Katie Thompson is a versatile and prolific alt-country artist hailing from the West Coast of New Zealand. Channelling the timeless fragility of folk, while embodying the visceral energy of Americana, country, rock and blues influences, Katie performs at her very best live, in front of an energised crowd.

Here, she connects with the audience through the intimacy of her storytelling, as well as with her elegant, understated arrangements that can be tastefully bare, or richly uplifting, depending on the mood of the song. 

The independent Christchurch-based musician now has three full-length studio albums under her belt, the most recent being Bittersweet (2019), which she recorded with award-winning producer Ben Edwards at Lyttelton’s The Sitting Room.

The result is an unpretentious, confident and personal release that adeptly covers many qualities that draw fans to classic country music. This is highlighted through the instruments, the range of tempos and mood, and the lyrical honesty of life’s mixed emotions laid bare. The title track, Bittersweet, itself encapsulates Katie’s ongoing journey as a performer and a mother.

Thompson has been a well-respected figure in the New Zealand music scene since the release of her 2009 debut album, Tall Poppy. Her talent was quickly recognised by Global Rockstar and the young musician was soon flown to Vienna to write and record with other artists around the globe. This led to an opening performance act for Sir Elton John.