EP 55: From Shy to Spotlight with Kat Hawley

On this episode of The Jazz Flyte Podcast, Darrell is joined by the talented Kat Hawley, a Contemporary Jazz and Smooth R&B vocalist from Los Angeles. Married to 15-time Billboard #1 guitarist and producer Adam Hawley, Kat has collaborated on numerous projects, including all five of Adam's critically acclaimed albums. Her debut single, "Keep On, Keepin' On" featuring Steve Cole, quickly gained traction, spinning in heavy rotation on eleven Billboard and Mediabase stations and landing in the Top 40 on the Smooth Jazz Network chart. Kat's musical journey began in church, where her love for singing blossomed. Despite her initial shyness, the arts helped her shed that layer, and by the age of 18, she knew she wanted to pursue singing professionally. In this episode, Kat opens up about the challenges of preserving her voice on tour, her love for vocal warm-ups, and her ritual of traveling with Ricolas and tea. Kat also discusses her efforts to carve out her own musical identity, separate from her husband's reputation, and the importance of building her brand as an artist. She reflects on the joy of hearing her music and shares insights on collaboration, co-writing, and the lessons she's learned along the way. Join Darrell and Kat for an engaging and inspiring conversation that dives into the world of Contemporary Jazz, the power of collaboration, and the journey of finding and owning your unique voice in the music industry.