Meet Patti Steel

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Patti Steel a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Patti, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?

My work ethic comes directly from my mother. She taught me the meaning of hard work through her actions and her unwavering dedication to our family. I can still picture her juggling multiple jobs, often waking up early and coming to pick me up from grandma’s home long after we were sleeping. She was always saying that someone’s trash is another person’s treasure. Her tenacity was incredible.
Watching her handle challenges with such determination instilled in me a deep understanding that success doesn’t come easy. She always reminded me, “No matter how hard it gets, you show up and give your best.” That lesson has stuck with me and continues to drive me forward every single day.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

Patti Steel is a multifaceted artist whose music is a vibrant blend of folk, blues, jazz, and roots. Known for her soulful voice and captivating stage presence, she’s a talented multi-instrumentalist who plays everything from guitar and clarinet to spoons and mandolin. Patti’s music is more than just entertainment—it’s a heartfelt expression of storytelling and connection, drawing listeners into her world of rich melodies and authentic emotions.

One of the most exciting aspects of Patti’s work is her ability to seamlessly collaborate with other artists, creating unique and powerful performances that transcend genres. Her live shows are an energetic, interactive experience that leaves audiences inspired and uplifted.

Patti is currently focused on expanding her artistic reach with new projects and events. She’s working on releasing new music that reflects her journey and evolution as a musician, while also performing at festivals and venues that allow her to connect with diverse audiences. Beyond her performances, Patti is passionate about fostering a sense of community through music, often participating in workshops and local initiatives to support budding artists.

Keep an eye out for her upcoming releases and performances—Patti Steel is a name to watch in the music world, as she continues to push boundaries and share her unique artistry with the world.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, I’d say the three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are resilience, curiosity, and connection.

1. Resilience
There were times when things didn’t go as planned—gigs that fell through, songs that didn’t resonate, or moments of self-doubt. Resilience helped me push through those challenges and continue pursuing my passion. My advice to others is to embrace setbacks as part of the process. Learn from them, adapt, and keep moving forward. Surround yourself with a support system that encourages you during the tough times.

2. Curiosity
Staying curious has been crucial. Whether it’s exploring new instruments, experimenting with different genres, or collaborating with unexpected artists, curiosity has kept my work fresh and exciting. For those starting out, I’d say never stop being a student. Dive into books, attend workshops, and ask questions. Keep expanding your horizons because that’s where growth happens.

3. Connection
Music is about connecting with people—whether it’s the audience, other artists, or the broader community. Building genuine relationships has opened countless doors for me and made the journey far more meaningful. My advice is to show up authentically and be willing to listen. Support others in their work, and you’ll find that same support coming back to you.

To anyone just starting, focus on cultivating these traits in small, consistent ways. Growth doesn’t happen overnight, but with time and dedication, you’ll create something truly special.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

Yes, I’m always excited to collaborate with others who share a passion for creating meaningful and impactful art. Whether you’re a musician, songwriter, visual artist, producer, or part of a creative collective, I’m open to exploring how our unique talents can come together to craft something extraordinary.

I’m especially drawn to working with individuals who are innovative, authentic, and eager to experiment across genres or mediums. I believe collaboration is about blending perspectives and pushing boundaries to create art that resonates deeply with audiences.

If you’re interested in partnering or collaborating, I’d love to hear from you! You can connect with me through social media or by reaching out via email. Let’s brainstorm, jam, or create something amazing together.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Meredith Mashburn Photography
Taryn Starkey
ZenLens Photomedia
Larry Fleury

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