Bay Village native climbs to the top

The cover of Kate Voegele's latest CD.

21-year-old music artist Kate Voegele will perform in Cleveland at the House of Blues on Feb. 19.

Native of Bay Village, Kate Voegele, is making her mark on the music world with her release of “Don’t Look Away.” The 21-year-old artist’s first full-length album has created quite a stir. Voegele, singer, songwriter, guitarist and pianist, has created a unique style of music with an artistic pop-rock twist.

As a newcomer, Voegele had something to prove. Although she had a couple demos, this was her first attempt at an album. Fans would agree that she definitely hit the mark. “Don’t Look Away,” produced in May of 2006, sounds professional, as though produced by a veteran artist. Freshman Kelsey Downing said, “I like her style. Voegele sounds like a new age Jewel.”

Her mature sound could be accredited to her years of dedication. As a child, with a musician father, she was captivated by the sounds of Carole King, James Taylor, Joni Mitchell and Eric Clapton. At age 15 she began writing her own songs.

According to Myspace Records, Voegel said, “It’s my personal goal to continue the standard set by those before me.” Voegele is appreciative of the musicians who spoke to her with their music and hopes to be the same for others. Voegele went on to say, “For me, it’s just so important that the true musical talent and passion for the songs be there.”

Her passion shows in her 13 song album. Voegele describes the album’s opening track, “Chicago” as, “a metaphorical representation of any kind of escape, about just needing to get away.” The song’s closing line, “I’ll be on the seven o’clock to Chicago,” references escaping to Chicago but could apply to any city. Ironically, “Only Fooling Myself” encourages listeners to deal with their problems instead of hiding from them.

The CD addresses different themes and musical styles. Songs include everything from “Wish You Were Here,” an acoustic ballad composed with the addition of accordion and mandolin, to “Kindly Unspoken” a piano based song. Several tracks have made a more notable debut. “Facing Up” was featured on MTV’s “The Hills.” MTV’s “Newport Harbor” and Lifetime’s movie “Custody” debuted “It’s Only Life.”

Voegele also recently entered the acting world. She played Mia, a talented but overlooked band member, in “One Tree Hill.” As the show’s band was scripted to lose their leading character, Jason, played by Kevin Federline, Voegele, was able to step up. “One Tree Hill” allowed her to perform her first hit, “Only Fooling Myself.”
Voegele still remains classified as new talent, but she is no novice to the trade. She has shared the stage with Dave Matthews, Counting Crows, the Wreckers, Howie Day, John Mellencamp and Jamie Cullum. Voegele is also recognizable for her performances at Farm-Aid concerts. She took home the Pop Song of the Year award from the New York Songwriters’ Circle for “Only Fooling Myself.”

Voegele is expected to perform in Cleveland in the Cambridge Room at the House of Blues on Feb. 19. She will also be in Ohio on Feb. 16 and 17, at Frankies in Toledo and The Balcony in Oxford, respectively. More information can be found on her Web site, www.myspace.com/katevoegele.

As her record climbs the iTunes chart, currently listed as No. 4, listeners are encouraged to check out her original style. The CD can be purchased on her Web site for $10.