Interview with Sharron Katz
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Interview with Sharron Katz
What got you into music, and if you had not gotten into music what would you be doing today?
Ha! Although music was a huge part of my upbringing (My father was a jazz musician) I came to songwriting/performing/producing later in life. My first marriage ended after 14 years, I had a guitar my ex had given me which I hated—it was super uncomfortable like my relationship. When things ended I went out and bought a guitar I love- an Art Lutherie took lessons and within 6 months was writing songs.
What do you like to do when you are not playing music and how does that influence your creativity?
Creativity is my life. I paint and write and design upcycled sweaters.
How long have you been making music?
I’ve been playing and writing music for fifteen years now
Where are you based and how did that influence your music?
I live in Stratford On now. I moved from TO 7 years ago. Honestly, I miss the music community of Toronto. While Stratford is artsy, the community is super cliquey. I mostly head back to TO for shows.
Tell me about your most memorable shows, if you haven’t played live what is your vision for a live show?
Well the first most memorable was when I totally flopped, trying to play an open mic a SAC. With tons of super amazing established music industry folk present, I was shaking with fear- it was my first attempt at an open mic- WRONG place to start out. I made a total fool of myself. After that, I would say most of my CD releases- especially the last one was so much fun. With folks aged 3 months to 97 years of age, you could feel the joy in our crowd.
What is your favorite venue to play at, and do you have any places you want to play that you have not already?
My absolute favorite venue to play is a sweet Ethiopian restaurant on the Danforth called Hirut. The owners, Hirut and Tibebe LOVE music and make everyone feel so appreciated and welcome.
I would one day love to play at the Aeolian Music hall in London Ontario.
If you could play any show with any lineup, who would be on the ticket?
When I’m dreaming, I dream of being a guest performer at the Juno Awards and perhaps being able to show up in a much brighter light in from of all those industry professionals I made a fool of myself in front of. I’d love to be an inspiration to others- not to give up on a dream- in spite of flops and failures- keep going.
What is some advice that you would give to someone who is just getting into making music and some advice that you would give to your younger self?
Do what you love. It’s the process that fills you with joy, not the accolades or the money. Those can come and go, but making music, creating music will fill you with the greatest joy. Do it for love.
Of your songs which one means the most to you and why?
Hello Self Love is on my 4th CD. It’s an incredibly personal song about the abuse I experienced from my father. I think the reason to share our painful journeys is to help others who may have experienced same not feel so alone.
Which songs are your favorite to play and which get requested the most?
So many, This Love, Bipolar, It Don’t Matter, Another Song About Love, all really fun songs to play.
What is your creative process, and what inspires you to write your music?
Hmmm… I seem to go in cycles. I can write for months and then have nothing for months. Songs come to me out of nowhere. Picking up my guitar absolutely will invite more creativity.
Do you have messages that you like to get across in your music, if so please tell me about them?
I have so many messages! Each song I write had a message. Mostly about loving oneself. Although many of my songs seem to morph into relationship songs, the message is always about finding inner strength and building relationships with ourselves.
What are your plans for the future, and do you have anything that you want to spotlight that is coming up?
The future absolutely holds more writing, more music, and more performing. We’ll be doing a couple of shows close to Valentine’s day. Hirut Sunday afternoon Feb 19th Time TBA. Lee’s Studio in Stratford Feb. 11, 7-10 pm
How can your fans best keep up to date with you, any socials you want people to check out?