Music, Pop Culture

Get to Know Little Blue Beetle Vol. 1’s Katie Sharbaugh

This is an interview done with Katie Sharbaugh, read her story below! If you, or anyone you know, would like to be highlighted in The Zillennial Zine, shoot us an email at thezillennialzine@gmail.com or DM us on Instagram!

Q: Tell us your story! Where did you begin and how did you reach the caliber you’re currently at?

A: My childhood was filled with music, so as soon as I could talk, I was singing too! My first experience with any musical training was in Ireland during my summer vacations to our family home. I learned Irish fiddle tunes by ear and shortly after picked up classical viola. I’ve played in a couple of orchestras, chamber groups, and choirs since then, and the technicality and precision of classical music training helped me develop my instrumental skills. I started writing music when I was around six or seven using my family’s keyboard as accompaniment. I released my first EP in my senior year of high school, and then I was off to Berklee to continue my music education! I spent my first year on the campus in Valencia, Spain, which provided many of the life and writing experiences that led to the release of my first full-length project. I released “Little Blue Beetle Volume 1” in the summer of my senior year and immediately moved to Nashville to start performing and collaborating. I’ve been busy writing, performing, making content, and meeting new people since then! I’ve never had a blueprint for my career (and I’m definitely not at the end yet), but I think my songs have resonated with some people because I try to use every monumental life experience, good or bad, as a contribution to my artistry. Whenever I have a spare moment in between obligations, I spend it writing, re-writing, listening to great music, sharing my own, reflecting, or practicing. Although I’ve definitely had moments of feeling unmotivated, I try to see my music career as an extension of my identity and a way to cathartically release my emotions.

Q: What makes you love what you do? How long have you been making music? Would you call it your passion?

A: I love telling stories! I think that every song has a narrative, even within its melodies and chord progressions. Coupled with some killer lyrics, a song is like a story told twice (or in 3D or something). I’ve been making music since around five years old and I constantly find myself singing or humming melodies. It’s my passion for sure!

Q: What are some accomplishments or milestones you’ve reached lately?

A: This year has been exciting for me because I released my first full-length project, which was split into two parts. Before I released Little Blue Beetle, I had less than 1,000 streams on any song, and now I have over 150k! Though it’s still a small number to many, it means a lot to me that so many people can relate to my songs. I’m really grateful for the positive reception to my music on TikTok as well, which has helped me gain notoriety among some of my favorite and most revered artists. I also have been performing with a band for the first time since COVID started, and that feels really good. I hope to be working on another album this summer and touring pretty soon!

Q: What are some accomplishments or milestones you’ve reached lately?

@katielynnesharbaugh

does anyone remember the word master analogy things from school? yeah i did that but with a song #fyp #wordmaster #singersongwritersoftiktok #berklee

♬ original sound – Katie Lynne Sharbaugh

A: This year has been exciting for me because I released my first full-length project, which was split into two parts. Before I released Little Blue Beetle, I had less than 1,000 streams on any song, and now I have over 150k! Though it’s still a small number to many, it means a lot to me that so many people can relate to my songs. I’m really grateful for the positive reception to my music on Tik Tok as well, which has helped me gain notoriety among some of my favorite and most revered artists. I also have been performing with a band for the first time since COVID started, and that feels really good. I hope to be working on another album this summer and touring pretty soon!

Q: Tell us about “Little Blue Beetle Vol. 1”!!

 A: Little Blue Beetle Vol. 1 is a road trip through some very typical adolescent experiences. It’s a collection of songs documenting struggles, passions, joys and sorrows I’ve had over the past five years (and yes, I actually do own a little blue beetle – it was and still is my first car!). Some of the songs have been with me since my first practice session in a Berklee rehearsal room during my freshman year of college. The album was recorded at a studio located inside a barn on a rustic farm in Connecticut (which was perfect for me since I’m a bit of a horse girl). It was completed over the course of a two-week quarantine with some of my closest, dearest, and most talented friends. This music was the first time I started to fully realize my “sound,” and it was one of the happiest discoveries of my life. The project not only reflects the theme of growing up, but represents my own evolution and development as an artist growing into her skin.

Q: Do you have any advice for someone who is starting out in the music industry?

Sometimes I feel like I’m only just starting out! But as an artist who is steadily building a following, I would say to just be consistent! Find time to write, practice, or do something productive every day, even if it’s just one small thing. Remember that everyone experiences imposter syndrome and self-doubt, so try not to be too hard on yourself. Have patience; your best ideas may come when you least expect them. Don’t rush inspiration; it’ll always come back eventually. Experiment as much as possible and consume as much art as you can. And most importantly, remember that you started simply because you enjoy it, and that’s all that matters in the end.

Q: What do you want our readers to know about you and your music?

A: Every song I make is a genuine reflection of the way I’ve felt at some point in my life. I’m an imperfect human using my many flaws and problems as creative fuel. I write to help myself through difficult or intense emotions, and I believe it’s made me into a better person. I love dogs, horses, bacon, stringed instruments, snow, and reality TV. I love long drives and I don’t like crowded parties. My first dream was to be a vet and my latest dream is to go on a national tour. I might write a musical someday.

Go Check Out Katie Sharbaugh!

Spotify: Little Blue Beetle Volume 2

Apple Music: Little Blue Beetle Volume 2

Instagram: @katielynnesharbaugh

TikTok: @katielynnesharbaugh

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