A straight-shooter but definately not straight, Kate Reid has busted out of the closet with a knack for candid story-telling, humourous social commentary and songs that blend folk, roots and pop.

12 MP3 Songs
FOLK: like Ani, COUNTRY: Country Folk



Details:
A straight shooter but definitely not straight, Kate Reid has busted out of the closet with a knack for candid story telling and songs that are riddled with humour and social commentary. She tosses in smattering of honesty and heartfelt insight, serving up a show that will have you laughing out loud and maybe even shedding a few tears. The vibrant singer-songwriter describes her music as ââ¦.fabulously funny and downright passionate. Itâs dyke-folk with a kick! I am a story-teller but I donât mess around in my song-writing-I like to get to the point.â Her music combines folk, roots-country and a bit of pop and as she sings her gutsy songs, Kate captures her audience with incisive lyrics and a gift for entertaining that shines throughout every performance.
Hailing from a farm in south central Ontario, Kate loved music from the start. During her formative years, she listened to a variety of music from country to folk, pop and disco to opera, classical and rockânâroll. âThe first record I owned was a Linda Rhonstadt albumâ¦I would play it on my red and yellow Fisher-Price turntable. I saw Roy Orbison in concert in Kitchener, Ontario and it was the first concert I ever attended. I think I was around 7 years old. I remember singing country songs while sitting on the front porch, shucking peasâ¦it sounds âcheesyâ, I know, but itâs true! Music was always around as I was growing up.
As a teenager, I decided to teach myself to play the guitar and harmonica. I learned tunes from the likes of Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan, Neil Young and Janis Joplin. In my early twenties, I performed these covers in a couple of local bars with my fatherâs band. At this time, I discovered neo-folk-activists and singer-songwriters Ani Difranco, Ferron, Tracy Chapman, and Indigo Girls. It was these women who really lit a fire under me and I began to write my own music.â Kate started playing her own material at parties and around campfires. People told her that she should be singing on a stage. So, then it was open mics and fundraisers, community events and a little bit of busking on the street that helped launch Kate into pursuing a career in music.
âMusic has quite literally saved my life and it transforms me every time I play. I sing about my experiences in the world and I have discovered that people share similar experiences, regardless of age, gender, sexuality and upbringing. Folks often tell me that my songs move themâ¦to tears and to laughter. Thatâs when I know this is exactly what I am supposed to be doing. One of things I love about performing is looking out into the crowd and seeing people laugh. I really get a kick out of making fun of the world and myself because itâs so important to have a sense of humour about it all! What can I say- laughter is healingâ¦.itâs a connection to the human spirit!â
As her songs pulse with life, Kateâs stage presence will captivate you. As one fan put it, âI couldnât help but be drawn in by Kate. She is a dynamic performer who leaves people doubled over with laughter one moment and grabbing for a box of Kleenex the next!â Kate lives in beautiful Vancouver, BC and continues performing and making music. In her spare time, she plays mandolin and sings a mean bluegrass tune. When not performing, Kateâs other passion is being in the backcountry.