Catch Of The Week: Katie Dobbins
Meet: Katie Dobbins, a singer/songwriter from Somerville
(Kris DobbinsPhotography)
There is an airy, entrancing quality in Katie Dobbin’s music. Ironically, there is a lightness in the depth of her lyrics, and her gift for storytelling comes from quietness. Katie told me that growing up her family didn’t have a radio in the car, so creativity was their outlet. They would make up stories and songs in their time spent on the road. She can’t remember a time without music in her life. “My dad was always tinkering around on guitar, and my mom would sing to me often. When I was 6 or 7, our family was given a free upright piano so I quickly gravitated to that,” Katie explained.
In middle school Dobbins discovered the guitar and tried her hand at writing songs. She loved being able to express herself through this medium. At the time there were plenty of female role models for her, from Shania Twain to Martina McBride. Her love and understanding of music is unmistakable. Her vocals are sweetly celestial, and she performs with a comfortableness in her skin, her voice and who she is as an artist. Katie’s message is always clear… to share her joy of music.
Katie’s Curtain Call
Katie and her keys… We were treated to 2 original songs with Katie on the keyboards.
Here’s “Memory Lane”
Another Dobbins original, “Home Without Walls”
The Dirt On Dobbins
- Instruments played: Piano & Guitar
- How would you describe your sound: A combination of contemporary folk and new country
- Who inspires you: I grew up listening to all the 90s pop stars, but my introduction to country music was Shania Twain. I listened to her CD on my way to school every morning, dressed up as her in a leather skirt and leopard top for Halloween one year, and even performed a figure skating solo (yes, figure skating!) to her song “That Don’t Impress Me Much.” In high school, I fell in love with the positive messaging and beautiful music of Martina McBride, and I sang her song “Anyway” at my high school graduation. Along with most of the world, I’m loving Kacey Musgraves’ album “Golden Hour.” I love the ethereal and dreamy sounds woven throughout each song, and how she incorporates elements from different genres and eras of music. There are just too many to mention! But through it all, Taylor Swift has remained my top influence. I’m so inspired by her ability to tell stories, connect with her fans, and write in a variety of musical genres.
- Awards/accolades: 2018 New England Music Awards – Won “Best In State of New Hampshire” and was nominated for “Album of the Year” and Music Video of the Year”
- All- time favorite country song: (or songs if you can’t name just one): Everything! I love the messaging in “Love’sg: (or songs if you can’t name just one): Everything! I love the messaging in “Love’s The Only House” by Martina McBride. And I can’t listen to “Colder Weather” by Zac Brown Band without singing along. But for dancing… play me any Luke Bryan song and we’ll have a party!
- Favorite country concert: Seeing Martina McBride at Meadowbrook (now Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion). We had great seats, and it was the moment where I realized the messaging behind the music is just as powerful as the music itself, and that music can be used to spread love and healing.
- What songs do you like now on Country 102.5: Everything! But I’m really loving Kacey Musgraves and Carly Pearce right now.
- If you weren’t a musician, what would you be doing: Acting for film, television, or theater. I really love the stage! Perhaps I would be writing books… I love to write too
- Day Job: Special Education Teacher
- Most proud moment: Being recognized at The New England Music Awards for “Best In State of New Hampshire”
- Other things you like to do: I love being outside in any capacity, but especially somewhere near water. I grew up on Lake Winnipesaukee, and I love spending time at the beach, swimming, and boating. I also enjoy crafting
- 3 frivolous fun facts: I love to dance, and I wish we lived in a world where it was socially acceptable to break out random dance moves of joy whenever we felt like it. I have a lot of funny songs about animals and various things that no one will ever hear. Ever. I love me a good dad joke
Katie Concerts
- MARCH 30TH: Album release party at THE BURREN in Somerville MA. Tickets HERE
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APRIL 6th: Album release at The Light Club Lamp Shop in Burlington, VT
- APRIL 13th: Album release at Belknap Mills in Laconia, NH
(Kris DobbinsPhotography)
Connect With Katie Dobbins
Every week, Kruser’s Local Catch highlights New England’s homegrown country music talent, and tells you where to catch them locally and in Nashville. Click here to view previous catches.
The Local Catch is powered by Shiner Bock, independently brewed in Texas, for Boston’s independent spirit. Boston is Shiner country!
*Singer/songwriters with original music: Please submit for consideration on The Local Catch by emailing Kruser at carolyn.kruse@bbgi.com
