My name is Kate Howard and I’m making my debut record. I’m going to make a live album, and I’m doing it in the spring. Most of the songs are comedic. All of them are honest, accessible, and a tad offbeat. I'm calling the album "The Best Medicine".
I live in Austin, Texas. I’ve lived here for thirty years. I moved here from North Carolina, where I went to college. But I grew up in Savannah, Georgia. The youngest of 7 kids. A product of parochial schools. While in school, I was in choir from 6th to 12th grades. I fell in love with singing harmonies back then, but only recently did I start singing solo on a regular basis and writing songs.
I wrote my first song at age 50. By age 54, I've written over 100 songs.
I've been a student of comedy my entire life. My brother, John, influenced me a great deal in that regard, introducing me to Dr. Dimento, Weird Al Yankovic, Allan Sherman, Eric Idle (Monty Python), Mel Brooks, Ernie Kovacs, and many others who combined music and comedy.
I tried to be funny for a very long time. Then, one day, something clicked. I stopped trying to be funny. And I was. Not all the time. They can't all be winners. But enough of the time. It brings me great joy to bring joy to people. Life can be hard. If I can help lighten someone's load, I've done my job. My personal goal is to write and perform songs that will lift people's spirits and remind them that we are all connected.
I've had the opportunity to perform with The Purgatory Players several times in the past year. It's always a hoot and usually three hollers as well. The audience at the Gospel Sunday Brunch (at Backstage at El Mercado in Austin) is such a delightful, fun-loving and generous crowd. They've been very receptive to my music. That's really bolstered my confidence. And I've become friends with quite a few of the regulars, which is a priceless perk.
A few months ago, my friend Kacy Crowley and I were sharing a table at Gospel Sunday Brunch. (A celebrated singer-songwriter, Kacy is also my artist development coach.) I was tickled pink when The Purgatory Players asked me to join them onstage for a song. I played a tune I had never played at brunch before - a quirky love song that begins with a vocabulary lesson. We had a blast, as always, and I was floored by the audience's response. When I returned to the table, Kacy said, "That was the best I've ever heard you. I have an idea for your album! You should hire that band and do a live record!"
I loved this idea. Fortunately, the band did, too. I love these songs, and I think you will, too. We're going to make a great record, and we're going to have a wonderful time doing it. I hope you'll join us on this wacky, wonderful journey.
I'm grateful for all of the support and encouragement for my music that I've received over the past few years. I appreciate your contribution to this campaign, in whatever form it may take (financial gift, shares on social media, conversations about it with your friends and co-workers, or all of the above).
Love,
Kate Howard
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Here's the breakdown of where your contributions will go:
Pre-production: $1500
Recording (including paying musicians and sound engineer): $3500
Mixing and mastering: $2000
Design and duplication: $1000
Total cost: $8000
If we exceed the $8000 goal, 15% of the funds in excess of that goal will be donated to the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation (DMRF). The remainder will go towards distribution, promotion, and - if possible - a mini-tour.