A career in Country Music didn’t even seem like a possibility for aspiring artist, Kate Hasting. Growing up in the small town of New Carlisle, Ohio, Kate had always been active in any type of performing the community had to offer—but the bright lights of Nashville seemed just a little too far out of reach. “Most people around here stay around here. Why wouldn’t they? This area has everything you need. I love the small town feeling of knowing my way around and knowing everyone,” Kate reflects, “I guess the thought of leaving New Carlisle or my family to further my love for writing and singing seemed a little far-fetched”.
That all changed when Kate first came into contact with her friend and writing partner, Matt Washburn. Matt, also a local song writer was introduced to Kate by a slew of mutual friends. “Matt had always heard that I sang, and I had always heard that he wrote, so we just decided to compare notes one night,” recalls Kate. It didn’t take long for the two to come up with a few original songs together. “I’m still learning to play guitar, but lyrics and melody have always been my thing. Matt, who’s great at guitar, was able to take the ideas I had and put a chord progression to them. It was really cool.”
Matt’s sister who lives in Nashville, urged the two to bring their act to the town. Kate and Matt started frequenting Nashville with the music they had created. Matt’s sister led them to pivotal contacts and they were able to record their first original EP. “I really have Matt to thank for pushing me in the direction I’m headed now.” Kate says, “He has seen something in me from day one that I wasn’t always able to see.” Kate and Matt decided to continue to work together while pursuing separate career goals. Kate started playing live shows around Ohio while traveling to Nashville to work with experienced song writers. “It has all been kind of crazy, I went from having a few friends come to hear me at a coffee shop on ‘open mic’ night, to having a bar packed with more than 200 people show up to watch me perform,” Kate laughs. “Things have definitely changed.”
Raised on her family farm and showing horses for ten years, it is easy to see where Kate’s inspiration and passion for Country Music comes from. “While everyone growing up was listening to Hanson and The Spice Girls, my parents took shelter in the more conservative music of Garth Brooks and George Strait. We have multiple home videos of my brother and I putting on concerts pretending to be Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood,” Kate laughs. Kate’s love of that music is evident in the songs she writes. “I like traditional Country Music as well as the music being made today—I’m as much influenced by Dolly Parton and Loretta Lynn as I am Taylor Swift and Hillary Scott.”
“I heard a quote once about asking yourself what you would be willing to do that no one else would be willing to do to have what you wanted or to be who you wanted to be. That quote really got to me. This business is unpredictable and it’s way outside of most people’s comfort zone—even mine—but it’s what I love. I truly believe the best things in life are worth taking a chance for…and that’s what I am doing with music.”
UPDATE: What a difference a year made! Kate has called Nashville “home” since June ’11. “It’s been alot of hard work, but I know this is where I belong and what I’m supposed to be doing,” smiles Kate. “My friends and family back home and my new friends in Tennessee have been so supportive. I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had.”
Look for Kate’s latest LP, (released July ’11 at the Clark Co. Fair, Springfield, OH ) “Playing with Fire” on iTunes. Check out the news coverage about Kate’s Clark County Fair Show at: http://www.springfieldnewssun.com/entertainment/music/kate-hasting-brings-country-home-to-clark-county-1217639.html
Kate and The Kate Hasting Band head back to the recording studio this Spring with even more new music–including the much anticipated cut, “Cold”! Stay tuned for more…Kate’s first music video is also in the works!
O-H-I-O: Mark your calendars NOW to see The Kate Hasting Band at THE Ohio State Fair, August 5, 2012 at 11 and 1!!!!
