edge of a hurricane album Release: May 3, 2024
Pre-release Singles:
“Reason Enough” on Americana Highways February 23, 2024
“Shoo Be” on WildFire Music March 15, 2024
“The Wrong Place” April 5, 2024
Right click on any photo image below to download (or email me: info@katieoatesmusic.com to request photo files).
quotes
Praise for 2024’s single “reason enough” from Edge of a Hurricane:
“As Katie sings of a bird by the window, her own voice is a birdsong. Imagery of the immensity and beauty of nature, and, hopefully, the healing and conciliatory powers within, are all heralded gently in this immediately classic folk song.”
Melissa Clarke, Americana Highways
Song premiere on Americana Highway February 23, 2024
Praise for 2024’s Edge of a Hurricane:
“Edge of a Hurricane, a brave new album by Katie Oates, takes the listener on a beautiful and breathtaking ride. There are songs that let you deeply exhale and songs that make you want to drive with the window rolled down or dance wildly in your kitchen. “Disease” will help you vent your frustration, while “Love Will Find a Way” helps you feel hope again. Each song on this cd is a stunning jewel you get to unearth as you travel along with Katie. Sometimes an artist looks in the mirror, embraces their full humanity and writes a spectacular body of work. I think Katie has done that with Edge of a Hurricane.”
Grammy nominated Nashville Singer/songwriter Sally Barris
“The expressive and eloquent “Reason Enough” opens with Oates’ poetic singing alongside warm acoustic guitar, and “Up In The Air” follows with Guerguerian’s fluid drums complementing the cozy guitar and articulate storytelling. Into the middle, the emotive “Trouble Walk On By” welcomes Chris Rosser’s sturdy electric guitar in the .bluesy, gospel influenced climate, while “Dark Clouds” makes great use of Foley’s strategic bass for the thumping and thicker rocker which puts Lynn Rosser’s harmony vocals to use. Near to the end, the mature piano and heartfelt “Love Will Find A Way” allows Oates’ captivating voice to shine, and “Shoo Be” exits with a playful spirit via the charming bass, animated scatting, crisp drums and firm keys.
A record with both thoughtful balladry and louder moments of dynamic song craft, Oates can pen a song you won’t soon forget, and there’s 13 here rooted in folk, blues, jazz and Americana to enjoy.”
“Take Effect Music Reviews”, December 2024
Praise for 2024’s Single “Shoo be” from Edge of a Hurricane:
“‘Shoo Be’ is a surprise of a song, and intentionally crafted to strike the mind and ear as a point of contention, a challenge, and a reassurance. It takes the swing and vocal stylings of a classic Jazz track and…proposes, first, a little distance, second that you sing along, and third, that you even dance in the face of anxieties….
The big truth is that it all progress happens, essentially, in one human mind and one human heart. If we, as individuals, can step back and avoid being pulled into the destructive forces out there, we then become capable of changing the tide of events in our own lives. It all starts with each individual, this song reminds you, and its persistent unshakeable mood of calm stays with you even when the music recedes.
Hannah Means-Shannon, WildFire Music, March 13, 2024
Praise for 2021’s We Go On: Si Kahn’s Songs of Hope in Hard Times:
“I really thought I'd heard all of Si Kahn's songs. Then along comes Katie Oates’ moving interpretations of songs both familiar (‘Luray Women’) and new (‘Here in Gastonia’). In these challenging times Katie's lovely vocals amplify Si's message of courage, hope and love, ringing like a tuning fork in our hearts and calling us to a vision of a better world. It's the best of what songs...and singers...do.”
7 time Grammy nominated folk musician, John McCutcheon
Praise 2017’s Play Me and 2016’s Something True:
“Katie Oates doesn’t just wear her heart on her sleeve, but in her music. Few people I know have made as remarkable a transition from trained singer of classical opera to passionate performer of her own original songs, which she does with elegant grace and energetic poise. Katie's music inspires, entertains, troubles and lifts us, makes us laugh and breaks our hearts. She’s as good a person as she is an artist, intelligent and humane, sincere and real to the core. Listen, listen, listen.”
Folk Alliance International’s “Spirit of Folk” winner, Si Kahn
"Katie Oates's EP is a magical blend of simple production and stellar vocal performances. Chris Rosser (recording engineer) has created the perfect space for Katie’s strong and subtle vocals to shine. Listeners will appreciate the top notch production quality as well as the high level of songwriting. Whether it’s a song like "Something True" that calls you to open your heart or a funky, smart song like "Keep on Talking," Katie has something to say, and you’re gonna want to hear it!"
Grammy nominated Nashville Singer/songwriter, Sally Barris
Other Recognition
2022 selected for Farm folk dj showcase
Katie Oates selected by Rich Warren (Folk Hall of fame DJ and former WFMT Chicago’s “Midnight Special” host) for his final DJ Showcase at Folk Alliance Regional Midwest.
2020 Premiere
Katie’s live performance of “Here in Gastonia” appeared on The Bluegrass Situation on November 23, 2020.
The video (viewable here) was shot on location at the Loray Mill in Gastonia, NC and contains historic footage of the 1929 strike. The strike was violently suppressed and a young textile worker, mother and songwriter, Ella May Wiggins, was murdered. The video is dedicated to her.
2016 Top Ten Finalist, Connecticut Songwriter Association’s Environmental Song Contest: “Saving the Whales”