Interview: Singer-songwriter Kathy Zimmer Creates White Noise with Cosmo Folk

From Nebraska to NYC, artist Kathy Zimmer is as authentic as they come. She draws inspiration for her songwriting from anything she comes across, whether it’s a burlesque dancer to an annoying air conditioning unit. I had the pleasure of sitting down with this classically trained musician to talk about her latest EP, White Noise (released independently on January 5, 2018) and learned how she came up with her own sub-genre, “cosmo folk” and how Joan Baez was a huge influence on her music. Read on to learn more…

Your music is described as “cosmopolitan folk.” What does that mean and how did you come up with this description for your music?

KZ: I came up with the term “cosmopolitan folk” to differentiate myself from other more scratchy, rustic sounds of Americana. I consider the music I make folk, or folk/pop, but there’s a bit of sophistication that comes out too that makes it unique. I guess I always describe my music as “folk… like Joni”, which means something different than “folk… like Mother Maybelle”.

What was it like moving from Nebraska to the Big Apple? Was it a difficult or easy transition? How did the move influence your music writing?

KZ: Moving to NYC from Nebraska was every bit the adventure you might imagine it would be! Luckily, I stopped off in Cleveland for two years of school in-between, which I think served as a buffer. To come directly from rural Nebraska to NYC might have done me in.

In some ways, the transition was easy, because I did take to New York naturally. I love the energy of NYC and continue to be inspired by the other artists I find myself surrounded by. I have also always found inspiration in thinking about the eight million individual stories the city has to tell, stories of people from all corners of the globe, striving for different and yet the same goals. New York pushed me to figure out exactly who I was, and to be more myself.

In other ways, it wasn’t an easy transition at all! In fairness, I suppose no matter who you are and where you come from, New York City takes some adjusting. But there were times when I felt like I was in another country altogether. For instance, I remember being really bothered by the fact that you’re constantly bombarded by ads everywhere you turn in this city. On the subway, you have no choice but to stare at ads; on the streets, there are fliers and billboards everywhere. In rural areas, you’re not constantly being sold something, in that fashion. That’s an example. I’d say I’m still a country girl living in the city, though I may fool some people.

I see you’re quite a storyteller in your lyrics. What usually comes first — the melody or the lyrics?

KZ: In most cases, I write lyrics first, and then they get heavily edited when the music comes. Thanks, I do try to be a storyteller. 🙂

What was your inspiration for the music on your new EP, White Noise?

KZ: Inspiration comes from all areas of life, for me. My own life, me imagining others’ lives… but I do try to keep things real, the stories are always grounded in some real experience. For instance, “Watch Me” came in part from me pondering what draws one to become a burlesque performer, as I was watching some burlesque acts take the stage after my band played a show at the Slipper Room in NYC. “White Noise” was initially inspired by the sound of my very noisy air conditioner (this is true.) I just need a tidbit (or more) that arouses my curiosity, and hopefully I can go from there.

You’ve been described as the “latter day Joan Baez.” Would you say she was a big influence in your music?

KZ: Joan Baez is undoubtedly a big influence on my music. Growing up, I wouldn’t say I was directly influenced by her, but I was greatly influenced by the musical family in which I grew up, and THEY were influenced by Joan Baez and all of that 60s folk revival. I really started to listen to her when I was in college–someone I worked with loaned me her old records–and immediately, upon hearing her voice, everything clicked into focus. I could listen to her sing for days. I think she was at her best when she was a little witchy/spooky/sad, and I have definitely tried to evoke that in some of my songs. It is a HUGE compliment to me to be aligned in any way with Joan!

What’s coming up for Kathy Zimmer in 2018?

KZ: I’m currently recording another EP, to be released digitally, as White Noise will be, and then I’d like to press some vinyl with the two EPs, one on each side of a record. I still like my music in tangible form! And to have a record of my music, with the big artwork cover and everything, would be a dream come true. Of course I also look forward to playing more shows in 2018, and do some more touring. Hope to see you there!

Kathy Zimmer will perform at The Slipper Room in NYC on Thursday, January 25, 2018 at 8 pm. For more info:  kathyzimmermusic.com