Katie Belle Akin On Her New Single “Now That I Know”

"Now That I Know" is a newly released stunning single by Katie Belle Akin. Katie was a contestant on American Idol season 17. Her newly released single is described by her as a super fun pop breakup track. She also has a music video for her single “Daughter”. In conversation with Clique, Katie shares that when she got kicked off American Idol, Lionel Richie came up to me when the cameras weren't rolling and said “God can only do for you what you allow him to do through you” other words were exchanged but she will never forget that moment. 

CLIQUE: What was the experience of being on American Idol season 17 like?

Katie: It was pretty incredible. I always say nothing could’ve prepared me. For the pressure, the schedule, how fast paced it all was. It was a crash course to becoming a star, I'm so grateful for the experience. I learned so much.

CLIQUE: What was something that you will always remember from American Idol?

Katie: When i got kicked off, Lionel Richie came up to me when the cameras weren't rolling and said “God can only do for you what you allow him to do through you” other words were exchanged but i’ll never forget that moment. 

CLIQUE: You have a single “Now That I Know” out, how would you describe this song?

Katie: It's a super fun pop breakup track! We dipped a little into the disco dance sound with this, a sound I've really been loving lately. And then a film theme with the words which i love because i’ve been talking to a guy in the film industry so its very fitting for me in my personal life as well haha

CLIQUE: When did you start singing?

Katie: I’ve basically been singing my whole life. There's not a time that I can remember where i didnt want to be a singer. I started in school and church around 8 and I was 11 when i had my first real studio session

“I have to take time for the things that make me happy, and keep me sane. Sometimes that means taking a vacation or time off social media or even just being picky about what jobs I'm agreeing to. As long as I stay real with myself and listen to my body I can pretty easily wear multiple hats at once.” 

CLIQUE: Along with music you also are a model. How do you balance everything in your life?

Katie: The key word is balance!!! I have to take time for the things that make me happy, and keep me sane. Sometimes that means taking a vacation or time off social media or even just being picky about what jobs I'm agreeing to. As long as I stay real with myself and listen to my body I can pretty easily wear multiple hats at once. 

CLIQUE: You have a music video for “Daughter”, what was your creative inspiration for this video?

Katie: I did this music video with one of my best friends Joe Crognale and he actually created the concept! I played him the song and we both were kind of feeling the same things. He wanted to make the video very metaphorical and cinematic, I was completely down for that and I think we did just that. One of my favorite music videos I've ever done. 

CLIQUE: How long did it take for you to make the music video?

Katie: It was actually super last minute and low budget. We didn't have much to work with, but we got it done in a weekend and shot half of it in my childhood neighborhood. 

“Music is art, there's no right or wrong way to do it. For me there's no formula, there usually is just a feeling and I take it from there.” 

CLIQUE: What is the process of writing a song like for you?

Katie: It’s different every time! If I'm working with a producer, usually we’ll start with a track and I'll try to build lyrics or a melody around it. I love to co-write with other songwriters so sometimes I'll be writing with someone who knows exactly what they want to say and I'll just tag along and then of course it can be vice versa. Music is art, there's no right or wrong way to do it. For me there's no formula, there usually is just a feeling and I take it from there. 

CLIQUE: Who is an artist or some artists that you would love to collaborate with?

Katie: Right now I'd say Dua Lipa. I think she's so cool and effortless, and it would be so fun to do a girl anthem with her. I'm a huge fan but i also feel like if we met we would totally be friends.

CLIQUE: What are some things you have coming up?

Katie: I have music releasing in June and lots of live shows coming up!!! 5/12, 5/19, 6/10 all in GA! More details are on my social media

Listen to Katie Belle Akin’s single “Now That I Know” on Spotify here, and also watch her music video for “Daughter” on Youtube.