Rising Stars: Meet Katy May of Downtown Kalamazoo

Today we’d like to introduce you to Katy May

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Seventeen years is a long time, and my story reflects that journey. Growing up surrounded by music was a cherished gift in my family, a tradition that began with my great-great grandparents in Scotland. My great-grandmother Lizzy played an instrument in her youth, and her daughter, my grandma Helen, became an extraordinary pianist. My dad continued the legacy with the guitar. Naturally, my siblings and I followed suit: my sister and I took piano lessons, and my brother became the best guitarist I’ve ever known.

On my mom’s side, family gatherings were musical events, with guitars and harmonies filling the room. My grandma Earlene was a major motivating factor in my musical journey. With my parents working often, she was like a second mom to me and my siblings, providing unwavering support. She got me into piano lessons with an incredible instructor, attended all my recitals and talent shows, listened to my sloppy recordings, and always requested that I play my songs for her. My grandma loved hearing her grandkids play and was my rock, even after her passing in April 2022. Her encouragement, along with the support of my parents, fueled my big dreams. We were incredibly fortunate to have three amazing role models in our lives.

I was immersed in the vibrant local music scene called The Livingston Underground. This influential community organization supported and promoted local artists and bands, providing a platform for emerging musicians to showcase their talents.

By middle school, I was already playing in bands.

In 2006, my family moved across the state. I was a sophomore when I started attending Lowell Senior High. I played with a few people for talent shows, but nothing ever stuck.

I felt like a lone wolf, often having to show my friends how to play instruments, using whatever we had around the house to form makeshift bands.

In 2007, inspired by the quirky energy of ’90s shows like “Clarissa Explains It All,” I created Katy Needs A Life. Musically, I drew inspiration from artists like Atom and His Package, Captured! By Robots, Metric, and The Distillers. While I admired their work, I was also experimenting with my own sound—partly because I was still figuring out how to use the tools I had.

Katy Needs A Life started as a way for me to write and release my music. By 2009, I had recorded an EP called “Who Calls Me Villain?” using an Alesis drum machine and my dad’s old Casiotone 7000. I debuted the project at a high school talent show, eager to share what I had created. Katy Needs A Life became my outlet—a pun that perfectly captured my reality.

I went to Western Michigan University and continued the project. My first show at Metro Space in Lansing required a 25-35 minute set, so I quickly finished a few songs and recorded more tracks, including “Dragons in Love,” to fill the time. My brother came up from Chicago to see the show, and his support, along with some friends who made it out, kept me going.

A show in 2010 made me question whether I should continue. The audience was unresponsive, and I felt exposed and vulnerable on stage. The lack of enthusiasm was discouraging, and I left the stage feeling defeated.

The vibe changed when I got booked in Chicago the first time. With my brother joining me on stage, we brought a fresh, energetic dynamic to the project. His presence boosted my confidence and added a new layer to our performances, making the experience truly revitalizing.

In 2011, my world shattered when my dad passed away suddenly. He had been one of my biggest supporter, always encouraging me to dive deeply into my passion for music. After his death, I felt adrift, but I kept writing as a way to cope.

By 2013, I finally felt ready to perform again. A local show at Louie’s in Kalamazoo became a turning point. There, I met David Bolema, who became my best friend, partner, and collaborator.

David’s involvement in DIT Kalamazoo and DIT Sessions connected me with the local scene, but solo performances were tough. After a series of difficult shows, I considered quitting and set up my “final” dream show with Captured! By Robots and Rick Johnson Rock and Roll Machine. A heartfelt conversation and encouragement from Jay of Captured! By Robots made me reflect and reconsider my decision to close the door on Katy Needs A Life.

I joined another band called Camp Dad to fill the musical void, a band I’ve stayed with to this day. Around the same time, I pitched a full-band version of Katy Needs A Life to a booking agent who’d booked a show for Bruiser Queen from St. Louis, a band I really love. I extend a heartfelt thank you to Louie’s back room managers, Daniel Bo James Tyler and Jax Kappler, for their unwavering support over the years. They provided a space for me and my bands to perform and grow. Thanks to them, KNAL evolved into a full band.

The full band came together in 2015, debuting officially on November 8 with David Bolema, Patrick Webster, Reggi Myers, Damien Faust, and me. The next few years were an exhilarating blur of shows and a tour, filled with unforgettable performances and great times together. However, when our drummer moved away, we had to take a brief hiatus.

In 2018, Damien suggested we regroup with Jake Simmons on drums, completing the new lineup with me, Jake, David, and Reggi. We toured the East Coast in 2019, an exhilarating experience that brought us closer together. During the tour, Jake asked Reggi and me to join his band, Jake Simmons and the Little Ghosts, and we were thrilled to accept.

However, frightening personal issues in 2019 made me feel less inclined to play live shows, forcing me to step back. We began recording an album in January 2020, but the pandemic delayed its release. Despite these challenges, we stayed active with live streams and remote recordings. Eventually, we completed the album, “With Friends Like Bees,” a tribute to lost friends.

In December 2022, Reggi took a brief hiatus, leading us to perform as a trio. During this time, I joined a new band called Sierra Miffed, which is still going strong. By 2024, Reggi rejoined us on bass, while David transitioned to guitar.

Katy Needs A Life has been around for a long time, and it’s evolved quite a bit over the years. There were many times when life hit hard or confidence plummeted, leaving the project in the hands of someone who felt broken, searching for a reason to keep going. To everyone else, Katy Needs A Life is just a band. But for me, it’s been the spark that ignited my creative energy, the thread that stitched my heart together when it fell apart, and the gateway to an incredible music scene in Kalamazoo with people who have changed my life forever. I am immensely grateful for the gift my great-great grandparents passed down to me. Music is my entire life.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It’s been a challenging journey for Katy Needs A Life. Despite moments of smooth sailing, we’ve faced significant hurdles.

There were times when I considered stepping away from music due to struggles with self-confidence and feeling like a burden to others. On stage, battling anxiety and uncertainty was a constant challenge.

The losses of my father in 2011 and grandmother in 2022 profoundly impacted me, reshaping my outlook and sparking unexpected creativity.

In 2019, a situation that made me fear for my safety prompted me to seek professional help, highlighting the seriousness of the circumstances and their profound effect on my life.

Throughout band member changes and interpersonal conflicts, Katy Needs A Life has grown, approaching nearly college age with a journey marked by both dark times and personal growth.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m part of the Marketing team at the Kalamazoo State Theatre, where I serve as the Digital Content Coordinator. My day-to-day involves managing our social media, crafting visual designs for both inside and outside the theatre, and overseeing our street team efforts. It’s a role that keeps me busy with diverse tasks, but I find genuine fulfillment in the variety.

What makes my job even better is the amazing team I work with—they not only inspire me but also support my creative ideas. It’s a workplace where I can really hone my creativity and see my visions come to life, which I deeply appreciate.

Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
Reflecting on my journey, resilience stands out as the most crucial characteristic contributing to my success. It has enabled me to navigate challenges, learn from setbacks, and stay committed to my passions and creative pursuits.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://katyneedsalife.bandcamp.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katyneedsalife/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KatyNeedsALifeBand/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/katyneedsalife?lang=en
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/katyneedsalife
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/katy-needs-a-life
• Other: https://www.katyneedsalife.com