"Queer history meets indie folk, with a nod to the nineties (in this case, both 1990 and 1890 are appropriate and applicable)."
At the intersection of indie folk and queer history, Katie Castagno (she/they), our 2024 Fully Human Giveback Program Featured Artist, has been crafting an album that celebrates the stories of queer elders. This project is a deep dive into historical narratives and a testament to the power of community and collaboration. As Katie puts it, the spirit of the album is "queer history meets indie folk, with a nod to the nineties (in this case both 1990 and 1890 are appropriate)."
We connected with Katie to learn more about their creative process, the challenges and joys of making the album, and her hopes for the impact of these stories.
Creating the album has been nothing short of a whirlwind for Katie. After years of slow, intentional research and songwriting, the production phase moved at lightning speed.
“I spent the better part of two years slowly researching and writing songs about queer elders, then another year applying for grants to fund the recording. Once we secured studio time, we recorded the whole album in four days,” Katie shared.
The shift from meticulous planning to an intense recording session was a surprise, but it also highlighted the album’s growth from concept to reality.
Unlike Katie’s first album, which they recorded solo, this project brought them into collaboration with other talented musicians.
“I recorded and produced my first album, Every House I’ve Known, largely by myself in my childhood bedroom. This time, I worked with incredible musicians like Jon Evans and Erin McKeown. Their creative touches elevated the songs beyond what I could have imagined,” Katie said.
One standout moment was during the recording of "Strongbox," a song about Rachel Carson. “Jon and Erin improvised gorgeous dual guitar lines that completely transformed the track,” Katie recounted.
These collaborations not only brought the music to life but also embodied the communal spirit of the album—queer voices amplifying one another. Katie describes the recording process as deeply immersive and transformative, especially as a first-time studio artist.
“It was way out of my comfort zone,” Katie admitted. “But the whole experience was a growth edge for me as a musician. It showed me how much I can accomplish if I lean into the discomfort of honing new skills.”
Katie’s album is as much about history as it is about music. Each track highlights a unique narrative, from a lesbian conviction in 1650s Cape Cod to the story of Rachel Carson.
“I’m so excited to get the stories of these queer elders out into the world. The album allows folks to engage with these histories far beyond the limits of a library program or backyard show,” Katie explained.
For Katie, music is a way to keep these voices alive. Each song acts as a bridge, connecting today’s queer community with those who came before.
The album is still in progress, but Katie can’t wait to share it with the world. “We still have more to do, but stay tuned for some tunes about our queer elders next summer!”
Katie describes the album in three words: joyful, elevating, and eclectic. It’s a celebration of queer history, a tribute to community, and an embodiment of the growth and transformation that comes from stepping into the unknown.
Urbody is proud to support Katie through the Fully Human Giveback Program. A portion of proceeds from today’s Giveback Tuesday sale will go toward helping them bring this project to life.