Caitlin Koch is a Buffalo gal who’s taking Nashville by storm! We caught up with the sweet singer to talk about being a woman in the music industry, her engagement, and her upcoming European tour which will take her to Greece, Ital, Swenen, the U.K. and more!
Q: I know you were home recently to ring in the new year with a few thousand friends. What was that like?
A: I love any opportunity to be home/perform at home in general, but performing at the Buffalo ball drop on NYE has become a very special tradition that I treasure. I not only get to share the holiday with my family, friends, bandmates, & fans; I get to see my friends throughout the TV, radio, & music industry that I wouldn’t see as often otherwise. I get to ring in the New Year with my city. It doesn’t get any better.
Q: Congratulations on your upcoming European tour – you must be so excited – how are you preparing?
A: Yes!! I am so excited. The only time I was in Europe was for the filming of The X Factor USA, so I’m ecstatic to be returning there this March. Preparations started last year and we’re now in full promo mode. I’m always writing new songs, but now I’m also doing interviews, having photo shoots, doing video promo, demoing new songs for my meetings with labels, and developing a new website for Tour… It’s non-stop busy at the moment, but I’m so grateful & happy to have the opportunity to perform live for audiences overseas.
Q: It must have been a big decision to move to Nashville … what made you decide to go for it?
A: I felt like my career was at a standstill at that time and I felt the need for a change. Throughout the years, I had been to Nashville multiple times for rugby & music; thus, I was somewhat familiar with it. I took a few weeks one summer to really feel it out. I ended up falling in love with the city, its people, and the music that was everywhere. I felt that Nashville was where I needed to be to move forward. It’s hard sometimes because I am very close with my family at home and I love Buffalo. However, it was the right move for me to make.
Q: What’s it like to be a Buffalo girl in Nashville?
A: Honestly, I think it’s difficult for anyone to move to a new city, generally speaking. I’m fortunate in that there are a buncchhhh of Buffalonians here. My sound engineer of 10 years (Kyle Wierzba) is originally from Kaistertown and he lives 15 minutes from my Nashville apartment. One of my cowriters here, Phil Dillon, is originally from Buffalo. Another Buffalo native (Mary Dillon) runs a “Bills Backers” club, which lets me watch my Buffalo Bills at a local bar during the season. Having friends from home makes it easier. Also, the majority of people in Nashville are awesome. Unlike NYC or LA.. they’re willing to help the next person up the ladder. It’s refreshing.
Q:Â I know you had success on X Factor – what is your opinion on music shows in general? A good move for artists?
A: I think any opportunity is a good opportunity. Maybe it’s the athlete in me, or maybe it’s the fact that my Mother always encouraged me to try everything. Whatever the reason behind it, I know that I regret the things I didn’t do VS. the things I did. X Factor was one of my greatest experiences for a number of reasons.
Q: Why do you think none of the artists from any show other than American Idol became a huge star?
A: That’s a good question that I don’t have the answer to.
Q: Â What are your thoughts on things in the music world right now. With streaming sites more of a focus than cds?
A: My thoughts are.. I don’t think Music knows where Music is going! So much has changed when you consider technology, the internet, & (more specifically) Youtube. However, I think a good song can still win & people will get behind it.
Q:Â What challenges do you find as a woman in the music industry?
A: The music industry is a male-dominated industry. If I’m honest, I think it’s tougher for a woman in many, many different instances… Without getting into all of them (lol).. The industry is built on networking which means a female is in contact with a lot of men (musicians, A&R, management), all of the time. You have cowrites in confined spaces, meetings in private offices, rehearsals with male musicians, etc. You have to know your circle.. Have someone you trust with you. I’m blessed with an incredible family & friends that look out for me. As someone who came up exceptionally sheltered & naive, I don’t know where I’d be without my circle.
Q: Do you ever get nervous on stage?
A:Â Not often, but when I am– It’s a good thing! Nerves are energy.. Channeling that energy into a good performance is a great advantage.
Q: As a bride-to-be -you must be over-the-moon planning your wedding. What’s most important to you?
A: Yesssss 🙂 I’m engaged to my boyfriend of 6 years- Travis- who I met at Orchard Park HS playing rugby 🙂 He is, sincerely, my soulmate. We have so much fun together. God is my #1 and my family is right up there with Him. My parents put us (my brothers, sisters, & myself) first & I want to do that for my children someday. That’s why it was imperative for me to be with a strong man that is of the same mind. And, Travis is hysterical. Bonus.
Q: What do you think of Buffalo’s comeback?
A: I’m thrilled to see the city changing for the good. I’m glad to see the progress along the waterfront. It seems every time I come home, there are new restaurants to dine at & new, fun things to do. However, Buffalo never needed to make a comeback for me. I loved growing up there. I never foresaw myself settling anywhere else.
Q: Where do you always go when you come home for a day or two?
A: Pizzaaaaaaaaaaa. Bella’s, Imperial.. (in no particular order). You don’t know how much you miss home until you try to eat pizza somewhere else, k. The struggle is real. Also, The Colden Inn.. And Kornerstone Cafe & Juice Bar in East Aurora is a newer addition I’ve been frequenting while home.
Thanks for the talk, Caitlin! We can’t wait to hear more about your big tour.
More info on Caitlin here.
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