Artist Profile: Katie Rox

Name: Katie Rox
What she does: Vocals, music, lyrics, produces, creates, everything really.
From: Airdre, AB now residing in Vancouver, BC
Twitter@KatieRoxMusic
Website: www.katieroxmusic.com
Albums released: 2 album under Jakalope, 2 albums under Katie Rox and 1 EP with Sebastien from Simple Plan

• 2004: It Dreams
• 2006: Born 4

• 2008: High Standards
• 2009: Searchlight
• 2011: Pony Up

*All pictures related to Katie Rox were borrowed from her website*


So a little personal back story here. I first heard Katie sing as the voice of an amazing band called Jakalope back in 2004. The song was 'Pretty Life' and I was at the hospital waiting for my eldest son to be born. (There were complications so we were in the hospital for a month before he was born.) I was watching MuchMusic and saw the video and was completely blown away by her voice. So, I took a stroll over to the mall across the street and bought the album. From then on you could call me a Katie-fan.

Her lyrics are passionate, in depth and full of personality. Her voice resonates with innocence and a sultry side that is rarely heard these days. (See my Top 10 Most Romantic Songs list) She plays a mean guitar, has amazing stage presence and is the most down to earth, humble individual you will ever meet. Oh yea, she's absolutely beautiful too. Just wanted to throw that in.

But, enough gushing, I had a chance to ask her some questions and I've compiled one hell of a artist profile. Enjoy! Oh yeah and be sure to check out the end for a special announcement on something epic from Katie Rox!

2 Minute Bio:

Born and raised in Alberta (woot for home province peoples!) She developed a love for music early.

"My older sister was in singing lessons and I wanted to do everything she wanted to do, so I took lessons too.  I didn't really like it at first as I was really shy (cried at my first recital!) but then I did my first singing competition and got first place!  After that, it was all I ever did and wanted to do!"

From there she was working reception at The Warehouse Studio where she met Dave "Rave" Ogilvie and after one song he hired her on the spot to front a new project band called 'Jakalope'

 I was asked if I might be interested (in auditioning for jakalope) and then I was given an instrumental track to see what I'd do with it.  I took it home, wrote on it, and then went into the studio and sang it.  That song evolved into "Don't Cry" - track here

Found success here in Canada and especially overseas in Japan. Did 2 albums with Jakalope then decided to part company and develop her own sound. She then released 3 albums under Katie Rox and is 'Flying high' (heh) playing shows all around and doing epic things.

One-On-One Question Time!

During the Jakalope days, you did vocals, lyrics, melodies and worked with some huge names in the industry. What was the one biggest lesson you carried on from those days?

I learned so many lessons I don't even know where to start.  I had always been working on music, but this was my first "big time" gig, so I learned the ropes of being on a band with a label, learned about professionally touring (had not done that before) interviews, working with a heavy band (was doing acoustic music myself prior to joining the band)...it was all one giant learning curve!

Since 2008 you have released 3 albums, (4 including 'Christmas Etc.' EP) Out of all those songs, which is or are your favorite songs? And why?

Other side from my project with Sebastien is hands down one of my favorite songs I've ever been a part of.  I love that song!  Seb is also a such a good friend, it was so fun to collaborate together.  I also really love "Airplane" as it just really means a lot to me.

What's your hidden talent or something you want to know how to do before you die?

Ha!  I don't really have any hidden talents. If I can do something - I don't  make it a secret!

You spent quite a lot of time over in Japan, as documented on Youtube (I will link the videos here) Describe that experience and why you were there.

 I went to Japan in 2011 to play some shows.  I hadn't been there since I was in Jakalope, and was really waiting for the opportunity to go when it finally presented itself.  I went to another Vancouver artist, Danny Echo.  Japan is an amazing place - I fell in love the first time I went and can not wait to go again and again and again!

Between travel, family, a shit ton of live shows and a cat, what do you to relax and chill? To focus your inner chi, if you will?

To chill - I go to Hawaii...or dream about going to Hawaii!  Haha seriously, I have been obsessed with Hawaii since I was little, long before I ever got the chance to go. About 5 years ago I finally went and it was even better than I imagined.  I go every year.  Aha!  I just thought of a hidden talent - I am very good at finding travel deals.  :)

Social media is a huge part of your interaction with fans. Have you had any horrible experiences yet? Terrible stories about in internets? Anything?

 I can't think of any particular horrible incidents on the internet...I find sometimes the internet can be a little too invasive, and of course it always sucks to read when someone says something nasty, but that's just part of it!  Most of the time think it's such a wonderful way to connect with people/fans and friends - not to mention the instant feedback.  As a solo artist, so much time is spent on my own, as I do everything myself.  When I am on twitter or other social media sites and am interacting with fans, it reminds me there is a great support system out there - seriously, I love you guys! 

If you could do a collaboration or album with one artist/band, who would that be? Why?

 I would LOVE to do an album with Butch Walker.  That guy is the BEST.  I saw him play in LA years ago when it was with his band the Marvelous 3 and I thought he was incredible then...I even got to meet him once when he mixed at the studio I was working at.  He called me his one Canadian fan...though I know that is not true!  Still, he was really nice.  It was really cool to meet him and to ever work with him would be a dream come true.

What's coming up for Katie Rox?

Released this update yesterday, Katie is performing in Calgary Sept. 30th for the CIBC Canadian Breast Cancer Run for the Cure. this is an amazing thing. Not just because she is performing main stage in my home town, but because she has decided to do a little fundraising for the run her self. This is an amazing venture put on by an amazing artist with some fantastic packages. PLEASE, check out this page, donate if you can and help out. If someone has enough to get the $500 show, you damn well better invite me. After all, I don't get paid for this shit. http://www.indiegogo.com/katieroxthecure

Lastly, one of my favorite songs of all time, I give you, 'Feel it'.

Once again, thanks for checking this out, i hope you enjoy it. Hopefully more killer bands and artists will get back to me and I can start posting this more frequently. Don't forget to check out the last Band Profile: NeverWake follow me on twitter and email me! great top 10 and top 5's coming up so stay tuned.

~Chittyb
Twitter@chitty_b
blog@chittyb.com