Katherine W. Kiernan

I’m a 63 year old woman who has been writing and singing songs off and on for many years starting in the early 1990s. I am a recluse. I am not a performer. My musical skills are very limited, though I have returned to study. I have not worked with other singer songwriters or musicians. I have created songs mostly for myself. It is only recently that I considered the idea of selling some of my songs for other artists to cover. Truthfully, I could use the income, but one of the reasons why I joined TAXI is to get some feedback. Very few people have heard my songs and so I am a bit in the dark.

It is very important to me to be authentic and not play games. I think part of why my songs are good is because of that and because I try to challenge the listener with my words and hopefully some of my singing. I am not a trained singer but I have the ability to accent and phrase the lyrics to give the songs some style and guide whomever sings the songs some direction. The song I’m sending out first called “Somewhere” is not exactly sung yet not dryly spoken. My songs are all elemental. The goal has been to make good, effective songs from a limited skill base.

In some ways not being super skilled, not following a particular pattern or particular artists’ styles has given me a lot of freedom to approach songwriting more uniquely and hopefully create some kind of interest in it. It’s like a painter using a limited palette and creating something worthwhile. I do have some skill with words and word choices, which is my way of reaching out to communicate on subjects or stories that have meaning to me. I realize that some people might get offended by some of my subjects and that’s okay with me if it makes them think and reflect. I think the songs I will be putting out there for review are good and for the most part I stand by them, though, of course, I will be respectful and appreciative towards anyone who gives me feedback. Constructive criticism can be a blessing.

I am not trying to be a star or make a ton of money. I’m interested in attempting to circulate some of my songs, get feedback and, if I’m lucky, earn some income.