A Casual Conversation with Catie Offerman
Photographed by Lauren Bulka. 2022
MilkBoy Philly - May 6th, 2022
Exactly a month ago today, I was graced with the opportunity for a casual conversation downstairs at the famous center city Milkboy with the °1824 crew, Bryan Dawley, and the Catie Offerman.
We first got down to talking about Offerman's writing process. She explained that most of her inspiration comes from past experiences mixed in with a bit of imagination. Some of her main writing ideas are formed around themes of heartbreak and awkward ex encounters like many classic country songs but with a Catie Offerman twist. We also learned that one of her main influences is the “King of Country,” George Strait. Knowing this tells you a lot about the structure and foundational material of her songs.
Her story is quite inspirational. At just 19 years old, she graduated from Berklee College of music. Shortly after graduation, she made her way to LA but quickly realized it wasn’t her scene. Originally from Texas, the south fit her vibe more so she followed her path down to Nashville and immediately found a home in the flourishing music community that the Capital city of Tennessee had to offer.
As for her musical journey, she grew up playing the fiddle, then learned guitar—singing came last. These talents have allowed her to receive a publishing deal with Universal Music Group and to be named one of The Boot's 2021 artists to watch.
Photographed by Lauren Bulka. 2022
We also got to chat with her co-guitarist and vocal support, Bryan Dawley. Dawley is also from the south and found himself in Nashville because of his music career. Some of Bryan’s credits include touring with Ruston Kelly as well as acting as the second half of the country-pop duo, Native Run who are signed to Show Dog-Universal.
For their performance, we got a taste of the way Offerman revisits country music at its roots but in a modern way. “Go Get a Dog,” “Good Morning Afternoon,” and other tunes in the set told very relatable stories resembling classic country songs. Occasionally country tunes can tend to be the same old out-of-touch relics, but her stories kept my attention through their relevance.
Not to show just how much I’m from the north/east coast...but I couldn’t get over how soothing her southern accent was. She brought a warm southern charm to Philadelphia and the comforting vibe made me reconsider why I’ve never visited. Hopefully, the unfortunately chatty crowd did some self-reflecting as well.
Until I make my way down to the south for a Catie Offerman set at the next chance I get, I’ll be listening to the songs she currently has out now including “Happyland Trailer Park” and “Don’t Do it in Texas.” At the conclusion of her performance, she reassured us that there’s more music to come. I’ll be on the lookout and I encourage y’all to do the same.
Special thanks to Marie Vassallo for edits
