Diva Dish: Katelyn Clampett

This past Sunday, I had the opportunity to interview one of my favorite new artists, Katelyn Clampett.  I've been a die hard fan since I first came across her music on LeakThat.com (which has been appropriately shut down).  She's a delightful & charming young woman from the Carolinas, who's bursting with positive energy and talent to share.  Even over Gchat Video, I got the sense that this girl has the motivation, personality and charisma to make it in the music world.  Though a lot of you may not be familiar, pay attention - she's here to stay!  You can purchase her catchy California Country styled Sweet Tea on iTunes now for just 99cents!  Read her Q&A after the jump!

When did you first start making music?

KC: I wrote my first instrumental piece on piano when I was 8 years old. I still remember some of the songs I wrote when I was little, and some of them were pretty good! I might just have to use them. :)

Did you take piano lessons or were you self taught?

 KC: took piano lessons for about a year, but I didn’t like taking lessons. I just needed the foundation, and then I explored piano on my own.

How has your music evolved since you first began making music & since you left Berklee College of Music?

KC: My music style has changed a lot since then.  There is a lot of jazz influence at Berklee, which isn’t at all a bad thing.  I’m grateful for having a background in that.  I was even called the “Pop Princess” at school because everyone knew that I did pop music.  My music has always been catchy and poppy.  I feel that it still shows up in subtle ways with my current music. I aim to coin the phrase “California Country” with my music.

What music can you not live without?

KC: Brad Paisley.  I’ve tweeted like four times that he just needs to NOT be married right now haha.  He is just so clever in the way he writes and I really respect him as an artist and musician.  I also love Carrie Underwood’s latest album.  I do like Taylor Swift too… I even have a tshirt with her face on it that I sleep in sometimes.  I’d wear it out during the day, but I’d be too scared that it would prevent me from being able to sing on key haha.

Do you have a record label?

KC: I am soooo independent right now.  I do have some things in the works, possibly something to do with a reality show… but I really can’t give more details on that right now.  I don’t really see myself as a reality show kind of girl, but who knows!

If you could play at any venue across the US, which would it be?

KC: Wow, no one has ever asked me that question before.  Hmm….  I dunno! 

WP: How about Madison Square Garden?  I feel that a lot of musicians aspire to play there.

KC: I’ll take it!

Do you have any upcoming shows?

KC: I’ve got some in the works, but  I’ve really set aside the next few months for what’s coming up. 

You have so many great songs on your website, how did you choose “Sweet Tea” as the song to release on iTunes?

KC: It is the direction that my music has taken and most likely the direction the music will go for my first album release.  I feel it’s got that “California Country” style of music. It’s chill and fun, but has a little bit of a country vibe.

I love your take on Katy Perry’s “Teenage Dream.”  You put such a nice country twist on it.  Why did you choose that song to cover?

KC: I do like her other hits that have been on Top 40 but I feel this one was lyrically her best.  And I just like the song.

Who else would you love to write for?

KC: Kesha!  I am actually working on a song with one of the writers from her first album, Jon Ingoldsby.  He co-wrote the song “Backstabber.”  We’re working on a really fun song for her new album called “Fluctuates.” 

If you could work with or collaborate with any artist, who would it be?

KC: I would love to have Kesha sing “If U Got the Balls.”  I would also really like to write for Katy Perry, Kelly Clarkson and some other artists.

If you were a popsicle, what flavor would you be?
KC: I would be a Creamsicle.

Thank you so much for taking the time to chat with me.  I wish only the best things for you in the near future.  You really do have the “complete package” and I think you’re heading somewhere great!

KC: Thank you!  Bye!