Monarch Artist Feature: Katie Didit

By Kelsey Knott • Photos By Matt Johnson - Shot At Derby City Market

Never fear, local music lovers–Katie Didit is here, uncovering your next new favorites all while serving up her fun swing songs.

Katie Didit fell in love with music as a high school theater student, taking singing lessons and piano labs before heading to Mountain Empire, where she studied traditional mountain music. While in Virginia, she taught with Pro-Art’s nonprofit for two years before landing in Louisville eight years ago. “I was finally able to blossom and try new things. I was doing a lot of bluegrass and traditional music back home. When I came here, I started doing jazz. I wanted to keep growing and growing, and I found that side of myself in the city.”

Didit tours with two bands, playing upright bass/vocals for MamaSaid String Band and guitar/vocals for Katie D & The Bluegills.For inspiration, she taps into her belief that community fuels music: “I run eight open mics a month, and I’ve been lucky enoughto surround myself with people more talented and smarter than me, so I feel like that’s where all my success is from. I’ve createda circle that pushes, drives, and inspires me.” When writing songs, Didit places honesty and authenticity at the forefront. “...even if that means you’re pretending to put yourself in a differentplace when you write, as long as it comes from an authentic feeling. I’ve written all kinds of throwaway songs, most of the time because I have forced it, or I’ve created something I thought someone would like or listen to, but those are never the good songs. The good songs are when I’m hurting or happy, expressing something I’m going through or what another person is going through.” She hopes people connect her songs and music to their experiences and know they’re not alone.

At the Monarch, Didit feels blessed and protective: “It’s a magical place–a godsend. Mark came to one of my open mics and said, ‘I have this vision, and I want you to see it with me.’ Then he made it come true. It’s the only listening room in the city. I’ll do anything to protect it because it’s a safe space for creatives and artists where people grow and the community comes together.” 

Once a month, Didit runs a spotlight showcase at the Monarch featuring new-to-you local and regional artists. “They’re talented, but they’ve never had an opportunity to play on a real stage for people who are actually listening, right? The spotlight series gives that opportunity to good musicians who don’t have the connections or the stage yet. It shows them what it is supposed to feel like–supportive and welcoming.” Her love for uplifting new musical voices should certainly spread. “I would like to see more established musicians put their hand out to help younger musicians. Give them connections, give them space, give them advice. If we hadn’t had that from others, we wouldn’t get to be where we are. Helping our younger musicians means making sure they have access to places to play under 21 or to lessons in the city. This is how it stays alive.” 

Don’t miss both Katie D & The Bluegills and Mama Said String Band at HollerGirl Music festival in August, which uplifts female voices and empowers women, especially those affected by domestic violence.