Tonight, music fans will have an opportunity to get close and personal with an artist who is sure to break out this year, as she will perform and sign autographs at the Borders in Oak Brook.
Yeah, that's right, a free performance and autograph. You have to go, it's too good of an opportunity to pass up!
Chances are you haven't heard Kate's stuff as of yet, but you should. Go to her Web site, www.kateearl.comand treat your ears to some great stuff!
What's up Kate, how's life treating you?
Life's good. How's life for you?
Good, good. I have to warn you, I'm on the road right now, so if my phone cuts out, I will have to call you back. Or, if something happens to me because I am driving 80 miles per hour while talking on a cell phone and holding up a recorder, then, I probably won't call you back.
(Laughs) OK, great.
So, what are you doing right now? Chillin'? Relaxin' a bit?
I'm hanging out. Just having a good Mothers day and cleaning the house and getting ready to get out there on the road.
Yeah, tell me about your Boarders tour.
I'm going to be visiting the Midwest and the East Coast and I get to play all these shows and do a few radio interviews. It's going to be fun. And I'm excited to do the radio interviews cause everyone listens to the radio.
Right on. That will give you some nice exposure. Do these intimate situations every make you nervous? I mean, you have all these people on top of you.
On top of me is fine, but in a store, that whole merchandise feel is something I will need to get used to. I have never played an in-store. It should be interesting. I think overall it will be great.
Someday when you are big and famous you can look back on these in-stores and laugh about them.
(Laughs)
Are you a fan of Borders or do you like Barnes and Noble?
I like them both (laughs).
(
Laughs) That's the safe answer.
(Laughs) I really do though. It depends on my mood. They have different types of feels.
True, but I must say, your publicist has trained you well.
(Laughs)
Have you ever been to Chicago before?
Yeah, actually I have family in St. Charles.
Oh awesome. Are you going to get to spend some time with them?
Well, here's the thing. They have kids and I don't want to impose. I know they would drive to see me, and it's not that far, but I haven't told them yet. I just don't want to put them through the trouble.
Want to hear the bad news?
What?
The bad news is my column publishes in their newspaper (laughs).
(Laughs) Oh really?
Yeah, so they might find out anyway.
(Laughs) Uh, then I guess I better tell them because I don't want to get in trouble.
Yeah, that wouldn't be a bad idea, because now I am definitely adding this to the column.
(Laughs) I will just have to call them.
They're family. You have to have family there.
Exactly. I don't know why I'm acting like this (laughs).
So, is it weird now that you are getting to the level where you will soon be as big and famous as some of the people you grew up listening to?
You think so?
I know so.
Oh wow. Thank you. Who are your referring to?
Any bigger name. Like Jewel. She has many connections to you. You will be at that level.
Wow. Really? I really hope so. That's a dream. I really hope you're right. It could happen, but I don't want to be disappointed if it doesn't.
Well, what's your gut feeling? Are you going to break big?
The gut feeling is that things are going to take off. That's the gut feeling, but then again, it might not happen.
Hey, gut feelings are always right. You will take off.
Aw, thank you.
This whole thing is just surreal, isn't it?
It really is. Because you work so hard at something you know if you will reach and then when you finally have a little nipple you are like, 'wait a minute, am I really here? Can I really taste it?'
Hey, it just takes time. Well, unless you are Britney Spears and can just flaunt your body. You could always do that.
(Laughs)
Do you like the travel part of the job?
I want to see the world. I have a little sailor hidden inside of me. I'm silly. I'm kind of nervous. I'm saying silly things.
Are you really nervous for this interview?
I'm a little nervous. I always wonder how I'm going to turn out and what I'm going to say.
I will make you look good. That's a promise.
OK, thank you.
We are going to fill that Borders store.
Oh, that's amazing. Thank you.
What do you do for fun? You can still go to the grocery store and not get seen.
I'm still your average Joe. I can still go out and do my stuff. The only time people know who I am is at my shows. I love going to other musicians shows. And then, I'm kind of a homebody on the other side. I don't really go out clubbing.
So, you're not going to hit up the club scene in Chicago then?
No, I don't see me doing that (laughs). I will probably hit up my hot tub in my hotel instead of the club.
Oh, what hotel are you staying at?
I don't know. I just hope they have a hot tub.
(Laughs) Hey, you find out which hotel and you let me know. I will be there in the hot tub with you.
(Laughs) OK. That will be fun (laughs).
• Nick Powills can be reached at SayWhatPOWILLS@aol.com.
