Katrina Cain

Katrina Cain knew she wanted to be a musician since she was a child which led her to grow up and get a degree in jazz. Taking lessons on several instruments allowed her to explore different genres. As she developed as a songwriter her sound eventually landed as an acoustic storytelling experience that falls into an Americana pop genre. 

I sat down with Katrina to talk about her process as an artist and her experience in the industry.

Q: Tell me more about your songwriting process. How do you go from an idea to a song?

A: I have to have a cord progression to start with because for me lyrics and melody are inextricably linked. The phrasing, the rhythm, and the melody are a part of the lyrics for me. I have a note on my phone full of song title ideas and little seeds of a song that I open up when I want to pull ideas.

Q: What has your experience been like in the Austin music scene?

A: I came to Austin for the music scene and because I just love the city. I really got started in the Dallas area when I started pursuing music professionally. There's a lot less emphasis on original music in that scene which kind of frustrated me. Here in Austin, more people are supportive of performing original music, and it’s just more fitting for me. In general, this community is incredibly supportive. I am struggling to keep up with the amount of work and gigs I have here, and the fact that other musicians want to throw you on their gigs, or just talk to you and get to know you is unique to Austin in my experience.

Q: What is the best part of being a musician?

A: Getting to connect with people through doing what I love. It’s a fulfilling thing to be able to create something and share it with others. Nobody asked me to make music. I do it as an extension of myself because I think the world needs more art and opportunities to connect through the human experience.

Q: What is the worst part of being a musician?

A: There’s a lot of behind-the-scenes work that people don’t see. It’s always funny to me when people come up to me at shows and ask me “Why aren’t you famous yet?” and I’m wondering the same thing, but it’s not something that just happens overnight, it’s a lot of work and a lot of financial investment to get off the ground.

Q: What is your dream for your music career?

A: You know the whole tour the world thing I guess. Full-time touring, full-time original music, and hopefully I’ll sell out a venue someday. This year I want to quit most of the corporate gigs I do and focus on my original music. I’m working on releasing an EP and a music video that comes with that.

Q: What does your support system look like? What keeps you going?

A: I do have a very supportive group of friends, most of whom are musicians. My parents are supportive and I didn’t realize how many people’s parents are not supportive. My husband is a musician and we often play together so he’s very supportive as well. At the end of the day this is the only thing I want to do with my life so its worth it to keep pushing and learning and growing.