We were lucky to catch up with Kathy Zhou recently and have shared our conversation below.
Kathy, thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts with us today. We’re excited to dive into your story and your work, but first let’s start with a broader topic that might be stopping many of our readers from pursuing their dreams – haters, nay-sayers, etc. How have you managed to persist despite haters and nay-sayers that inevitably follow folks who are doing something unique, special or off the beaten path?
I feel grateful to be surrounded with lots of positivity and support. However, I certainly fall into the trap of people pleasing and seeking others’ approval for validation. This can be extremely challenging when it comes to creating and performing because it’s so personal. I’ve definitely had my fair share of feeling devastated by certain comments made, unsupportive actions, etc.
About a year ago when I was really struggling with this, I sought out the advice of a more established musician whom I respect. Her advice was this: the more serious I become about my art, the more I must be protective about whose feedback I invite in and which voices I seek out. She emphasized the importance of surrounding myself with people who cheer me on, see the best in me, and want to help me see the best parts of myself. This advice has been so helpful and healing.
I am also reminded of Brene Brown’s quote: “You can’t take criticism and feedback from people who are not being brave with their lives.” I remind myself that more often than not, the people just willy-nilly spewing out criticisms or giving unhelpful opinions most likely have no idea what it takes to do what I do. They’re likely not out there in the grind with me trying to make a name for themselves creatively. Therefore, their opinion should bear no weight on me and I can give myself permission to pay no mind to their words and actions.
Additionally, I keep a running note on my phone of compliments people give me at shows about my music, performance, writing, etc. to remind me of all the positivity I have in my life. It has been helpful to access whenever I’m feeling down about the one-off critical feedback thrown by someone who probably isn’t being courageous and creative in their own life.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I am an Indie-pop pianist, singer-songwriter, band frontwoman, and composer based in Memphis, TN. I perform a variety of gigs including: piano live request shows, singer-songwriter circles, band gigs, and private parties. The most fulfilling part of what I do is writing and performing my own songs. Most recently, my music has been described as “Baroque art-pop.” My original music blurs the boundaries of genre and style, with traces of pop, rock, vintage folk, theatre, and classical. My songs have been described as “mesmerizing,” evoking the feeling of being on a stormy island, in a colorful nightmare, or in a dramatic storybook.
I released my first single “Strange Child” in 2022. I also made an accompanying music video to the song, which was a finalist in the 2023 Indie Memphis Film Festival. This year, the song was a finalist in the annual statewide Tennessee Songwriting Week competition. A retelling of a childhood nightmare, “Strange Child” is a piano-powered folk-rock tune that can be streamed on all platforms. Its accompanying music video (available on Youtube) stars an all-women cast and features a moving aerial silks routine which I perform.
Since then, I’ve recorded 4 other tracks that I am looking to release together as an EP titled “A Vivid, Magic Scene.” The EP name is from a line in “Strange Child,” and the collection of songs will be a narrative of my journey in processing my past and of self-actualization. Each song is heavily influenced by nature and fantasy themes, with a theatrical, supernatural folk-pop feel (think Regina Spektor with a cinematic twist).
In the last year, I’ve also started composing original music and designing sound for local theatre productions. I’m currently working on designing sound and composing a rock-inspired score for a modern-day adaptation of “Antigone.”
Living in Memphis has been a huge inspiration for my creative journey. The city is filled with creatives from all walks of life who are incredibly welcoming and encouraging. Being a smaller city with a rich history rooted in music, there is always opportunity to create and perform. New talent and innovative ideas are always welcomed. So long as you’re kind and work hard, Memphis is an excellent city to begin a creative endeavor at any stage in life!
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Here are the three things that most impacted my own journey:
1. Strong work ethic
My parents immigrated from China with me when I was an infant. Through their background and experience, they’ve instilled in me the value that it is not worth even trying something unless you could be the best at it. Although I no longer feel that I have to BE the best at what I try, I still believe that I have to TRY my best at whatever I put my heart to.
I think cinematographer Brad Rushing summarizes this best: “I don’t have to believe in myself. But I have to do the steps I committed to doing.”
When I first decided I wanted to perform music, I identified that my two main priorities were: to consistently work on my art and to network with other musicians. I would calendar out specific dates and milestones to fulfill these steps. At least twice a week, I would practice piano and singing as well as go out to local music performances. And I’ll be honest, it was not always easy. I worked a full time job in data (and still do!). I am also super introverted. There were plenty of nights after a workday that I’d feel exhausted and not want to practice or go out.
I remember one particular night early on where I truly struggled to commit to my plans. At the time, I was living next door to a dive bar. I’d decided the week prior to attend their open mic. The day of the event, however, I felt so incredibly exhausted and unmotivated. I’d just had a long day and a long commute back from work. It would have been so easy to just not go and stay in. However, I reminded myself I had to follow through with what I’d set out to do. Even if I didn’t feel the most lively or confident, I had to just show up, listen to other musicians, and make an effort to chat with just one person. So, I did those things. While I was introducing myself to one of the performers, a local indie-rock front man and booker named Josh overheard me say that I play piano. Josh just so happened to be seeking a pianist for his Madonna cover band and asked if I was interested in being part of it. And that was what led to me performing my first ever gig in Memphis!
That opportunity opened doors to many other opportunities that have led me to where I’m at today – I now write my own music, manage my own act both as a solo artist and a band frontwoman, and regularly perform a wide variety of gigs around town. My original song catalog includes an award-nominated song and a single with a film festival-nominated music video. I regularly perform and record with acclaimed instrumentalists like Ethan Baker and Dee Torrell backing me on violin and bass respectively. I’ve also been cowriting with local dream-folk musician Fosterfalls. I am so honored and creatively fulfilled to have all these experiences.
That said, I absolutely still have moments of discomfort and low self-confidence. But even in those moments, I know I have my steadfast work ethic to rely on, which I trust will get me to where I want to be.
My advice to early career musicians: identify what it is you want to do. Plan out the steps you will need to take to reach these goals, and most importantly, commit to these steps and FOLLOW THROUGH with your commitments. Find the discipline to do the steps you’ve outlined for yourself, even when you aren’t feeling confident or motivated. Whatever method it takes to do so will be very personal and individualized for you. Find ways to hold yourself accountable. Revisit goals and timelines often. Network with other folks who are like-minded and who support and inspire you.
2. Strong piano background
I began intensive classical piano training at 7. Throughout my childhood, I practiced for hours daily. I would frequently perform and win local and national competitions. During those years, I also got pretty intense training in classical music theory. As a result, I now have lots of versatility in how and what I play. Whether it’s reading a piece of sheet music, using a chord chart, or just playing by ear, I’m able to do it all, which has opened up a ton of opportunities for me.
My advice to anyone earlier in their journey is first and foremost, you do NOT have to begin lessons as a child or practice for hours every day like I had. I know a good number of singer-songwriters who taught themselves their instruments as adults and are killing it! Regardless of the age you start, you have to have the discipline to learn and practice the skills you need on a pretty consistent basis. Identify what those skills are and be diligent in developing them. Let go of any pressure of perfection, while still trying your best. Although I had an extensive classical piano background, I had to work incredibly hard to develop my singing, which I’ll discuss more shortly.
3. Crafting and staying focused on my own unique journey
It might be cliche to say stuff like “it’s the journey, not the destination,” and “don’t compare yourself to others.” Though I will attest that this is far easier said than done, it’s important to remember that everyone is unique and no two experiences will be exact. You’ve just got to accept who you are and meet yourself where you are. Quite a few of my musician friends were singers first and taught themselves to play an instrument later in life. My experience is the opposite. As I’ve shared, I already had extensive piano training and skills. But I’d not sung or accompanied myself singing until I was almost 30.
My biggest hurdle doing this was to challenge the unhelpful messages I’d received about my voice all my life. I’d been told things like my voice wasn’t strong enough or pretty enough. As I’m sure many people can relate to, I grew up feeling very much pigeonholed by everyone around me deciding who I was “supposed” to be. I was known as the classical pianist and accompanist, while lots of my peers were known as the singers and “true” performers. Beginning my music career as an adult, I had to block out all these opinions and zero in on my own perception of who I am, what I could do, and make my own judgment of where I could realistically grow.
This meant having the courage to record my own singing voice and listen back without judgment, to solicit help from peers who had more extensive vocal training, to seek out YouTube tutorials, to eventually invest in a vocal coach, to practice diligently, and most importantly, to give myself the freedom to explore the different depths of my voice (something I never felt I’d deserved to do in the past). This is still a continuous process for me, but I’m proud of the progress I’ve made. I can tangibly hear a difference in my vocal performance now vs. a few years ago. When I compare my current recording of “Strange Child” against old social media clips of it, I hear significantly more freedom and power, more varied texture and tone, and a vibrato which I did not have in the past.
Early on, if I had gotten caught up with comparing my voice with others’ or worrying about what technical “level” of “proficiency” I was at, I never would have had the courage and discipline to put in the work that I have. I would encourage anyone wanting to get into performing or writing music to take on a similar attitude – get to know your unique qualities, celebrate your individuality, and craft your journey based on who you are and what you want, not on other people around you. This applies not just to technical performance skills, but to all things in your artistic journey!
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
I certainly am! I am looking to release an EP in the fall/early winter, and would love help promoting it. Specifically, I’d love to partner with people who are skilled at generating streams, getting radio play and press features, booking tours, all the things you’d do to get an artist’s name out there. I already have a bit of experience with some of these things from releasing my single, but I know there’s much more I could learn and keep improving on.
I’m looking to also connect with other musicians within and outside of Memphis whose style and sound are compatible with mine. I’m trying to tour in this next year and would love to share a bill with other artists who would be a good fit!
I can be reached via my website’s contact form: kathyzhoumusic.com and also my Instagram page: @kzmusique.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://kathyzhoumusic.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kzmusique/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kzmusique
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@kzmusique
Image Credits
Kristen Williams
Ted Partin
Nolan Dean
Norm Moody
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
