Meet Katy Robinson | singer/songwriter

We had the good fortune of connecting with Katy Robinson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Katy, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I grew up in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, and have been active in the Akron area music scene since the age of 13. Growing up, there was always music in the house. I come from a very musical family, and was in choir, piano lessons, and dance classes all through childhood. Music has always been just an everyday way of life for me. I was inspired to learn guitar after seeing a local singer/songwriter at a coffee shop, and haven’t put the guitar down since. This area has so much talent, and I was always going out to shows and open mics in those formative musical years. I think growing up amidst so many talented musicians has really shaped me. You have the big artists that everyone knows from Akron – the Black Keys, Chrissy Hynde, Devo…but the ones that really shaped me are the ones I got to see performing all the time in coffee shops and local clubs. I’m not sure if I would be a musician without those experiences.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am first and foremost a songwriter. I have always used writing as an outlet to get my emotions out, and when I started sharing my songs, I learned that it’s so special to write something and have someone be able to relate to it. I write about my life, my experiences, and my feelings. I have always said I’m not great at nonfiction – all of my songs are very personal to me whether it’s about love, loss, body image, happiness, and everything in between. I have never been a super outgoing person, but finding music really brought me out of my shell and gave me a safe place to express myself.

Being a musician isn’t always the easiest path. I have always worked a full time job, and learning to find the balance between work, music, family, home, a social life, can sometimes be challenging. I have had times where I haven’t played shows or picked up a guitar for months because life has taken me to a different place – but music always finds its way back to me. I’ve learned that the hardest roads are sometimes the most worth traveling. Even if I am just playing at a coffee shop, and someone says “your song really spoke to me” or recites back a specific lyric that they found meaning in, it makes it worth it.

I’m really grateful for all of my musical experiences. One of the moments I am most proud of is getting the chance to open for one of my favorite songwriters, Brett Dennen. I actually had front row tickets to this show before I knew I was opening! It was a great experience being able to share with him how much his music has meant to me, and he was just an absolute pleasure to meet. Opening for one of your influences is not an experience most people get to have, and I’ll be forever thankful for that.

This past year or so has also been really fun because I have a band now – Katy Robinson and the Wanderers. It has been amazing to watch my solo songs transform into these full band productions, and I’m so lucky to have found a great group of musicians and friends to collaborate with. I’ve done the solo thing for so long, and the band takes my music to a whole new level.

I am looking forward to the future for my music – including the first full band releases! I had the pleasure of working with producer, Wes McCraw, on my first full EP, which was a solo project. He breathed new life into the songs and turned them into full productions. It was really fun going back into the studio with Wes for this second project, and this time with a full band behind me! I’m excited where my music and the sound as a band is going.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
There are so many great things to do in the Akron area! This may be a long list.

I’ll start with food. There are the Akron staples of course – Luigis and Swenson’s. Order a pizza and a salad with cheese on the side from Luigis – you won’t regret it. Swenson’s is the classic drive-in for burgers and fries – get yourself a Galley Boy, Potato Teezers, and a California. If you’re looking for something a littler fancier – Divine in Cuyahoga Falls is an absolute gem. Some of the best food I’ve had, and some tasty drinks, too! Speaking of drinks, stop over to Watson Speakeasy in Cuyahoga Falls – if you can find it! Their drinks are works of art.

Of course, I’m going to talk about live music – there is no shortage of that in Akron! The Rialto Theatre always has something going on – from rock bands to swing dance nights, and they’re owned by some pretty great people! I also adore the Kent Stage – they bring in some great national acts, and the size of the venue is just right so that every seat is a great seat.

Downtown Cuyahoga Falls is a great spot to catch a bite to eat and do some shopping. Hit up the Jenks Building for some eclectic finds. Grab a hot honey pizza and a beer (or in my case, a hard seltzer – which is always on tap!) at HiHo Brewing. Then, go next door to Sense by the Falls and make your own custom candle!

I LOVE thrifting and vintage finds, so the Bomb Shelter in Akron would definitely be on my list. I always find something interesting there – from records, to glassware, to clothes, and even old camera gear – they’re a vintage lover’s dream.

Stan Hywet is one of the most beautiful places in Akron. It’s the home of F.A. Seiberling, cofounder of the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company. It also has a family connection for me – my great-grandmother worked there as a cook for the Seiberlings. It is magical to walk through the home in the winter, when it is all decorated for the holidays!

The Nightlight is THE place to go to catch a cool indie-film or documentary.

And lastly, I’ll finish with the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. It’s pretty amazing having this beautiful park in our own backyard – especially during fall.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I think it’s very hard to be successful without a good support system, and that’s something I’ve always been lucky to have. From my parents driving me to shows and gigs before I could drive, to the open mic hosts that gave me a space to create and showcase my work, to anyone that’s ever came to a show or streamed one of my songs. I don’t think my story is mine alone – it wouldn’t be possible without a whole crew of support along the way.

Website: www.katyrobinson.net

Instagram: @thewanderingkaty

Facebook: www.facebook.com/katyrobinsonmusicoh

Youtube: youtube.com/@katyrobinsonmusic

Image Credits
Jessica Yanesh