Katie Kerkhover is the very definition of a small town girl. “I grew up in Southern Illinois on a farm in Rockwood. The population of the town is forty-seven people!” says Katie. “I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t playing. I was four years old when my mom enrolled me in Suzuki Violin lessons so I’ve always had music in my life. I was around the age of seven when people started hiring me to play at different events in my local area. I would play at churches, picnics, and city functions, pretty much anywhere and everywhere I could.”

By age ten, Katie was playing the guitar and writing songs, “When I started writing, it was always a rock song that came out.” Of being a kid, she says, “I was normal but definitely unpopular. I was the kid in school who always played music instead of going out. I only had two close friends and never many boyfriends. I’ve always wanted a career in music, so I spent most of my time working towards that goal.”

In 2005, Katie’s dreams began to crystallize, “I met a great songwriter and producer that helped me mold my songs into the music they are now, which I feel truly represents who I am as an artist.” When asked about what makes her different, Katie says, “I think the amount of music and Music Industry experience I was surrounded with at a young age has given me a unique perspective on what being a “musician” or “artist” really requires.” Katie has been performing professionally since the age of seven, recorded her first album at ten, and started touring nationally with several artists at 17. “I’ve toured in a van and played in VFW halls for friends and family, and I’ve been on tour busses that are nicer than my house, and played in stadiums for 60,000 fans. I’ve seen both the beautiful face and the seedy underbelly of the music industry.”

Katie moved to Nashville and started an Alternative Rock/ Pop Punk band and is staying busy, “I am currently a part of the new Max Rave campaign, that is scheduled to come out in July 2009.” Katie is a featured artist on their compilation CD that customers will get for free when they make a purchase at any Max Rave store. The CD includes one of the songs off of her forth-coming record entitled “Blister” which she is in the process of finishing. Katie was also recently voted “Best Rock Female Vocalist” by WBUZ radio in Nashville.

Katie seeks to create music that stirs the mind and soul. “Music is everything to me. It cheers me up if I’m having a bad day, it inspires me and it brings back fond memories. I love that music is powerful enough to take you back to the memory of not just an event, but the way the room smelled, or the emotion you were feeling at that moment in time, no matter how much time has passed.”

Blending a sultry swagger with a girl next-door attitude into the perfect mix, Katie hopes people will relate to her music, “I want them to see and hear my passion for music. I hope that my songs will be the anthems for them to make memories with and live their lives to. I want everyone to find a piece of themselves in my songs.”

Katie says her dream is to get a record deal and hit the road. “I love touring and can’t wait to tour with my band.” While music is her heart and soul, she also has plans for another type of sole, “I would love to have a clothing or shoe line someday,” she says.

“I’m a girl from a very small town with a very big dream to travel the world playing music. I take life one day at a time. I always keep my goals in the front of my mind and try to do my best to get a little closer to them each day. I also try to not let life pass me by, but enjoy the moment for what it is. I’m on a path that has taken me on a great journey and I can’t wait to see where it ends.”