This page is no longer being updated and remains online for informational and historical purposes only. The information is accurate as of the last page update.
For questions about page contents, contact the Communications Division.
After winning the 2002 Big Break Competition, Katie Todd ’00 performed June 29 at Summerfest, a large music festival in Milwaukee that attracts the likes of Alanis Morissette and John Cougar Mellencamp. Earlier that month, Todd made a live guest appearance on WGN-TV in Chicago and was featured on another local TV news show.
She plays keyboard, sings lead vocals, and is the songwriter for The Katie Todd Band, which has performed at top Chicago music venues such as Martyrs, Schubas, and Double Door, and has opened for Semisonic, Michael McDermott, and members of The Samples. Her song “Spinning” is featured on the Big Fish Little Fish Vol. 2 compilation CD. Todd’s debut full-length CD, Changing Faces, was produced by Blaise Barton, who has musicians Liz Phair and Ike Reilly among his credits, and released in July.
“Katie Todd left audience members stunned with her striking voicedriven by an inner intensity that I’ve rarely witnessed,” wrote Max Herman in Chicago Arts & Entertainment of a recent concert. Added Metro Commuter: “Kate rewards her audience with thoughtful, intelligent lyrics and melodiesthat are instantly memorable upon first listen, a rarity in pop music.”
After growing up classically trained, Todd switched to rock music in high school. Her pop music contains jazz, classical, and blues influences. Making it in the music industry has been a difficult endeavor, admits Todd, who teaches piano between performances.
“The most important thing I’ve learned so far is that you have to stay positive about what is happening in the present,” she says. “As everyone already knows, making it in the music industry involves a lot of luck — being at the right place at the right time.”
Performing at clubs and cafes in Chicago has been the highlight of her experience, she says. “I love it! Some days I’ll perform in front of hundreds, which is always fun. Other days I’ll play for no one and that can get real old. I have an incredible band and they are so inspiring. They are like brothers to me. We have a great time together.”
While majoring in music at Lafayette, Todd appreciated the department’s emphasis on listening to other musicians.
“Obviously, the actual playing is important too, but by just going out and listening to others perform you can get some great ideas, and more importantly, be inspired,” she explains. “(Part-time instructor of music) Judy Manley helped me to become much more confident and comfortable about my voice. She was also very encouraging and always told me to go for it, no matter what it was. The other professors were also really helpful. They all took a lot of extra time out of their days to help students out.”
Katie Todd ’00