Introducing Katie Lynne Sharbaugh
If being a twenty-something girl were a movie, she wrote the soundtrack
If indie music were a party, I’m the girl taking you around the room, introducing you to the cool kids. This week’s cool kid is Katie Lynn Sharbaugh.
A folk-pop artist who blends pop, jazz, and musical theater elements, Katie Lynn Sharbaugh is a 24 year old singer-songwriter based in Nashville.
Katie graduated from Berklee College of Music in 2021. Since then, she’s released an EP “Little Blue Beetle” and a full-length album “Upstaged!”
Katie’s music is characterized by spritely violin (which she plays), witty lyricism, and agile melodies. Her lilting voice floats over cinematic instrumentals, painting vivid pictures and telling relatable stories.
Katie Lynne Sharbaugh released “Upstaged!” in 2024. Almost painfully self-aware, the album examines the thoughts and feelings of a twenty-something girl who feels sidelined in the story of her life.
Lyrics like “I think I’ve been written out of my own play” (Side Plot) and “why does it feel like an end scene?” (End Scene) appeal to anyone who’s ever been tempted to view their life as a movie.
Katie released the album in four acts, further highlighting the musical theater themes.
This album takes you on a journey, complete with love songs, breakup songs, and skilled storytelling. It feels simultaneously intimate, like reading her diary, and like watching a performance unfold.
Entirely unique, but quickly familiar, you’ll find yourself pondering life, examining your inner world, and humming along.
This album is full of gems and catchy hits. Standouts to me include: “Lucky Girl Syndrome”, “Other Side”, and “Aphorisms”. Songs like “I Think I Am To You” bring out her jazzier sound with biting metaphors and groovy bass lines.
Fans of folk-y storytelling can scratch the itch with “Little Fortune” and “Omaha”. Meanwhile, anyone dissatisfied with their day-to-day life will relate to “Dollar Bills and Dirty Dishes” and “Tornado Warnings”.
My personal favorite song, “Problem” wraps up the album with a gorgeously produced introspective tune.
With the sharp-witted lyricism of Noah Kahan and the skillful imagery of Taylor Swift, Katie’s music is for fans of storytelling. Her masterful blending of styles is reminiscent of folk-pop artist MALINDA, while her frank relatability draws fans of Taylor Bickett.
If you listen to Amelia Day, Lauryn Marie, or Leanna Firestone, I’m honestly shocked you don’t already have Katie on your playlist. She’s the whimsical songwriter of your dreams.
If Katie Lynne Sharbaugh sounds like your jam, give “Upstaged!” a listen. This is easily one of my favorite albums from 2024.
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