, energy, and money to pursue an artistic career and I
wanted to devote all my resources to one love and I can't stop singing.

MM: Every show I have done with you, even when opening, you have always been well received. I remember after the Dave Mason show in Annapolis how complementary HE was of you, which almost never happens. What about your music do you think, or hope, connects with an audience?

KP: I am so honored when anyone lets me/my music into their life....I  still have a hard time believing it....it is so amazing and I feel so lucky, they are giving me a gift. I really try hard to be myself on
stage and in my songs and I hope that my acceptance of myself (good and bad) leads to other people feeling the freedom to accept themselves? I don't know, it sounds so weird when I write it
down....but maybe that's part of me....weird!! I accept it!

MM: If somebody came down with a crystal ball and said, "Here is your career in five years" what would you hope you see?

KP: Hot tub in the tour bus and lifetime supply of Ben & Jerry's.

MM: What do you like most about being a musician?

KP: Connection, freedom, love

FILL IN THE BLANK

Having a tour bus would be... great but having a band and a tour manager would be better...then I could just play and wouldn't have to be so responsible!

When the writers strike is over....all my friends will have jobs again!

During the Super Bowl I will be....practicing for my next gig!

Brittany Spears is....having a hard time....I can't imagine having all my struggles publicly.

2008 will be.....who knows? I am excited to find out.