We recently connected with Katie Mcmahon and have shared our conversation below.
Katie, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Are you able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen?
It is very difficult to make a full-time career as a musician these days. If I had not had the big break of being the original lead singer in the Riverdance show and if I was not able to supplement my performing income with private music lessons, I’m pretty sure that I would not be a full-time musician now.
I dropped out of university at the age of 20 and decided to dip my toes in the water and see if I could get work as a musician. I immediately got work in a professional choir. Then I joined many other musical groups and while I did earn money, I would not have been able to completely support myself. One of the most important things I believe, along with honing your craft is to always be on the lookout for making friends and connections and being as pleasant a person as you can be. I can’t tell you how many times being socially open has resulted in my getting work.
When I became the original lead singer for Riverdance, my life changed dramatically. I pretty much went on tour for five years straight, around the world and started making serious money, without having any bills to pay. After I left Riverdance, I resumed my private music lesson side hustle. I really enjoy teaching and my students always come and see me perform or sometimes people who have seen me perform want to learn music. The two jobs feed each other that way.
Before I had my children, I went on several other international tours with different groups, but after I became a mother, I had to slow down with the touring. I mostly focused on producing popular shows in and around my hometown and surrounding area. I would’ve liked to have a booking agent and a manager, but for the level I was at they didn’t really exist for my genre at the time, so I ended up learning how to do those things for myself. I’m pretty good at them, but it is exhausting and I would much rather focus on being creative.
I was extremely lucky that I got my big break at a young age. I have been able to use my time in Riverdance to generate work for decades afterwards. If I had not had children, I probably would have been able to continue performing at a higher level, but that was a personal decision that I made and I have no regrets.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I perform traditional Irish music on my own, singing and accompanying myself on the harp, or on a larger scale with singers, band and a large troupe of Irish dancers. I have recorded 5 solo CDs and I also provide private instruction for Voice and Harp.
My music is rather niche, but also hugely popular and accessible. I am most proud of springboarding my work with Riverdance into a solid career.
Please visit my website to learn more: www.katiemcmahon.com
Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?
I think that non-creatives struggle to understand how us creatives work. While we may not be working 9-5, we are never NOT working and are rarely financially compensated on an hourly level that would add up to a living wage.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
The most rewarding aspect for me, of being a creative, is really 100% caring about what I’m working on. To be able to love your work is such a gift!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.katiemcmahon.com
- Instagram: @kmcsinger
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KMcSinger
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/Katiemcmahon
- Twitter: @KMcSinger
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCd1FExZePa3my-UxDT_QRCQ?si=eF9IMca5Zp9MZHJV
Image Credits
Steven Wolf Charles Robinson