Katy Nichole always sings straight from the heart. Holding nothing back, her thoughts and emotions flow freely without filter. In this respect, listening to her music resembles a late-night discussion with one of your closest friends where nothing is off the table. The Nashville-based Platinum-certified artist fearlessly grapples with her insecurities, stares down anxiety, and shares her dreams out loud.
This honesty has consistently struck a chord with fans worldwide and quietly cemented her as a phenomenon with hundreds of millions of streams, major award nods, and critical praise. On her second full-length album Honest Conversations [Centricity Music], the songstress brings the same heart and humanity to 21st century via songs about mental health, growing up, relationships, faith, and so much more.
Now, she invites everyone to partake in this conversation.
“All of these songs are different honest conversations,” she says. “I want to convey honesty, because it’s almost rare these days. I’m thankful I can pour my soul into songwriting and let my emotions out. I’m going to keep writing about my life and hope people can relate.”
She spent her formative years in Illinois until the age of 12 when she moved to Arizona. Embracing music early on, she sang throughout her childhood, learning how to play ukulele at 16-years-old and finding power in the instrument. “That started to unlock a part of myself I never knew existed,” she observes. Ukulele in hand, she often performed at local hospitals, entertaining kids and adults. At the same time, she also played gigs as a local musician in Arizona. Inspired by musicians like Fleetwood Mac, The Beatles, Adele and Switchfoot. Facing health struggles, Katy underwent intensive back surgery twice in her teens. Simultaneously, she battled depression, OCD, and ADHD. Through it all, she leaned on music and faith.
In 2022, Katy made her debut with the single “In Jesus Name (God Of Possible).” Surging as a viral phenomenon on TikTok, it vaulted to #1 on the Billboard Hot Christian Songs Chart, earned a Platinum certification from the RIAA, eclipsed 74 million Spotify streams, and garnered “Worship Song of the Year” at the K-LOVE Fan Awards. She also received a nomination in the category of “Favorite Inspirational Artist” at the American Music Awards. Among many highlights, “God Is In This Story” [with Big Daddy Weave] reeled in north of 35 million Spotify streams and climbed to #1 on the Billboard Christian Airplay Chart. Billboard named her a “Chartbreaker,” and the Gospel Music Association recognized her as “New Artist of the Year.” Beyond emotional performances at the Grand Ole Opry, she toured alongside the likes of Casting Crowns, Crowder, Lecrae, Matt Maher, We The Kingdom, Tauren Wells, Matthew West, Jordan Smith, CAIN, and Ben Fuller. Not to mention, she landed features from GRAMMY.com, CCM Magazine, and more.
She opens up more than ever on Honest Conversations. Collaborating with GRAMMY-nominated producer Jeff Pardo, she assembled the album in Nashville. The lead single “When I Fall” catalyzed the process. Standing out as the first track written solo by Katy, she simply sat down at the piano and achieved catharsis in between shuddering notes. On the track, her vocals quake with raw emotion as a plea rings out, “Lord, please help me now. My soul is cryin’ out.”
With its unflinching depiction of depression, “When I Fall” instantly resonated with audiences, generating over 6 million Spotify streams and 200 million views on TikTok alone.
“It was written during one of the worst moments of my life,” she admits. “I was tired of pretending to be fine when I was breaking down behind-the-scenes. It recalls the times I wasn’t sure if I wanted to be alive anymore. I’ve had multiple lifesaving encounters with God though. When I wanted to let go, he embraced me. ‘When I Fall’ essentially details what it’s like to be depressed. Your mind is in shambles and everything feels so dark, but I do believe that there is a light at the end of the tunnel.”
Living up to its title, “Honest Conversation” encourages a candid dialogue. The tune’s bright piano glimmers through a soft haze, and her warm intonation immediately captivates. In a moment of raw reflection, she exhales, “Do you even notice me as my brain’s on fire and I’m losing sleep? You say you’re here, but God that’s hard to believe.”
Finally, she cuts right to the chase, “So God, let’s have an honest conversation.”
“I was wrestling with my relationship with God,” she elaborates. “I’ve gone through doubts and frustrations and wondered, ‘If I’m so loved by God, why am I still in so much pain?’ As much as I’m frustrated by mental health struggles, I’m thankful for what I’ve gone through, because it made me who I am. I don’t want God to take away certain aspects of my life, but I just want to know he’s there. I’m simply asking, ‘Where are you God?’”
Loose acoustic guitar drives the upbeat “Have Your Way.” She picks up the pace and urges, “Lord, have your way every time ‘cause I know that your plans are better than mine.”
“I was struggling to let go,” she states. “I got to a place where I could say, ‘God, I’m going to leave this in your hands’.”
On “Learning How To Love Myself,” delicate piano underscores a stark confession, “Sometimes I want a different mind. I want a different body. I don’t really hate myself. I just want someone to love me.”
“I was speaking to teenage me,” she reveals. “I’ve come so far, but I’m still learning how to love myself. It’s a constant journey. “
Elsewhere, she directly addresses mental health on “You Keep Me Alive.” According to Katy, it serves as a reminder, “Hope is going to find you.” Then, there’s “I Found Jesus.” The latter’s intimate verses swell towards a seismic chorus uplifted by her full-bodied delivery, “I thought that I didn’t wanna be alive, but I found my reason to breath when I found Jesus.”
“It’s my testimonial song,” she notes. “I’ve messed up a lot, and I’m going to keep messing up. Over and over again, God is going to meet me there with unconditional love. It’s a big love, and it feels like a big hug that meets us in our darkest moments.”
“My Dreams” shows another side of her creative identity altogether. She adds, “It’s about how I’ve experienced most of the dreams I’ve had in my life. Even though they’ve come true, it didn’t necessarily change anything. I still have anxiety and deal with mental health. It’s an important message.”
Ultimately, Katy’s message will remind you everything is going to be alright. “I’d love to be a voice for the voiceless,” she leaves off. “This is my life experience. I hope you can find a song that reaches you where you’re at. Until I die, I’ll constantly be healing. However, I’m going to find so much beauty in this life through that.”
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For additional information, music, interviews, etc., contact: Rick Hoganson, Hoganson Media Relations, 615-542-4459, [email protected].
