Interview: Katie Braswell
Katie Braswell is an independent worship artist from Mobile, Alabama. Louder Than The Music got to know a little more about her following the release of her latest single 'You Are Here', which was written during a grievous season for a friend. The song is a reminder of God's omnipresence even in the midst of pain.
For those who haven't heard of you before, can you tell us a bit about yourself and how you got involved in making music?
I’m a Southern girl born in Alabama. Started playing piano as a child and then found guitar in middle school. I’ve always loved playing it but, honestly did not know I could sing until I was 16. My youth pastor made me the youth worship leader one night and it was on from there. I’ve been leading worship since then. I went out on a limb in 2019 and released my first single and here I am today releasing another!
Tell us about your new single 'You Are Here' and what the inspiration behind it was?
You are Here was birthed in 2018 out of a grievous moment. My friend and bass player lost his dad suddenly. I remember the whole team feeling such sorrow for he and his family. In that moment, I wanted to give him something that he could hold to so I began writing You are Here. A year later my mom lost her best friend to cancer. I returned to my songbook and opened it to this song once again and finished the song. It’s a memorial song for those going through grief to know God is with you in painful times. He is Emmanuel. He doesn’t leave. He’s omnipresent in the midst of our pain.
Do you have any plans to release further music in the near future?
Yes! June 26th! I have another single coming out.
What message would you like people to take from your music?
That God is the fountain we can turn to in the midst of pain, grief and sorrow. His affection is abundant and remains.
How would you describe your style of music and what are your influences?
Christian pop or CCM. I was molded by Kari Jobe, Kim Walker, Hillsong and Jesus Culture. Today’s influence is definitely Bethel Music.
If you could work with any songwriter, who would it be and why?
Jason Ingram. As I watch music release, I’m seeing his hand in pretty much everything. That shows me he’s diverse and willing to work with many different artists.
How would you define success in your career as an artist?
When it becomes my full time providing for my family.
What is your favorite album of all time?
All of the Above by Hillsong
You're stuck on an island, it's hot, you only have enough battery life left to listen to one song on your phone. What track is it?
Goodness of God by Bethel Music
What does the next year hold for you?
Returning to the classroom whatever that looks like, raising my five month old daughter, leading worship within my church, leading worship within my city and writing new music!
