We had the good fortune of connecting with Katie Barbato and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Katie, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I think that risk taking is basically just facing your own fears and the specific fear of rejection. With my music career, every time I put my art out into the world, there’s a chance it may not be accepted or rejected for a project. Every time I get a “no” and the door I am knocking doesn’t open, I know that a “yes” could be just around the corner. Maybe the song wasn’t the right fit for a licensing project but it could be just the right tune for another project.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I have been writing and performing songs for 25 years. I love it and it brings me such joy and happiness to share the healing power of music with others. I have sang in every rock club, coffee shop, festivals, for kids, and all ages. I was a music therapist on a dementia unit in a nursing home for many years. I currently work as a social worker by day with children living with intellectual disabilities. I have band practice at night after work or you can find me in the recording studio on the weekends or rockin shows with my band. I am 45 years old and feel that I am just getting started. I recently had a song placed on the Netflix show “Virgin River”. The lesson I have learned is to follow your own path. You can be so many different versions of yourself as an artist. You have a lot to give and gifts to share with the world. Your path may not always look like you imagined, it just might be even better! Follow your heart and your intuition. Allow yourself to feel disappointed if your artistic goals seem stagnant. Then pick yourself up and try again! It sounds easy but sometimes it won’t be easy at all. Your success is ongoing even in small steps. Once you realize there is no destination you can imagine the impossible.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Are you talking about Philly- if so the Art Museum, lunch at Vietnam, a walk through Washington Square, the Magic Gardens, a stop at Fergie’s for a beer and some live music

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
A shout out to my musical partner Brett William Kull. Brett helps me to stay in a positive vibe about my music career and aspirations. He helps me to face challenges with courage. A shout out to my Mom for encouraging me to follow my dreams and reminding me of the little successes I have had a long the way.

Instagram: Katiebsongs

Twitter: Katiebsongs

Facebook: Katiebarbatomusic

Youtube: Katiebarbatomusic

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