From Houston Roots to Global Stages: Kat Edmonson Keeps Movin’ Forward

In the crowded landscape of contemporary music, Kat Edmonson shines like a vintage jewel. The award-winning singer-songwriter, known for her seamless blend of jazz, pop, and soft rock, has a knack for capturing timeless and strikingly personal emotions.

With six studio albums, performances at legendary venues like Carnegie Hall, and collaborations with icons such as Willie Nelson and Lyle Lovett, Kat has carved out her unique place in the modern music world. Her latest single, "Keep Movin,'" is a poignant testament to resilience, inspired by her mother's death—a story she shared with personal candor on the Backstage Bay Area podcast.

"I sat down at the piano, and I felt like my mom was guiding me," Kat reflected. "It was as if she was telling me, 'I see you, I love you, and it's time to keep going.'" The song, rooted in soft rock nostalgia and layered with raw emotion, sets the tone for a year of new releases and live performances, including two shows at Blue Note Napa on February 2nd.

Kat's journey began in Houston, Texas, where she grew up surrounded by the voices of Nat King Cole, Peggy Lee, and Frank Sinatra, courtesy of her mother. "My mom was my first influence," she shared. "She never sang professionally, but her phrasing and love for music were unparalleled." That early exposure to classic vocalists combined with Kat's curiosity for other genres, including pop, country, and jazz. This eclectic foundation informs her distinctive sound—a blend that captures the charm of the Great American Songbook with a fresh, contemporary twist.

Her new single, "Keep Movin,'" exemplifies her ability to channel life's bittersweet moments into art. "When my mom passed, I started writing to process my feelings," she explained. "The lyrics—'Go on and cry'—felt like her voice, encouraging me with compassion." The song's raw authenticity matches its lush production, evoking the soft rock tones of the '80s and '90s.

Kat's songwriting process is equally mesmerizing. "Songs often feel like they happen to me," she said. "I might be sorting buttons from my mom's old sewing kit, and a melody or phrase will emerge. It's about staying open to the moment."

This openness has led to standout career moments, including a performance at Carnegie Hall in tribute to Prince and a role in Woody Allen's movie Café Society. "When I sang on that soundstage, surrounded by the music of the 1930s, it felt like my entire life had led to that moment," she said, recalling the surreal experience of blending her musical and acting talents.

Kat's ability to weave personal experiences into universal themes is perhaps best exemplified by her song "Lucky," a track that has traveled the world in commercials and films. Originally written overnight for an ad campaign, the song took on a life of its own. "It speaks to people in a way I couldn't have deliberately planned," she admitted.

Beyond her recorded work, Kat thrives in live performance settings. Her upcoming shows at Blue Note Napa promise to celebrate her entire catalog with a sneak peek at unreleased tracks. "I'll be singing songs from all six of my albums, plus a few new ones," she teased. For Kat, Napa holds a special significance. "My first time there was opening for Lyle Lovett. I'm thrilled to reconnect with fans in this intimate venue this time."

As Kat embarks on a new chapter, releasing singles throughout the year and preparing for future projects, her artistry continues to evolve. "Every album teaches me something new," she shared. "I'm always experimenting, always learning."

Playlist

"What Else Can I Do," "Keep Movin,'" and "Lucky."