Meet Katy Nichole Litwiller

Today we’d like to introduce you to Katy Nichole Litwiller.

Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I spent the first 12 years of my life in a small farm town in central Illinois and I’ve been singing for as long as I can remember. When I was in 2nd grade, I begged my school principal to let me sing in front of the school at an assembly. It was my first real audience and I knew in that moment that music was my passion. That same year, I sang karaoke at our school carnival and the reaction of the audience made me realize that maybe I really did have a good voice, and I started singing at various places in my community.

In 6th grade, my dad’s job moved us to Arizona. It was hard to leave behind all the people who supported me. I started looking online for singing opportunities. My dad found a singing competition in Orange County, California, called So-Cal Icon. It seemed like a long shot because there were so many kids trying out, but I ended up making it to the top 10. Later that year, I found a program in Scottsdale called Hot Pipes; a youth music organization that had mentor workshops and competitions throughout the year. It was a great learning experience. During the second year, I was named Singer of the Year.

The thing is, during this time, when everything was starting to fall into place for my music, there was another part of me that was going very wrong, very fast, and nobody knew.

I was born with congenital scoliosis. I was diagnosed at my kindergarten appointment. I was referred to an orthopedic surgeon who monitored me for the next six years. The type of scoliosis that I have is known to be very aggressive. My surgeon called me his little miracle because, during the time that he expected my spine to change drastically, it did not. That is until we moved to Arizona. I had a growth spurt and my scoliosis started to progress quickly. On the night that I sang my winning song for the finals for Hot Pipes, my lungs were so compromised by the pressure from the severity of my curve, that I almost passed out. I was singing “Rolling In the Deep” by Adele and the belts were big. I did it and I was proud of myself for making it through and winning.

I did not want anyone to know what I was going through or look at me differently, even though they already were. My scoliosis curve was becoming very obvious and the kids weren’t always nice about it. Even adults made comments. It was really hard. I wanted to be looked at for who I was and not what I was going through. It was a really frustrating time and I isolated myself a lot. My music became my comfort.

In August of 2015, I had spinal fusion surgery. It was my hope that this surgery would fix things and I could move on. Within six months, it became obvious that my body was not accepting the metal that was placed to support my spine. I tried all kinds of physical therapy and exercise, but I was continuously in pain. I did not stop singing. If anything I sang more. It was my therapy. I also became an ambassador for my hospital and became an advocate for anti-bullying as well as telling my story to spread awareness for early detection of scoliosis.

My dad decided two years ago to give me a ukulele and then a keyboard. He told me that he wanted me to start writing my own music. He knew that I had the words but needed a little encouragement. I started to write and it was like someone opened up my heart. I know that I am not the only one who has gone through difficult times like this or felt like they didn’t fit in. I wanted to write words of encouragement and I wanted to sing anywhere that I could to bring hope through music.

In the last year, I became a member of a group called Musicians On Call. We are a group of volunteers who go into local hospitals and provide music for the patients. This has been a great experience for me because I know what it is like to be the patient. Just last month it was determined that I would have to have all the fusion rods removed. It was a difficult decision, but I know that the first surgery did help the curve, my spine was strong, and this would hopefully take care of the pain I have dealt with for the last 3 1/2 years. It’s only been three weeks but I am feeling pretty good and looking forward to performing again!

The people I have met in the music community in the valley have been some of the best support for me along with my family and friends and I am grateful!

Please tell us about your art.
I am a singer-songwriter and my words are meant to be uplifting, encouraging, and hopeful. I write about true life experiences that most of us can relate to. Because I love to play my ukulele, it gives the ability to add joy and fun to many of my songs. They are great for people of all ages. I truly believe in the healing power of music; it is the universal language and can touch your heart, no matter what you are going through.

Do you have any advice for other artists? Any lessons you wished you learned earlier?
Don’t be afraid to try something just because it scares you. Being told “no” is not the end, in fact when one door closes, another door often opens. Stepping out of your comfort zone can take you to places you could never imagine. Seek mentors who are all ages and levels of experience.

I don’t think there is anything I wish I learned earlier. I believe everything happens for a reason and in the perfect timing for our life’s journey.

How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
Some of the places that I will be singing this spring include Jarrods Coffee Tea and Gallery in Mesa, Chords, and Coffee in Chandler, The EDGE Happy Hour -Tempe Center for the Arts, and the Songwriters Shows at Pho Cao in Scottsdale. I also love to join in at the Tempe Center for the Arts Walk-in Wednesday Open Mic.

I will be recording an EP later this year so be sure to follow my social media for updates.

Contact Info:

• Email: katybug876@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katynicholemusic/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/katelynicholemusic/?epa=SEARCH_BOX
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/katy_litwiller

Image Credit:
Pictures were taken by my mom

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