Interview: Courtney Cotter King
What got you into music, and if you had not gotten into music what would you be doing today?
I would definitely still be a mom but I don’t think I’d have the will power that I have if I hadn’t done music. Music has stretched me for sure.
What do you like to do when you are not playing music and how does that influence your creativity?
Daily, I am currently creating a baby in my belly, creating shapes and molds with play doh and kinetic sand with my toddlers and building outside and inside forts with my 5 year old. Always creating kid style…..I try to get babysitters for time to write.
How long has your band been around?
I have been writing and recording for years but 2020 gave me a boost. I definitely had time to stop and think and prepare for the album release. Didn’t we all have more time with the pandemic? Haha.
Where are you based and how did that influence your music?
I am based out of Phoenix. I think all the sunshine and the pride I have for Arizona definitely influenced the happy vibes of the album.
How did you come up with the name of your band and what does it mean to you?
Courtney Cotter is my maiden name and King is my married name.
Tell me about your most memorable shows.
My most memorable show was my album release for “Brood” that I just put on April 22nd. I rented out a very old venue (not as known for music but for swing dancing and events). I chose this venue because I wanted the show to fit the vintage, classy, vibe of the album and invite all ages to come. I felt like it was a concert for the 1950s/50s with chandeliers, long curtains, steps up to the stage. Babies up to age 65+ were there. I filled every seat provided and my husband went and quickly rented more chairs an hour before the show started so we could have more seating because we had a lot of ticket sales at the door. It went smoothly and I felt love from my community.
What is your favorite venue to play at, and do you have any places you want to play that you have not already?
I think it would be great to open for an artist at crescent ballroom.
If you could play any show with any lineup, who would be on the ticket?
I would hope to open for Ray Lamontagne, Madison Cunningham, or Regina Spektor. I’d be so crazy honored and in awe of the whole event to open for any of those artists.
What is some advice that you would give to someone who is just getting into playing in a band and some advice that you would give to your younger self?
So, I hired a band for my album release. I was thrilled about how well they knew the songs with only one rehearsal but I gave them all the tracks and chord charts and asked great players from around. I’d just say to hire musicians that love your music. If you are putting together a band, I’d give the same advice.
If you could go back in time and give yourselves advice, what would it be?
My advice would be to study jazz piano and jazz vocals and really whip up my craft because its harder to make those things happen when I give most of my time towards my family. My goal this year is to do more of those things…I love jazz.
Of your songs which one means the most to you and why?
Out of all my songs on the album the song “Feel Again” means the most to me. Not as much for the musicality but the lyrics. I wrote it in the middle of repenting. Its not a highlighted song because it isn’t a single but I wrote it for my Savior Jesus Christ and it renews me and reminds me of the cleansed feeling I had when I wrote it.
Which songs are your favorite to play and which get requested the most?
I love performing “Fine Breed”. Upbeat. Happy. Bluesy piano. The most requested song is “man and Wife”. Every day for nap and night time, my 2 year old requests “mama song” which means she wants me to sing the singles from my album. I try singing the other songs but she interrupts asking for another. So I guess I chose the right songs for the singles.
What is the creative process for the band, and what inspires you to write your music?
If I want to write, I have to make time for it. I think going on a trip really sets a mood though. Or, hearing some great new music. Or doing something new and different.
What kinds of messages do you like to get across in your music?
I hope that the messages from this album “Brood” motivate people to live simply, stay humble and kind and make others happy. I definitely loved sending the message that family relationships are worth whatever it takes.
What are your plans for the future, and do you have anything that you want to spotlight that is coming up?
I put out this album right before having baby number 4. I will be staying indoors this summer and writing and taking care of my family. I’m in writing mode now!! So fun. I will continue to keep in touch especially with my CCK fam FB group and livestream any new songs there. That is my group that gives me the most love for music and where I share more of the real and raw and casual day to day. They are my music family.
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