Spotlight on Kitty Steadman

Kitty Steadman has a tenacious case of wanderlust, and her music is the remedy

Born in Virginia, raised on Long Island, New York, she moved with her musical aspirations to Tennessee, her home base for the last 15 years. She married a Louisiana man, and weary of keeping up two households, she’s in the process of moving further south.

For 10 years, the seasoned songwriter/singer/guitarist fronted Drop Dead Dangerous, touring with the Southern rock and roots band around the country and the Caribbean and making three albums. These days, she tours extensively on her own and is working on her third solo album, “The Orchid,” due out in the spring of 2027. This summer, Kitty, whose Irish heritage comes from her father - the inspiration for her 2024 album, “Truckdriver’s Daughter” - will travel to Ireland. She and fellow musician Carrie Wellington plan to perform at pubs and take along a few dozen “Steadhead” fans.

Here is our edited interview.

These days/years, “Americana” is a pretty broad music genre - how would you describe your music more specifically?

I love this question. You are totally right, genre is difficult lately. I was recently described as ‘Funky Country’, and I really liked that. But only a little bit of my original catalogue is ‘funky’. I have always enjoyed the story telling of country music and the dynamics and rhythms of rock & roll, so whatever corner of Americana that puts me in!

Tell us about your songwriting process. Is there a certain mood or time of day or season you write more profusely?

It's best if I can start writing in the morning. Before and as I have my coffee, if possible. If I become ‘too awake’, my mind will race on all of the things I have to do that have nothing to do with creativity at all. Due to the wildness and unpredictability of my life, I have gotten much better at scheduled writing and cowriting time.

Who are some of your favorite songwriters?

Carole King, Jackson Browne, James Taylor, Lori McKenna, Dolly Parton - these are not in order and there are SO many great ones to choose from.

Sounds like “The Orchid”, your third solo album due out next year, has been quite an undertaking! What inspired you to include a studio and live recording of each song? How is this material different from your other two albums?

It really has become quite the project. Last year, I took on what is called a residency gig. Two weeks a month for the first half of 2025, I was the entertainment at Margaritaville in Key West. I have spent quite a bit of time in Key West over the last 12 years, but this was full blown immersion. I decided to let myself be inspired during my months there and I ended up with poetry about water, tourists, plant life, the beautiful house I stay in, the blimp that hangs over The Keys, and so much more. Doing the live recording at Margaritaville was my way of bringing the fans and the inspiration full circle. I’m trying to keep the project as local to Key West as possible. I’m using an independent studio on Marathon Key, local musicians, and I’m hoping to pair with a local artist for album artwork. Doing live bonus tracks was how I’m bringing Key West & Margaritaville to everyone.

After spending 10 years touring with Drop Dead Dangerous, do you ever miss traveling with band mates?

I have really enjoyed the last couple of years traveling as a solo artist. There are aspects of traveling with people that are appealing. And there are at least the same amount that are not. I have been fortunate enough to experience the road with and around a handful of several projects and there isn't a world where ‘the perfect touring mate’ exists. I tour hard. If I'm not home, I want to be on stage, in a studio, or in a writing session. If I'm alone, it's just easier.

I saw on your website that you are heading to the Republic of Ireland this summer to tour with fellow songwriter/collaborator Carrie Wellington - and have invited fans to join you! What made you two decide to tour in Ireland?

Ireland has been a bucket list item for me for as long as I can remember. Several of my peers in the independent musician world will collaborate with travel agents to take small groups on trips like this. The agents find opportunities along the way for us to perform. And we get to bond with our closest fans and friends. I am stoked for this trip! I can't wait to see what inspiration comes from it. Having Carrie on the trip is a no brainer. She is incredible and we work so well together!

After living in Tennessee for 15 years, you’re moving to Baton Rouge - will you miss the music scene in Nashville?

I have a special affinity for Tennessee for sure. Every time I see that state sign, including the first time, my heart flutters. The issue is, even when Tennessee really was home, I still missed it. To quote my favorite Dolly Parton song: ‘When a flower grows wild, it can always survive. Wild flowers don’t care where they grow.’ I try to just stay excited about where I’m heading and let the wind take me.

Photo Credit: Alisa Thayne