Singer, Composer, performer, Vocal Coach, Paris, France

“We can meet at my place and shoot outside? I can cook us lunch. I've got a closet full of cabaret vibes! I’d like that because I have a ballgown + fur jacket + sunglasses; an over-the-top look that I'm not quite ready to wear to work… Any dietary restrictions?” was Katie Krawczyk’s message to me one fine autumn day in Paris. The rest? Well, it’s all here.

I’m sure I wasn’t the first stranger Katie welcomed over for a meal and a chat. She has that sort of gentle and open-hearted vibe about her, the kind you cultivate living in a place where your friends are your family. If Ms. Krawczyk treated a stranger so warmly, I can only imagine how her loved ones and her students benefit from her nurture.

Katie is the queen of resourcefulness, draws inspiration from Paris, multi-tasks, wears 100 different hats to survive, to make ends meet for her art. At the end of the day, her story reminds me of a quote by Stephen King (applied to Katie’s creative passions): “Writing continued to do what it has always done. It makes my life a brighter, and more pleasant place. Writing isn’t about making money, getting famous, getting dates, getting laid or making friends. In the end, it’s about enriching the lives of those who will read your work and enriching your own life as well. It’s about getting up, getting well and getting over. Getting happy!”

1. Name.

Katie Krawczyk.

2. Where is your hometown?

New Glasgow, Nova Scotia, Canada. Currently living in Paris, France.

3. What is your profession/career/title/self-label/designation? 

To put it simply I am a singer! 

I compose, sing and perform my own music as the artist Katie Kraw. I also produce burlesque cabaret and coach vocalists.

What does your average day look like? 

I wake up in the late morning, go to my music studio where I teach one or two private vocal lessons. I’ll then work in the afternoon either doing administrative tasks for myself (organising my music and music studio: emails, Instagram planning, marketing, etc.) Or I will be recording vocals for someone else or working on my own music. My schedule is very flexible and varies daily. Most nights I will do something social and musical like seeing a friend's show or going to a jam session.

4. What did you study in school?

I have a BFA from Concordia University with a Specialization in Jazz Studies.

5. What was the journey like to get where you are (in life and career-wise)? Write about some of the achievements that you are most proud of. What was the moment for you that changed your life (in your personal life and/or career?) that set you on the current path in life?

WOW! I have so much to say and find it all so interesting. I will split this answer into three life stages.

Early years. When I was young my parents would hire a piano teacher to come to our house. To make it worthwhile for her to make a home visit, my neighbour and I had to split a vocal lesson. I ended up continuing the vocal lessons and joining the local choir and was so deeply involved in music throughout high school. When the time came to decide on a career path, I told my mom I could study anything and work at any job as long as I had time for choir and band. My mom recognized my passion and agreed that I may as well just do it full speed, and not waste any time on anything else.

University Years. I was faced with the decision of studying jazz in Montreal, or studying classical voice at Mount Allison in New Brunswick, Canada. I reasoned Montreal would be more exciting so I went for jazz, and in my 3rd year I spent a year abroad in Paris.

When I finished my studies, I travelled to Poland to re-connect with my polish heritage and to experience Europe as a young adult. I became an English teacher in a Montessori school for a year before heading back to Paris where I still am today. Throughout University I had the immense pleasure of working as a jazz singer, teacher, even recording a small EP with a group of friends and experimenting with songwriting. I believe there is still a band camp with those early tracks: supernicepeople.bandcamp.com. 

During my year abroad in Paris I started taking improv classes and studying theatre and clown. These themes stay with me still, and I’m still close with the friends I made seven years ago.

Paris Years. In Paris I continued singing in small jazzy shows, performing and producing burlesque cabarets, all while working various odd jobs. I started as a nanny, then worked as a bartender, I then worked as a personal assistant to an elderly celebrity for three years. This woman, who is truly a legend, passed away at the age of 104! I learned so much from this woman not only about grace, beauty, but also about professionalism in punctuality, etiquette and poise. After her passing I went full-time into my music career, releasing my first album in December 2020, aptly named Confinée 2020. I opened a music studio with the producer Jakub Szpakowicz in 2021, called Groove Lab Studio. It has been so much fun having a professional space, to be able to create again.

The decision to make an album was always something I planned on doing, but Erin Costelo, my producer, really took it to another level in terms of speed and professionalism. I was only able to hire her because of a gift I received from a patron to help me produce my debut album.

The funny thing is, Confinée 2020 was a byproduct of Coronavirus year. I was stuck indoors, in Paris while preparing for an album in Canada. As a byproduct of all that shut-in time, I recorded an electro album in Paris! At the end, I wrote and recorded two albums between August 2020 and January 2021. The 1st albums introduced me to my now business partner Jakub Szpakowicz. The 2nd album, named Dark Circus, was officially produced by Erin Costelo and recorded with a full band. It will be released in the spring of 2022. I’m thrilled!

When I look back at the key decisions that brought me to where I am in life, I can’t help but feel thankful for the family and community support I’ve received personally and professionally.

6. How is your life different from what you pictured at 20?

I’m not sure I ever expected to live in Paris. I’m not sure I ever expected to write pop music either. I was so deeply into jazz, I still am, but I do love writing. It’s been equally harder and easier than I ever imagined.

7. Was there a time when life knocked you down or out and how did you get back up on your feet?

The hardest KO I’ve had from life was almost self-inflicted in retrospect. I went through a really bad relationship in Paris, around 2018. I even married him, doing so much to make the relationship work financially and emotionally. My spirit really broke when things blew up.

I had to move out for my safety and rebuild my friend group. I also had to rebuild self-worth and finances. It took me a long time to see things clearly and to even understand what I was feeling. Although now I feel strong and clear-headed, it will forever be a scar I’m not proud of.

9. Knowing what we know now in a current political climate, can women be "all that we can be" in today's world? What is the way forward, as you see it, for "feminist values”?

I think we need to highlight and celebrate our individual differences as people, and that fits into gender or sex.

Something I’ve been thinking about lately: why is it that when a male colleague takes the day off for having a small cold, it makes me feel animosity? My period hurts 10x more than a head cold, and no you can’t catch it, but I sure could use a day of rest. I would definitely be more productive from home. But I sure as hell am going to show up anyway, because society has taught me that my body needs to be like a mans. That I have to suffer through the pain as if it doesn’t exist. The same could be applied to mental health struggles. I don’t think we all fit in the same boxes, work with the same modalities or prosper in the same environments. I personally would love to see more inclusivity in many place which only seem to be tailored to the able-bodied white men: healthcare, work, society, a lot of life in general.

I would hope feminist values grow into celebrating individuals for their unique contributions to society and evolve into spaces where everyone can thrive, be safe and be valued for whoever they are.

10. Where in the world do you feel “tallest” (i.e. where is your happy place)?

In and on the water, I grew up near Melmerby Beach in Nova Scotia, in Canada. I find so much peace there.

On another note I am in a total bliss every time I get to sing on stage or alone.

11. What extracurricular activities/hobbies are you most proud of? Why?

So much of my life revolves around art. I have a hard time thinking of something outside of singing, drawing, costumes, etc. I am proud of it all as so much of it ties into being an artist.

I love cooking a good meal and hosting friends at home. I have recently started jogging and it’s been exciting to see my progress. Otherwise my life is all art.

OH! I am really into reading tarot cards for myself and friends. Sometimes I even get visions that correspond with the readings. I’m not always sure where they come from or how to interpret them but its very exciting to explore!

12. What do you want to be when you grow up? Future goals/challenges?

I would like to see my career as a solo artist flourish. I would like to keep growing as an artist! My next goals are: regular radio play, more gigs, a tour, another album, growing my audience.

13. What fears are you still hoping to overcome?

Fear of “never making it”.

Making music is easy, being a musician is hard.

The nature of being an independent musician is rife with financial challenges and self-doubt. Luckily I have way too much fun and have a very supportive community to ever stop!

14. Anything you'd do differently, if you had another go at life?

I think I would train more in piano earlier in life. I had an access to a great piano and a teacher but never put the time in!

I wish I saved more money over time. Being 28 and living month-to-month is nerve-wracking but it’s never too late to start!

As much as my bad relationship was sobering, I’m not sure I would change a thing about that experience, as it really helped me grow a lot.

15. What inspires you?

Everything! The way the shadows hit street poles at night, conversations with children, champagne, arguments. Just the other day I was speaking with a student who recently was scammed by an Instagram promoter promising big things. We spent hours on the phone as I was convincing him he was a great artist. He lost 200 euro out of the 1000 they were asking for. He is an amazingly creative person, and I’m sure there is a defiant song in there somewhere, to be explored.

17. What are some ingredients to a good life? Has the global pandemic changed your perspective about the world, about your life, your goals and dreams?

Living in Paris during the pandemic while experiencing the death of the elderly woman I worked for, being so far from my family, as well as concentrating creatively on writing an album put a HUGE spotlight for me on Family, Community, and Creativity.

Confinement taught me to fully enjoy little things as well: a joy of cooking a good meal, making a clean and artistic home, practicing some regular yoga, how to create and enjoy a supportive and loving partnership, and to return to faith in any form to quell anxieties.

I used to think partying was an essential part of being a musician - and although I still think its an important expression of life and music, I am more interested in balancing my lifestyle than ever before.

18. What are (at least) three qualities yo u most love about yourself and why? What are your superpowers?

I love my ability to foster and enjoy community.

I think I am a great singer. It's so much fun to bring this art form around with me everywhere I go! Coaching people to find their voices can also feel like a superpower sometimes.

I think my optimism is an absolute superpower; it is essential to feel and express all emotions. I believe in keeping my spaces and communications lighthearted and full of laughter; understanding and respecting that has helped me live life as largely as possible. To actively seek, find, and relish in JOY!

19. What advice would you give your 14-year-old self?

I would love to tell the young teenage Katie to NOT try out for rugby because she will bust her ACL in the try-outs. Otherwise I would tell her to keep singing, to trust her instincts, keep living her light and practice the piano. I’d also tell her that her parents love her very much and only want what’s best. Don’t forget it!

20. What are you reading now? (what books do you gift most and what are your favourite reads?)

I just read the first three books from the Discworld series by Terry Pratchett. Part of me loved it and part of me hated it. It feels a bit dated with the male gaze and the shallowness of the characters but science fiction part is fun. Not sure if I’ll make it through the next 36 books in the series.

21. Who is a WOW WOMAN in your world who inspires you and why?

Fifi Fantôme aka Nica Storey is an amazing performer, entrepreneur, circus artist and an all around WOW Woman. Fifi taught me how to be an independent artist and make sure I'm on it: with a great website, preparation for gigs, home-crafted next level unique costumes. Not only is her dedication to circus impressive, training for full eight-hour days, but then working as an entrepreneur artist and producer the rest of the time. She inspires me daily and her work revolves around her politics, always making a statement with her craft.

Dr. Anne Kwasnik-Krawczyk, my mom, is an amazing WOW Woman. She runs the palliative care center at the hospital and has never said a bad word about anyone. Her sunny disposition is impressive considering how hard and tirelessly she works, not only for her patients, but also for her family and community.

A third WOW Woman in my life, among many, would have to be the woman who brought me under her wing and showed me what's possible when you bring creative people together and encourage them. Sorrel Mocchia di Coggiola! She is not only my favorite oil painter and an incredibly talented artist - but also a legendary hostess and a friend. Her ability to create an outfit and ambiance are unmatched. Paris would not be the city it is without her influence, at least the Paris I've had the honor of experiencing.

22. Where can others find you/your work (links to websites, blogs, etc.)?

Follow me on the socials. It helps so much and I'm always posting my new music, art, and antics. 

katiekraw.com

@ktkraw on Instagram

facebook.com/katiekrawmusic

Bonus Quick Round:

1. What and who is worth suffering for?

I do think there are times to compromise to help loved ones through difficult times or to take a stand for your beliefs but no cause or relationship is worth suffering for. If it’s a good and healthy relationship or cause it will not feel like suffering but giving: time, resources, energy, etc.

2. What would you do if you knew that nobody would judge you?

Probably be naked more. I’d also sing more, like in the grocery store or whistling while I work.

3. Who is/are your mentor/s (men or women)?

I must say Erin Costelo is a huge mentor for me. She has really helped me dive into starting a full-time career as a musician. I also lean greatly on all who have taught me over my lifetime. I appreciate all the mentors who fostered in me a mix of perfection-seeking with patience; a mix truly important in my work. My parents influence me greatly; they instilled in me a respect for artists and their work. Since I was a little girl, they also placed a huge value in travel and instilled in me respect for different cultures.

4. If you didn't have to work anymore what would you do with your days?

Sing, cook, clean, get dressed up, party, make music, make babies, raise the babies, party with the babies.

5. If you could be anyone for a day who would you be?

Beyoncé or Alicia Keys - I want to know what that would look and feel like, to have a home studio, family, world tours, intense privacy. I want to know!

6. What bothers you most about other people? What do you love most about other people?

I really can’t stand when people are mean, condescending, and critical of one another.

I love it when people are humble and playful and bring out the best in each other. I just really love to play! Yes, it's possible to have fun solo and find games in life, but it's so much more interesting with some fun people around who like to play too!