Katherine Appello is an Italian-American NY artist and blogger, focusing on self-development, and spirituality, seeking to inspire, and empower, as well as bring a spiritual core to the work she does. She finds her influences come from what she sees, or a in a book, or a poem, and other times,, stuff just comes tto her, even as is falling asleep. Ms. Appello has participated in poetry readings, and immature nights. She is multilingual being somewhat fluent in Italian and Spanish and has been signed on to Bentley Records, has released spoken word Christmas album https://bentleyrecords.lnk.to/KatherineAppello-ChristmasHymnandHolidayHolly, and as of October, along with other pieces on my artist site:https://www.artistecard.com/kappello with more holiday music. Other pieces and her ministry blog can be found at https://www.katherineappello-inspiraiton.com.
1.) What elements and/or characteristics made you say to yourself that you wanted to do music for a living? Who are your influences/heroes/role models?
I have always loved to write, started writing poetry and all that in college, and have wanted to earn a living in the arts as far back as I can remember. I was influenced by how music touched me, was at times even a comfort to me, gave me a nugget of philosophical wisdom. When fibromyalgia hit and and I couldn’t teach I decided to take the plunge and get on this road.
2.) If you could compare yourself to an already established artist, who would that be and why? If you don’t like to compare yourself, then music-wise, what separates you from other musicians?
I think what separates me is that each song is really a spontaneous expression. I don’t re-write anything. What the Holy Spirit and my instincts give me to write in the moment I just run with it.
3.) Everyone in life goes through adversity of some sort. Is there anything in your life that has any influence on the kind of songs you write? What is the most difficult thing you’ve had to endure on your path to becoming a musician?
My fibromyalgia turning my world upside down, turned out to be a blessing, as I plunged into working on making a living from the arts, what I love. It also brought me through a spiritual journey to find my faith more fully.
4.) How do you prepare yourself to write certain songs? What is your song-writing and recording process?
I don’t have a special preparation. I simply let the Spirit lead me and I write.
5.) Unfortunately the music industry is full of talented individuals who just don’t get any recognition for their talent and/or hard work. What do you plan to do to make sure you stand out and get noticed? Would you rather be on a major label or would you rather stay independent? Why or why not? In regards to the music industry itself, do you think that the traditional music industry model as we know it is dead?
I am already getting great feedback from fans on Number One Music and social media, Instagram. I think social media and promoting one’s link. Also I am going to be doing my first online show for the holidays, promoting that and reaching out to as broad of an audience as I can.
6.) Are you able to make a living with your music? If so, how were you able to attain a career doing what you love? If not, what do you do in order to fund your music career? What advice would give to someone who’s interested in pursuing a career in music?
I have made some sales, but as the founder of my record label pointed out this is not something that comes overnight, real success takes time. I have just only recently started doing any kind of heavy promotion. I use Fiverr for marketing and promotion, so even with my SSDI, I can invest a bit each month. My advice, be intentional and wise in your planning and moving forward because easy come easy go. Success takes time, and yes it can be frustrating, but it’s the nature of things. Keep writing and putting it out there.
7.) How do you think the internet and social media affected the music industry and how musicians are able to market themselves? Social media is obviously an extremely important element in today’s world, especially when it comes to business, branding, marketing, etc. With that being said, do you think an artist will be able to survive in today’s music industry if they’re not social media savvy?
It facilitates things for musicians who can really write their own ticket. It also means instant reaction, even criticism to one’s material and if you have a very fragile ego, it can make you want to quit before you even started. One has to remember that you can’t please everyone, so follow your instinct.
8.) Artists who try to make music for the general public and make more money are usually seen as “sell-outs.” Do you see it that way and if so, what do you plan to do to make sure your music stays true to your brand and make a good living at the same time without having to “sell out”?
When you are signed with a big label you can find your own true voice gets dropped out because of the image they want to portray of you. In this sense the internet has been a game changer. You can decide the image for yourself. I think prosperity is a good thing, but you have to be strong and stand your ground with your manager, etc…meditate and seek a peaceful center to do this from.
9.) Professionally, where do you see yourself 5 years from now?
I see myself producing two albums per year, composing on keyboard my own tunes more and more and doing more live shows. I also hope to use the success and prosperity to bring arts into schools more, classic arts and support those things I believe in strongly.