Classically trained singer Kate Standford is a young Christian contemporary artist from Baton Rouge, LA. She has released a debut EP “Bloom” and her single “I’m a Believer” was featured on the Palau movie soundtrack.
Natasha Barbieri: As a Christian contemporary artist music and faith are closely interwoven. How does music inspire you on your spiritual journey?
Kate Standford: Throughout my life, music has always brought me closer to God. Dedicating thought to the creation of meaningful lyrics and musical phrases has given me confidence, humility, grace, and strengthened faith in both the Lord and in myself. The transformative moment when I knew I wanted to pursue music professionally was during a choir concert in my sophomore year of high school. As we sang an arrangement of “Psalm 23,” the lyrics “Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all my days, and I will dwell in Your house forever, And bless Your Holy Name,” I felt God calling me towards a career in music. The moment of those lyrics echoing off the Church walls still stays with me to this day. Since then, music has continued to serve as a catalyst in my relationship with God. As I progress in my career, I hope that God works through my songs and performances to touch the lives of others.
Natasha Barbieri: What are some of the faith-testing experiences you have experienced so far in your career?
Kate Standford: Being a musician is a very unconventional career path. Looking towards an unpredictable future can be stressful for someone like me who likes to plan and map out the details of my daily life. However, I try to remember that nothing in the world is guaranteed. Knowing that change is inevitable and a part of God’s plan is comforting and allows me to find peace in pursuing an uncommon, yet fulfilling career.
Natasha Barbieri: You are still so young but when did you start making music?
Kate Standford: Currently, I am nineteen years old and a sophomore in college. I started recording music when I was seventeen and a junior in high school, but I have been singing and taking voice lessons since I was six years old.
Natasha Barbieri: How do you juggle music lessons and concerts with study?
Kate Standford: I study music at UT Austin, so much of what I learn in class is applicable to my music career. My biggest challenge is balancing schoolwork, social life, self-care, and a full-time music career all at once. While this balance is achievable, it takes a lot of prioritizing and planning on my end. At the end of each day, I believe that you can have it all and that anything is achievable!
Natasha Barbieri: Have you found distance learning challenging during covid?
Kate Standford: Personally, I find it difficult to stay engaged in my online classes. Nonetheless, I am thankful for the privilege of attending college in the midst of a pandemic and still enjoy learning, even if it’s in a new environment.
Natasha Barbieri: Have you begun writing your own music or do you have any plans to do so?
Kate Standford: My first original single was “Undivided,” a piece that speaks to the rtance of unity in challenging times. Since then, I have put out two new singles, “Change” and “Mirror”, both in collaboration with Cindy Morgan. I am currently working on another single, which is coming soon!
Natasha Barbieri: Who are some of your influences?
Kate Standford: In the CCM industry, I admire Hollyn and Tauren Wells. They are both phenomenal, young, open-minded musicians. In the pop industry, I look up to Jess Glynne. She has been an inspirational force in my life since elementary school—I remember waking up before class every day and listening to her singles “Rather Be” and “Extraordinary.” I have always enjoyed her clear vocal tone and the genuine soulfulness she pours into each song.
Natasha Barbieri: What are some of your musical goals in 2021?
Kate Standford: I am a firm believer in “shooting for the stars.” If you do not believe in yourself, how can you expect others to believe in you? In 2021, I will be working towards both my first (hopeful) Dove Award and my first radio play on KLOVE stations. Musically, I will be working on strengthening my vocal technique in my contemporary pieces by improving the balance between my middle and high range.
Natasha Barbieri: What are some of your favorite Christmas traditions?
Kate Standford: Every Christmas, my family and I watch “Elf” together. Even though it is my all-time favorite movie, I limit myself to watching it once a year during the holiday season. Seeing Will Ferell in his ridiculous Elf costume immediately fills me with the Christmas spirit. Another family tradition is going to Christmas Eve mass with my Mom, Dad, Grandmother, and Aunt at the Lafayette Cathedral in Louisiana. Afterwards, we visit our favorite local restaurant, where I eat my favorite dinner and dessert.
Natasha Barbieri: Tell us about the piece you were featured on in “A Thrill of Hope” and what this particular track means to you.
Kate Standford: Iwas featured in “Hark the Herald Angel Sings” alongside my incredibly talented colleague James Berrian. At the beginning of this collaboration, I was given creative freedom to choose a piece that was meaningful to me. I chose “Hark the Herald Angel Sings” because it speaks to the inseparable relationship between music and praise at the birth of Jesus. Finding out the Moscow Orchestra was providing the instrumental track further added to my excitement to get in the studio and to get things done.
“A Thrill of Hope” is now available on Spotify and Apple Music
To learn more about Kate Stanford visit her official website.
