This album almost didn’t make it….

81 Replies

After I released my last album, I went through a lot of doubt about whether I could continue down this musical path. I felt really unsure of myself and disappointed in my “dream”, as if I had failed my potential as a person…was I making a difference in the world? Was my music helping or serving anyone?

I started looking for other possible careers. I applied for an internship in Thailand working with victims of human trafficking, I looked into grad school for social work. I applied for the Peace Corps and was nominated to go to Jordan. During this time, I found out, getting a job is REALLY hard. I generally thought when I met people, they’d know I could do the job, but apparently, telling people you can do a great job is not, on its own, convincing enough.

Every time I pulled away from music, something or someone kept pulling me back…it was actually during this time that, for the first time in my life, I became a full time singer-songwriter. Oftentimes what kept me going was an email from someone telling me that a song meant something to them; or someone inviting me to perform.

When I was a teenager, I imagined playing to screaming stadiums and also thought I could solve all of the world’s problems. This wasn’t quite like that. But all of a sudden I was finding myself so fulfilled by the response of people who connected with my music. I realized, THIS is what I have been working towards my whole life….connection and more connection and more connection…I love it so much.

I offer this to you. I offer this music and my honest experience to you with the hope that it connects us. I hope that by being as much myself as possible (as awkward as that sometimes may be) that it helps YOU to be as much you as possible. As I express in my song, Differently, “we’re not all born to sing the same melody”. Whatever your melody is, I love it.

I always love to hear from you in the comments, even if it’s just a “hello”.

81 thoughts on “This album almost didn’t make it….”

  2. Richard Rossier

    Wow Kat, what a wonderful thing to write and how well you express yourself. You have taken an awesome journey and find yourself where you truly belong as a singer and a songwriter singing to so many people who love your songs and the beautiful music you make. In the end isn’t it all about human connections, isn’t that what life is all about. Thanks so much for bringing your awesome voice to so many who love to hear it.

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  4. Bruce Alpert

    You should never feel any self doubt. You are a remarkable person, a gifted songwriter and an even better performer. Everyone who left the Kat Parsons house concert we hosted in Maryland last summer went away feeling happy and good about themselves. That’s a priceless gift few people can provide. Besides, do you know much we all saved by not going to a psychiatrist? At least for that one day, we all felt good about ourselves and the price of admission was a huge bargain. I love your new CD and hope everyone in America — hey the whole world — gets to hear it.

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  5. katie

    You’re quoting yourself but you can because you are poet laureate of self help wisdom 🙂 You go girl! And I do connect with your music!

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  6. Harriet Schock

    You finally got what I’ve been trying to say to you all these years. Whew! So glad you didn’t “get a job.” I always laugh when people say to me, “Still writing songs and singing?” That IS my job, Bozo. Now you realize it’s yours too. So happy to hear it! I’ve always believed in you big time. And your new CD hasn’t left my car since I got it.

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  7. Bobby Jones (BoJo)

    I had the honor of hearing and meeting Kat a couple years ago at Robin and Dennis Smith’s house concert. I knew instantly what a gift to human kind God had blessed my presents with!!! Beautiful personality, looks, and voice sums up the package of why Kat hits humanity with such a positive note and blessing! I am ready for you to come back to Jackson MS and “Umbrella” to me again while I sit on the piano bench in complete AWW! Wish you much luck and happiness sweet angel! Luvs, Bojo

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  9. Jay Zimmerman

    Kat,
    I loved your story just now and I love your new EP – I listen on my way to work. You are an inspiration to those going after their dreams and living in the moment as much as possible. I’m sure the Buddhists in Thailand see your shining buddha nature from a mile away!

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    1. Kat Post author

      I’m so happy to hear this Jay! No one has ever told me I have a buddhist nature….my parents will think that’s hilarious! Thanks for your sweet comment.

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  10. Britta

    What would I give for your talent expressing my “life” in such deep touching lyrics and wonderful melodies! Please, never try to get a job again. And please come to Germany again, the house concert in Cologne in nov. 2011 was amazing. XO

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  13. johnse

    …so it’s come down to this huh? I’ve gotta leave messages on a ‘e-post’ page…oh and I thought we had so much more. tsk, tsk, tsk. Listen, if you ever stop singin’/writing/playin’, I’m comin’ after you to kick yo butt up and down the street and then some.
    So play on sista…(and occasionally w/me). much luv

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  14. Jamie Blinn

    Kat,
    We’re blessed to know you and happy to have you for a friend. Wish we could reconnect in person a little more often, but maybe once we get back to the States. I love that you are analyzing where you’re at and looking to move forward in ways to help other people . . . what a powerful way to really LIVE your life. You are nothing if not genuine and self-giving, and that comes through in a snippet of conversation as well as an album of songs.
    Much love,
    Matt & Jamie

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  15. Mark Smith

    Reminds me of my interviewing for jobs. I left Syracuse University with a shiny new Masters Degree in Electrical Engineering. The problem? The race to the moon was over and former aerospace engineers were new taxi drivers. Electrical wasn’t much better. I got an offer from the Army at Fort Monmouth, NJ but not starting until August. To get by I took a low paying job retrofitting a crane control panel. Mostly this involved sand blasting bread loaf sized relays with 20 years of corrosion and bird guano. I got an offer from the Navy at Warminster, PA for less money but starting immediately. The job was BRACed to Patuxent River, MD after 25 years and I followed the job. I recently retired after 39 years and 2 months to spend my time going to House Concerts and other public venues. I found getting any job was possible, but getting a good job was harder. I’m glad I’m not trying to break into THIS job market.

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  18. Erin Schaefer

    Reading this and knowing you have accepted your true passion and calling makes me smile, Kat! I, too, have realized my dream which was nothing I ever imagined. It’s amazing how we become who we are through how we connect with others. I look forward to seeing you the next time you’re in Chicago (hopefully soon?!) and would love for you to do a house concert at my new gym. All of my “FitMamas” would love you and your spirit! xo

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    1. Kat Post author

      I’m so glad to hear that Erin! What is your dream? A house concert sounds like tons of fun! Send me an email and we can arrange it!

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  19. Kerry

    So grateful to Venice the Series for giving you to us! Your music ROCKS! 🙂 Hope to catch you live one day! 🙂 Keep on keepin on! 🙂
    Kerry aka ameriker (on twitter and facebook)

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  20. Doug Sparks

    Hi Kat,

    I remember a conversation you and I had a while back where you had expressed some misgivings and second thoughts about staying in the music biz. At that time you mentioned the Peace Corps and things like that as an alternative. My reaction was to do my best to talk you in into sticking with music, using whatever slight influrence I might have had over you at that time. While I lauded your desire to serve the world community, at the same time I didn’t want you to give up music.

    I’m happy that you got to do a bit of both. It would have been a crime to deprive the world of your talent. Even if you may not have touched as many people as you wanted with you voice and your songs…the people you did touch had their lives changed for the better for having experienced your music. That kind of impact on people may not be measurable in terms of money or what our culture considers to be “success”, but that doesn’t make any less real or valuable.

    I also have purely personal reasons for being glad that you remained in music. Your voice has graced several of my own songs and if you weren’t there to sing them I don’t know if they would have come together in quite the same way….but I know for sure they wouldn’t have been nearly as awesome. Thanks to you a mere idea on paper took on a life of it’s own.

    Anyway, I could go on…but you get the point. I hope that you’ll always be able to find a way to make a living doing what you love.

    Doug

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  22. Carrie

    Kat! Ack! (that’s my new hello) I laughed out loud! At least twice, maybe three times, while reading your post. It was so funny and wonderful that I read it aloud to Shane. (He may or may not have been listening, I didn’t care, I wanted to read it aloud, dammit.) I love that you’re a musician and I really love your new album – the lyrics are seriously amazing and your voice sounds great. You are very intelligent. (You can quote me at any upcoming job interviews.) xoxoXOXOooo. – Carrie

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    1. Kat Post author

      Thanks for the quote! It’s so strange, they don’t seem to base anything on personal testimonials when hiring….

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  23. Manh

    Hi Kat,
    it had been long time for me since we met in Park hyatt hotel in Vietnam, indeed, every one of us can had a different melody, some how I hope all this can be mix together to create THINGs that maybe help people. I do appreciate very much when ever hear you playing and singing, for me I respect it so much the things you had done. keep going Kat.
    Manh

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    1. Kat Post author

      Thank you Manh! I really like that idea too re: all of our talents coming together to create a place where we are all helping one another.

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  24. Jon

    While helping trafficking victims in Thailand and working with the Peace Corps are admirable pursuits, I for one am glad you changed your mind.

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  27. Stewart

    Don’t doubt your talent. Stay with music for as long as you can,because it is what you DO. If you never write another song as powerful as “Go Find Her”, it’ll still have been worth it! By the way,why didn’t that song ever end up in a movie soundtrack? Anyone of the rom-coms I’ve seen could use it. Be well.

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      1. Stewart

        I mentioned it to Billy Crystal for “When Harry Met Sally Again” ,but he may be left out of the project. Oh well, c’est la vie!

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  28. em

    Sooo glad you decided to stick with music. You only have to listen to you sing and play to know it’s meant to be. I know it’s maybe not how you dreamed it but like you say connecting with people, affecting change and inspiring little by little is kinda awesome and, I think, more impactful. How many people at a stadium gig are there because they love the music and not because it’s what’s “hot” this week? Something reeks of mass hysteria…just saying (there’s a reason someone invented the phrase Bieber-fever) Maybe I’m too cynical but the music I love best is the stuff I’ve caught in passing and my ears have actually pricked up causing me to “meerkat” in public. I heard one of your songs and had to seek you out. To me, that makes your music so special -the uncontrollable need to hear more because it sings the same tune I do (could I carry a tune in a bucket). Keep it up, Kat! Next time you’re in the UK I’ll be there! P.S. I teach High School so after playing my classes a few of your songs…the numbers for your stadium tour are looking up! 🙂

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  30. Marla O'Steen

    If we don’t do what we are meant to do we are denying ourselves and others pleasure and hope. Please continue with your music!

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  31. Bernie

    To paraphrase Albert E., “Try not to become a person of success, but rather try to become one of value.”

    Do what you want to do, do what you love to do, and do it the best you can and in a way that makes you feel good and proud about it.

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  32. Whitney Graham

    I was just thinking about you today and wondering where you were on this journey! So glad you decided to stay in music and it still fulfills you! The world is a better place for it! Love you and your music! How many more exclamation marks can I use in one comment?!
    Whitney

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  33. David A. Gordon

    I wish you the best with your music career. I think that many of us (musicians/artists) go through some type of doubt, but when it is all said and done, it comes done to our willingness to go on and be true to ourselves. I have just released my instrumental album ” Positive Tension” and I too am currently fighting off doubts and putting everything in God’s hand. Your story has inspired me. Hope you can give me some pointers!!
    Best of Everything!

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  34. Rosa Odette

    Very inspiring words here! Whether or not you achieve anyone else’s definition of success, it is great to feel it for yourself! Keep it up & let’s hear more music!
    Thank you for the inspiration 🙂

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  35. Mags

    Great seeing you perform a couple weeks ago at Iota. I have been loving listening to your EP ever since. I passed it along to some others to help the keep the party going. You are really are something wonderful and it was very touching to read your story above. Thank you for sharing that with us all. Definitely stick with this Kat – you have too much talent and too much to give to avoid music. Your audience and music itself would just miss you too much to bear it. xomags (a fan from waaaay back and one who is thrilled to be reconnected with you and your work again 🙂

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    1. Kat Post author

      oh, Mags! It was amazing to see you! Thanks for your sweet comment and thanks for spreading the word! I can’t wait to hear YOUR music! So glad to be back in touch.

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  36. Keith Andrew

    Hey Kat –

    Don’t give up on your dream! I think you are very talented and have a musical gift to share. I too have gotten discouraged with this crazy music business! There has to be a purpose for what we do as artists. It brings to mind something my vocal teacher said: (paraphrasing)
    As musicians, we are healers and our purpose is to make people feel happy, taking them away from the worries and issues with everyday life, helping to make people feel good about themselves. I can tell that you have that gift! The connection with the audience, is often very healing for us!
    Keep on doing what you do!
    Cheers,
    Keith Andrew

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  37. Deb Shafer

    Kat,
    Doubt is simply a part of life. Our choices are what matters.
    Embrace and love all you do. My puppy dog taught me to wake each morning, wagging my tail eagerly waiting for the beautiful day ahead with many unknown moments.
    You and your music are inspiration to many. Be proud of yourself!!
    Deb

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    1. Kat Post author

      “Doubt is simply a part of life.” Amen Deb! I agree and I think it is really connecting to share with each other!

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  38. NA

    Kat, trust that your music inspires us and perhaps more importantly that you inspire us… I am so lucky to have you in my life.

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  39. Trudy Portewig

    I am glad to hear this news. Your voice and your words are an inspiration to the world. Keep up the music and sharing your dream with all who are out here waiting to hear your voice. You are a precious human being. Let that shine.

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