Busking on the streets of Seattle, Livermore, CA native Katie Corcoran discovered folk music which introduced her to the Celtic world.

As a child, Katie remembers sitting next to the pink telephone in her parents’ kitchen listening to Beethoven violin sonatas. Growing up, Katie says “No matter how poor we got, my mom gave us lessons.” Later in life, “Dad used to wake us up on Saturday morning for symphony rehearsals, warm up my car and bring me coffee.” All six other siblings in Katie’s family played either violin or piano.

Her favorite thing about the violin is that “It’s God’s favorite instrument.” Katie plays a 19th century German-made acoustic violin as well as a Yamaha electric violin.

“I grew up playing classical music and have just started Celtic fiddling in the last 3 years.” Prior to joining Ockham’s Razor, Katie played in classical orchestras and quartets and performed with Camilla Wicks. She attended Central Washington University for music and English Literature.

Katie met bandmates Kris Clements and Ben Ireland when they were all part of another band. “Kris walks this incredible line between the real and imaginary. When he leaves on creative tangents, you just have to wait patiently until he gets back and dumps the treasures he found in your lap. He’s an ok singer too,” she jests.

With the addition of Randy Whitelock to the band, Katie and the boys began practicing and performing as Ockham’s Razor. In the studio recording their first album, Katie’s favorite part of the process was standing in the little booths with earphones on. “I learned that I like little booths and earphones!”

“Star of the County Down is my favorite song on the album but my favorite song that we perform live and have not recorded yet is Lannigan’s Ball.” When asked why, she says, “Because I get to hear Randy shout.”

About the band, she says “Ockham’s Razor takes the best of the Celtic sound and integrates it into our own style while making it accessible to other people. We take cool music and show other people it’s kickass.”

Katie’s Lightning Round:

Favorite Drink: Jameson on the rocks

What bands would you love to open for: Kila, Lunasa, Martyn Bennett

What are you thinking about while you are playing on stage: “What…..”

Artists who influenced your music style the most: Bach & Carrie Rehkopf

Desire for next album: “For it not to suck.”

“Don’t make assumptions, don’t take things personally, be impeccable with your words, always do your best.”

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