Northern California Blues Americana Siren Katie Knipp is equipped with powerful vocals and plays a variety of instruments from boogie woogie piano to slide guitar, to honest harmonica laden stories in between. Her raw solo act captures audiences hearts from her first notes.
She has opened for Robert Cray, The Doobie Brothers, Tim Reynolds, Jon Cleary, The James Hunter Six, among many others. Currently releasing her 5th album in November of 2018, her sound has been compared to Bonnie Raitt, Joss Stone, Beth Hart, and what the late Taz Digregorio of the Charlie Daniels band once said, “Dylan in a Dress!”
Please list all of your band members and their roles in the band.
Katie Knipp: Katie Knipp is on vocals, piano, dobro guitar, Hammond organ, Rhodes, and harmonica. Neil Campisano is on drums, Zack Proteau on bass and tuba, Brett Vaughn Rechtfertig on electric guitar, and special guests Chet Chwalik on trumpet, Al Bent on Trombone, and Scott Brill-Lehn is on harmony vocals
What’s the origin of that name and have you changed the band’s name before?
Katie Knipp: I keep it simple with my given name
Who writes your songs? What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs and do you think these topics will change over time?
Katie Knipp: I write all the songs, covering very personal experiences, to made up quirky stories. They are always changing, but I tend to usually be on the dark side with my writing.
What bands are currently inspiring the music that you’re making?
Katie Knipp: Jason Isbell, Son House, Nina Simone, Gary Clark Jr., Jon Cleary, Elvis Costello, and Ryan Bingham seem to be in constant rotation.
Was there a particular band/artist or concert that inspired you to start a band?
Katie Knipp: I learn something from every concert, but have had the performance passion since 4th grade. The first female-fronted concert I saw was Bonnie Raitt and that definitely inspired me.
What do you do to prepare for a show? Any flexing, exercises, etc …
Katie Knipp: I always do my legit vocal warm-ups, make sure to have a light meal, and meditate a bit.
If you could tour with any bands, past or present, who would they be and why?
Katie Knipp: Jason Isbell, Gary Clark Jr., Ryan Adams, Ryan Bingham, and Bonnie Raitt.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Katie Knipp: Let's enjoy the ride together!