Born and raised in Brantford, Ontario, Katie Ditschun spent time in Montreal, Quebec following her studies at Berklee College of Music for jazz and contemporary vocals before returning to her home province; she is also a member of the National Association of Teachers of Singing and the Ontario Registered Music Teachers’ Association. Though she was diagnosed at 18 months old with juvenile arthritis, beginning piano lessons at age four to keep her fingers moving, it was the onset of her mother’s terminal illness that gave Ditschun the push to pursue music full-time.
1. What made you want to pursue a life in music?
Just like I don’t remember learning to read books, I don’t recall not knowing how to read music. Making up songs as a kid as I did my chores, singing in church, doing piano and singing competitions all through my formative years. It’s always been a big part of my life. I recall taking Livingston Taylor’s Performance Techniques class at Berklee where he said to the class, “I know why you’re here [at Berklee], because you have to be.” That’s how I feel about pursuing a life in music. Music will always be my life.
Watch “That Is That.” via YouTube Here
2. Can you tell us what you’re working on right now that most excites you?
This past year I’ve been more focused on creating videos and releasing singles from my debut album Spare Skirt. I was recently a Round One Finalist with my video for my single “That is that.” in Dropout Entertainment’s Canadian Independent Music Video Awards! However, right now I’m focused on writing and arranging new songs. I’m particularly excited about a song I’ve written with lyrics that are half English, half French. I can’t wait to get back into the studio later this year to record an EP I plan to release this fall.
3. Who are your biggest influences?
Ah, I have so many different influences! Vocally I’m influenced by Amy Winehouse, Ella Fitzgerald, Blossom Dearie, and Judy Garland. I love the idea of being able to be strong, sassy, bold, but also sweet, sincere, simple — to play with one or another, or to mix them all up. Songwriting-wise, I’m very much enamoured with Sting, Paul Simon, Joni Mitchell, and Irving Berlin because of their storytelling, melodic choices, and variety in their music.
4. What was your favourite live concert and why?
There have been two concerts that always stick out in my mind. Seeing Stevie Wonder live was breathtaking. Witnessing the energy, his musicianship, and the way he connected with a crowd of thousands was unbelievable. I was equally amazed seeing Sting and Paul Simon together on stage. The combination of their musical backgrounds, sensibilities, and talent — I actually teared up at the beginning of the concert, I was so excited.
5. What would you like to say to your old/new fans?
That I’m grateful for them. I feel totally me when I’m singing and I’m thrilled I get to do that. Being able to share my life, my views on life and how to cope with or thrive in life through my songwriting and performance is a gift — to me and from me — that I hope brings my fans hope, faith, and the feeling of being loved.
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