Katherine Nagy explores the beauty and challenges of marriage, motherhood and musical dreams on her intimate new album Sweetlove — showcasing today on Tinnitist.
With a unique background which harnesses both the cultures and traditions of the American Midwest and Ireland, country singer-songwriter Nagy wields this inherent inspiration within her music. Coupled with her life as a mother of three and a devoted wife — all while maintaining the tenacity and grit to pursue her dreams — creates the fabric of her optimistic new album.
The opening track from Sweetlove, Work is My Prayer, offers a glowing preview of what the album has in store. “This is a song inspired by my grandmother, whose farm I stayed at in Ireland each summer,” she shares. “She was a very humble, loving and religious lady, and being a mother and homemaker was her joy. She always had a cup of tea and fresh baked apple pie ready for me and anyone else who knocked at her door. Musically speaking, I wanted a little bluegrass Dolly vibe for this song.”
Other focal tracks include Sweet Fantasy, which offers a more emotive sentiment reflecting on the struggle of pursuing dreams, and learning to accept reality and be happy with what you already have. Country Home delivers a nostalgic easy listening vibe inspired by Nagy’s fondness of her family’s cabin in the country, which harnessed many generational memories with her parents and her own kids.
Themes and messages of Sweetlove include deeply personal perspectives of womanhood, specifically being a wife and a mother looking to carve out a path in the music industry with the deck stacked against her. “I’m a dreamer, and hope to inspire other dreamers in my position to go for it. I write about the trials of motherhood, ups and downs of romantic relationships, and the endurance it takes to carry on and make room for all parts of my life. I am feminine, but tough — and not afraid to show either side.” Listening to Nagy’s music, this rings clear.
Sweetlove was recorded over a three-year period at three studios, all with producer and multi-instrumentalist Austin Johnson at the helm. Johnson has largely been Nagy’s producer for seven years, and also plays guitar, mandolin, banjo and provides vocal harmonies on the album. All songs were written and performed by Nagy except Fallin’ Again, which was written by Timothy Wright (The Wright Brothers), and All Done, which was co-written with Johnson. She often performs as The Katherine Nagy Trio, which consists of Johnson, along with two-time Grammy nominee and bassist Bethany Robinson, who also performs on the album.
Raised in Kinsale, Ireland, Nagy moved to the U.S. as a child. Moving and living in various places as a kid became a theme for the artist, as she would go on to live in Puerto Rico, Granada, Spain, Seattle and Chicago. Through these transitions, Nagy would visit her grandparents’ farm in County Galway for weeks each summer, ensuring her Irish roots remained strong. Experiencing so many vastly different landscapes and cultures naturally sparked her intrigue with songwriting and exploring the human condition. Through living and growing in multiple locations throughout her life, she branded her music as Gypsy Lady, which would be the title of her first EP.
Nagy released her debut album Heartsongs in 2018, with multiple EPs and singles before and after. Her songs have been featured on Netflix, CBS, Amazon Prime and Bravo. Listeners will often hear Celtic influence combined with her love of folk and country in her songs. They are always genuine and from the heart, and her delivery is always sincere with lyrics reflecting on love, hope, dreams, motherhood, and finding purpose.
Listen to Sweetlove below, watch some of Katherine Nagy’s performance videos above, and keep up with her on her website, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
