Faith-based folk pop singer/songwriter Kate Stanford is using her music to speak directly into the fears, anxieties, and uncertainties that many people face today. Her latest single, "Rise," is a powerful reminder that even in the midst of cultural division, overwhelming headlines, and personal struggles, hope can still be found in the unchanging promises of God. Written by Stanford alongside Adam Baha and Karin Simmons and produced by Kevin Embleton, the song has been released to Christian radio in both Christian AC and Christian Country formats.
Originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Stanford has spent the last three years building her career in Nashville while developing a sound that blends heartfelt storytelling, authentic faith, and encouraging messages rooted in Scripture. In this exclusive interview, Stanford reflects on her journey from Louisiana to Music City, the inspiration behind "Rise," how social media and modern culture influenced the song's message, and what listeners can expect from her next chapter of music.
Q: For readers who may be hearing your music for the first time, how would you describe your journey from Baton Rouge to Nashville and the heart behind your ministry through music?
I was born and raised in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and have been singing since I was 6 years old. Throughout high school, I competed in classical music, and released my first EP project, "Bloom," in 2019. After I graduated from high school, I moved to Austin, Texas to attend the University of Texas at Austin. I originally studied classical voice at the Butler School of Music, but ended up transferring out to receive a degree in business/marketing with an emphasis in entrepreneurship. This knowledge in marketing and business has served me well as an independent artist navigating the Nashville music industry. As my college years came to an end, I was still undecided if I wanted to pursue music full time. I asked God for clarity, and I decided to take a leap of faith and move to Nashville in 2023. These past 3 years in Nashville have been the most transformative years of my life. Through pursuing my passions, I have rediscovered myself, my goals, and my sound as an artist.
Q: "Rise" speaks directly to fear, division, and emotional exhaustion. What personal experiences or moments inspired you to write this song?
I, among many others, have become exhausted seeing division, fear, and chaos on social media and in the news. It feels like anytime I open my phone, I am bombarded with new information and brought on an emotional rollercoaster. When I write, I usually have a person/demographic in mind. For this song, I wanted to speak to the person who struggles to get out of bed in the morning due to anxiety/fear. I too, have been there, and personally needed a message like "Rise" for some encouragement. This feeling of emotional overwhelm was the catalyst in the creation of "Rise."
Q: The lyric "I've been watching fear, it's living on my screen" feels especially timely. Why was it important for you to address the impact of modern culture and constant media noise in this release?
The lyric "I've been watching fear, it's living on my screen" was the first line I wrote for Rise, and set the tone for where I wanted the song to land. In everything that I do, I aim to be transparent and honest with my own opinions, yet point my audience back to hope in Jesus.
Q: The chorus centers on hope, renewal, and God's faithfulness. What do you hope listeners feel or remember after hearing "Rise"?
I hope that listeners can be validated and seen in their struggles of life, yet encouraged that there is hope in Jesus. I wrote the lyric, "the sun will always rise" to have multiple meanings and interpretations. For example, just as the sun rises in the morning, the Son of God rose from the dead - and if the sun will rise every morning, we too can rise out of bed and start our days.
Q: You've shared stages with artists like Seph Schlueter and Jaci Velasquez while performing at major festivals across the country. How have those experiences shaped your growth as both an artist and songwriter?
I believe that there is always something to learn through every single experience and every single person we encounter in life. Other artists have absolutely inspired my journey, but I must say, my audience has inspired me the most. Without the support of my listeners, I would not be able to do what I love. My favorite part about performing at festivals is meeting people afterwards. When I travel to share my music, it is not about me - it is about ministering to the people who came to see me and pouring into them. Those conversations are what inspire my songwriting the most.
Q: Looking ahead, what can fans expect next from your music, and are there any upcoming projects or creative directions you're especially excited about?
In this season of my career, I have been focusing on writing and releasing new music for my audience. The songs coming next are just as honest and raw as "Rise," and fall into the same genre of Christian folk. With each year that passes, I find myself becoming more authentic as a songwriter, and I believe that my own personal growth shows through my latest releases.
Watch the Music Video:
Connect with Kate Stanford:
https://www.katestanfordmusic.com/
https://www.facebook.com/katestanfordmusic
https://www.instagram.com/katestanfordmusic/
https://www.tiktok.com/@katestanfordmusic
https://www.youtube.com/@katestanfordmusic
