We recently connected with Katy Tunbridge and have shared our conversation below.
Katy, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.
The most meaningful project I’ve worked on is undoubtedly my debut album, recorded in Nashville. This project is incredibly special to me because it encapsulates my journey as an artist and showcases collaborations with some of the industry’s finest talents.
Prior to this album, I had the privilege to work with Willie Brown Jr., known for his work with Alicia Keys, Janelle Monáe, and Patti LaBelle; Peewee Hill, who has collaborated with legends like Sly Stone and Billy Preston; Les King, known for his work with Tom Jones, Ken Stacey, who has worked with the likes of Madonna, Michael Jackson, Phil Collins, and Richard Marx; and Bruce Watson from Foreigner.
For my debut album, I collaborated with top session players from Nashville, including Gary Lunn, who has worked with Dolly Parton and Billy Ray Cyrus; Blair Masters, known for his work with Peter Frampton and Garth Brooks; Dan Needham, who has played with Michael McDonald and Chicago; Jonathan Crone, known for his collaborations with Mat Kearney and BeBe & CeCe Winans; and Tom Hemby, who has worked with Amy Grant.
Co-producing and co-writing this album with Grammy-nominated producer Billy Smiley was both a challenging and rewarding experience. I played acoustic on five tracks which was a buzz that I got to blend my style and emotion into the tracks. This project is particularly meaningful because it was a real time of growth and dedication to my craft, having self-funded the entire process.
The album includes several tracks that have been recognized in multiple categories at the upcoming World Entertainment Awards on January 31st in Beverly Hills: “Lying Through Your Teeth,” which was previously nominated for the Hollywood Independent Music Awards, is up for Best Alternative Song, “Superhero” for Best Pop Song, “Grab The Wheel” for Best Americana Song, and I’ve been nominated for Best Newcomer. These nominations have been a huge validation of my work and have opened doors for future opportunities, such as placing my music in major TV shows and films.
Overall, this project has been an incredible journey, and I’m grateful for the recognition and opportunities it has brought my way.
Katy, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I’m Katy, an Australian-born artist, singer, songwriter, musician, and producer currently based in Los Angeles. My journey in the music industry has been an exciting ride, filled with incredible opportunities and collaborations with some of the most talented individuals in the field. I’ve had the privilege to work with notable figures such as Willie Brown Jr., Peewee Hill, Bruce Watson, Gary Lunn, Dan Needham, Les King, Ken Stacey, and many more, each of whom has left a lasting impact on my artistic development.
My musical journey began at a young age, surrounded by a rich tapestry of musical influences. I first picked up a guitar at the age of 8, inspired by artists like Tommy and Phil Emmanuel, amidst Australia’s diverse musical landscape. This early exposure to various music styles ignited a passion in me that has guided my career ever since.
I explore a diverse range of genres, from pop to reggae to rock to soul, and my music is a reflection of my life’s experiences. I strive to write from the depths of my soul, making my songs relatable and emotionally intelligent. I aim to bring authenticity and genuine connections through my music.
As an artist, I provide a wide range of creative works, including original music, live performances, and collaborations. I’m particularly passionate about creating music that not only entertains but also resonates with listeners on a deeper level. My mission is to connect with people through my music, offering them a sense of belonging and understanding.
One of my proudest achievements is my latest album, recorded in Nashville, featuring collaborations with top session players and garnering multiple award nominations. “Lying Through Your Teeth” was nominated for Best Alternative Song at the Hollywood Independent Music Awards, and I’m thrilled to be nominated in four categories at the World Entertainment Awards in January 2025: Best Alternative Song for “Lying Through Your Teeth,” Best Pop Song for “Superhero,” Best Americana Song for “Grab The Wheel,” and Best Newcomer for myself, Katy Tunbridge. This project truly embodies my artistic journey and the dedication I put into bringing it to life independently.
Another significant accomplishment is the publication of my book, which I began writing seven years ago. Now available on Amazon, “Mastering Music Metadata and Distribution: The Key to Digital Success” offers insights into navigating the digital music landscape.
Ultimately, my goal is to inspire and uplift others through my music, and I’m excited to share this journey with all of you. Thank you for being a part of my story
Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
Absolutely, I wish I had access to comprehensive resources on digital distribution and music publishing earlier in my creative journey. Back in 2017, when I was preparing to release my first song on digital streaming platforms, I found myself navigating a maze of information. Although I had been building websites and landing pages since 2015, the intricacies of music distribution, licensing, royalties, and copyright were entirely new to me. I immersed myself in studying these topics, devouring every article I could find and teaching myself along the way, effectively becoming my own record label whilst helping other Artists along the way.
Initially, my focus was on digital distribution and music publishing, but as I delved deeper and the industry evolved, my understanding expanded. This journey inspired me to write a book, which evolved over the years into ‘Mastering Music Metadata and Distribution: The Key to Digital Success.’ Now available on Amazon, it’s not just a guide for digital distribution but also a great resource for music placement in TV, film, and commercials. Looking back, I realize how valuable such a resource would have been at the start of my journey, and I’m excited to offer this knowledge to others.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
Thankyou and yes of course. In 2021, after returning to LA from lockdown in Australia, I faced one of the most challenging periods of my life. I had just moved back and was hopeful about reigniting my career. However, a slip and fall at a café left me with severe injuries, tearing all the muscles around my left rib and left shoulder. These injuries, coupled with nearly daily vertigo, made even simple tasks like dressing a struggle. For 10-12 months, I was unable to play guitar or sing, which was an immensely challenging and discouraging and made me question everything..
Getting back to LA during that time was a feat in itself, with only 20 people allowed on each flight. Since 2011, I had been living between Sydney, New York, and LA, having built a life in the States, including five and a half years in New York. Despite the setback, I chose to stay in LA, living in an RV parked in a friend’s backyard and nursing my injuries, it became a period of deep reflection.
Instead of giving up and returning to Australia, I pushed through. I feel this resilience led me to not only record and release my album but also to publish a book. Additionally, I wrote and produced a comic book April 2024 titled ‘You’re My Superhero,’ based on my song ‘Superhero’ from the album. This journey taught me the power of perseverance and creativity, even in the face of significant obstacles.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://katytunbridgenow.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katytunbridge1
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KatyTunbridge
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katytunbridge1136
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@katytunbridge
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/katy-tunbridge
- Other: My album Skin Deep: https://skindeep.soundsoutloud.com
My Book “Mastering Music Metadata and Distribution” The Key To Digital Success” https://a.co/d/iLlKChV
My Online Store: https://store.katytunbridgenow.com
My Comicbook: https://comicbook.katytunbridgenow.com
Image Credits
Skin Deep Album Cover Art drawn by Steve Rude. You’re My Superhero comic book cover drawn by Well-Bee, Letterer Dave Lanphear. The image of Katy standing on the road with the white guitar and denim jacket was photographed by Robert Morrissey