After performing in Charleston for a year now, singer-songwriter Katie Veltri has produced and released a new single “3rd & Fairfax.” The song illustrates mixed emotions about her time spent grinding away in Los Angeles — “being a number trying to make your way through,” she said. Veltri combines elements of trance and R&B to a folk and jazz foundation, and her style has been compared to music across the board from Dido to the Cranberries. She plans to play the Mount Pleasant Farmers Market in May — let’s get to know Veltri better in this week’s Beat Juice.
How long have you been playing in the city?
I’ve been playing here in Chucktown a little over a year. I came from Atlanta and before that, L.A., where I still sometimes perform. I’ve always really liked Charleston. I used to visit as a kid and glad to be part of the community in any way I can as an artist.
Tell me about your show at Park Circle Collective a few weeks ago
It was a cool show. There were three local acts including myself, and it ranged from my mixed genre of jazzy R&B to rock ‘n’ roll. I love the space. It’s so open and relaxed. I performed a set of songs from my 2018 album Deconstructing Love, and my new single “3rd & Fairfax.”
What is your biggest creative inspiration right now?
Probably would have to be all my road travels by myself. I keep remembering things along the way going from city to city and processing the good and bad and spontaneous times. It leaves me filled with so many emotions to work out in my songs. The people I’ve met and the interactions that came and went.
What song is stuck in your head today?
“Movement” by Hozier. All I want to do is dance in the dark when I hear it.
Last album you bought?
I was in a thrift store and recently bought a used James Morrison CD. I always liked him, but I had never listened to his full album. Every song on it is so well produced and written.
Recent musical discovery?
Rainbow Kitten Surprise
Fave local venue?
I really like Henry’s upstairs where everyone is dancing. When they have the saxophonist playing to the DJ, it’s really the most fun to dance to in the city I think. Park Circle Collective and Coastal Roasters are definitely a close second now.
What’s your best, go-to t-shirt?
I have this shirt I wear inside out sometimes when I don’t feel like getting stared at. It’s a brand shirt for a coffee company, and it says “Pure Black Coffee.” It’s so soft and fitted no matter how many times I wash it. Sometimes I guess people are thinking I’m making a statement, which is why I turn it inside out sometimes when out running errands or whatever. But I’m literally just wearing a shirt I love.
Your hangover cure is …
If I have to go somewhere, kombucha and Brussel sprouts. It’s such a weird-sounding combo, but it actually works. But if I’m in bed, it’s pizza.
Last show you went to?
I think it was to see Joshua Jarman play in Summerville at Coastal Roasters. He had a solo show for a couple hours of mostly originals that I wandered into. Before that, I went to go see DJ Icey in Florida.
What station’s always on your radio dial?
105.5 The Bridge. It’s always playing good music regardless of the time of day.
Your musical style can be compared to?
I get mixed opinions on style, but a few music producers and musicians I’ve worked with have said I reminded them a little bit of Alicia Keys and Aretha Franklin with a Doors and/or Pink Floyd vibe. It’s been really across the board.
What band have you been meaning to listen to?
I’d really like to go see Rainbow Kitten Surprise live. They have a really dynamic sound.
What’s next for you?
I have a new single called “3rd & Fairfax” out [Fri. March 15). I’m excited, because it’s a little different. I also will be performing in L.A. in the late spring time. In Charleston, I’m scheduled to perform so far at the Mount Pleasant Farmers Market in May.
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