Formula Indie Sessions _ Interview with Katie and Honky Tonks
Hailing from Waterloo, Iowa, Katie and the Honky Tonks bring a nostalgic honky tonk sound infused with 1960s Nashville charm. Fronted by singer-songwriter Katie Jo, the band delivers genuine storytelling, charming melodies, and a danceable rhythm that resonates with fans of vintage country music. Their debut album, “Ain’t No Shame”, is set for release on June 27, 2025. The album follows the success of their 2024 EP, Two-Steppin’ in the Shower, which earned them a nomination for Best Country Artist at the 2024 Iowa Music Awards. The EP was praised for its authentic honky tonk sound, with Iowa Public Radio noting it “sounds more like something that came from the Nashville of 1964, not the Nashville of 2024.” Katie and the Honky Tonks have shared the stage with notable artists such as Ian Munsick, Dale Watson, Josh Turner, and Jon Pardi. They’ve also performed at major festivals including the Big Country Bash, Wild Cat Country Fest, and 80/35 Music Festival. With their authentic sound and engaging performances, Katie and the Honky Tonks continue to solidify their place in the Midwest country music scene.
What is your earliest memory connected to music?
My parents owned a restuarant when I was growing up, so I spent a lot of time with my Grandmother. We would spend our Saturday night’s watching the Statler Brothers and The Marty Stuart Show. I also remember listening to lots of Ann Murray and Bobbie Vinton casset tapes.
How did your passion for creating music begin?
I knew I always wanted to sing. In my early 20’s I decided I was going to buy a guitar and teach myself how to play chords just so I could sing whenever I wanted. Once I learned my first three chords, I started writing songs. It wasn’t until 10 years later that I showed the Honky Tonks a few of my songs and they encouraged me to put them out into the world and make a record.
What’s the story behind your current music project?
In the Spring of 2024, we bagan a bi-weekly residency at the Historic 120 year old DanceMor Ballroom in Swisher, Iowa. During that time, we were inspired by our surroundings and began writing more and more songs. Once we had 10 songs fully written, we started recording demos and sending them to our producer, Travis Huisman at Catamount Recording for feedback. After a few rewrites, we were in the studio and even added an 11th song on the very last day to Travis’s surprise.
How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard your music before?
I’d describe our sound as classic Honky Tonk with a modern twist. We draw inspiration from the golden age of country music, straight out of 1964 Nashville, while weaving in lyrics that speak to today. We’ve been told that we’re too country for Americana but not quite mainstream enough for country radio, and we love that! It means we get to keep our sound raw and authentic. Our music is all about real instruments, real emotion, and that unmistakable Honky Tonk vibe. When you listen to us, we want you to feel like you’ve stepped into a Gilley’s-style dancehall, ready to two-step the night away.
What is one thing you’ve learned that completely changed the way you make music?
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is to stop taking myself so seriously and to ease up on the self-criticism. It took me 10 years to start sharing my songs, and now I can’t wait to bring new ideas to the guys in the band. I’ve also realized how important it is to surround yourself with people who genuinely support you, encourage your creativity, and want the best for you.
What tools, instruments, or software are essential in your creative process?
As 2025 as this may sound, I honestly couldn’t finish a song without my cell phone, mostly for the Notes app and Spiro app. You never know when a song idea will hit, and you have to capture it before it slips away. It’s also great to have old recordings and notes to look back on whenever I hit a bit of writer’s block.
Which indie artist or song are you loving right now?
Oh man, there are so many! I think anything that comes from Margo Price, Lilly Hiatt or Emily Nenni is absolute gold! Ramona & the Holy Smokes just put out a killer new album that I can’t stop listening to. My favorite male vocalist at the moment is Ty Toomsen from Ty Toomsen & the Twang City Smokers, I’ve been begging them to put out a record!
How have your personal experiences influenced your music and artistic vision?
I’ve always been drawn to the lyrical side of songwriting. My personal experiences have taught me how powerful words can be, and I try to use them to tell honest stories in my own way. It’s a fine line between being inspired by others and finding your own voice, but I focus on expressing my individuality through both my lyrics and my vocals.
What emotions or messages do you hope listeners take from your work?
I want listeners to feel the same way other songwriters have made me feel. That moment of, “Whoa, was this song written just for me?” I love when a song makes you realize you’re not alone in what you’re feeling or going through. More than anything, I hope people find something in my music that feels personal and relatable.
What’s the most important lesson music has taught you so far?
The music industry is a tough one. There’s often more competition than collaboration, unfortunately. I truly believe that if we all supported each other instead of viewing one another as competition, the industry would be so much stronger. For me, it’s all about the relationships you build along the way. Being kind, showing up, and supporting as much art as you can.
What is a dream venue or festival you would love to perform at?
Being from Iowa, I would absolutely love to play the legendary Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake. There’s also this amazing spot in Venice, Nebraska called Buck’s Bar and Grill that I’ve been dying to play. Looking at the bigger picture, I’d have to say Red Rocks in Colorado or the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee. Those are both dream stages for sure.
If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?
Dang, that’s a tough one! I would love to collaborate with Margo Price. My voice gets compared to hers a lot, and I think we could write a killer song together. I really admire her ability to craft such powerful, intelligent lyrics, she’s unapologetically herself, and that’s something I deeply connect with.
Where can our listeners follow and support your music? (Website,Spotify, IG, links)
You can listen to us wherever you stream music; Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, Deezer, etc. You can also catch live performances on our YouTube page, https://www.youtube.com/@KatieandtheHonkyTonks
Or you can check out all of the latest updates and upcoming shows on our website,
https://www.katieandthehonkytonks.net
You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. @katieandthehonkytonks
Looking toward the future, what’s your dream for the next chapter of your musical journey?
Honestly, my dream is for our music to reach the people who truly want to hear it. I just want it to find its way to the listeners who connect with what we do. I plan on doing everything I can to make that happen, and of course, another record is definitely on the horizon!
What do you hope listeners will discover about you along the way?
I want people to see how much fun we have and that we’re all about creating a good time. Beyond the music, I hope they see how much we value connection. Whether it’s with fans, fellow artists, or the community. We’re passionate about supporting the arts and being advocates for keeping live music thriving.
